Converting a Foreign License to a Japanese License (By Country)

What is licence conversion (gaimen kirikae)?

Licence conversion (gaimen kirikae) is the procedure for switching a driving licence obtained abroad to a Japanese driving licence. You apply at the driving licence centre (driving test centre) of the prefecture where you live.

Changes from 1 October 2025

• Regardless of nationality, applicants must in principle submit a residence certificate (juminhyo) issued within the last 6 months. Short-term visitors such as tourists cannot convert a licence.
• Illustration questions were removed from the knowledge test, which grew from 10 to 50 questions. You need 90% or more (45 of 50) to pass.
• New tasks, such as passing pedestrian crossings, were added to the skills test, and scoring of signalling, turning and similar points became stricter.

29 countries/regions exempt from the knowledge and skills tests

If your licence is from Iceland, Ireland, the United States (Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland and Washington only), the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Austria, the Netherlands, Canada, South Korea, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Monaco, Luxembourg or Taiwan, you are exempt from the knowledge and skills tests (document checks and an aptitude test are still required). A licence from Indiana (US) is exempt from the skills test only.

Process overview

1. Prepare documents (foreign licence, Japanese translation, passport, residence certificate, photo, fees, etc.)
2. Apply at the licence centre counter (many areas require a reservation)
3. Take the aptitude test (eyesight, etc.)
4. Take the knowledge test (if not exempt)
5. Take the skills test (if not exempt)
6. Receive your licence

Required stay period

After obtaining the foreign licence, you must have stayed in that country for a total of at least 3 months. This is checked with records such as the entry and exit stamps in your passport.

Required documents and how to book differ by prefecture. Before applying, check the guidance of the licence centre where you live.

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