LANGUAGE

  • TransportationDriving in Japan

1 Driving in Japan

To drive in Japan, you must have one of the following licenses:

  • ① A Japanese driver’s license
  • ② An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by a country that is a signatory to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and that conforms to the format specified in the Convention
  • ③ A driver’s license issued by certain countries (Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Taiwan, or Monaco)

    However, for foreign driver’s licenses, a Japanese translation is required.
    The translation must be issued by an embassy/consulate or by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).

    For Taiwanese licenses, a translation issued by the Interchange Association (now known as the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association) is also accepted.
    If you request a translation from JAF, please contact the Hyogo Branch (Tel: 078-871-7561). (Fees apply.)

2 Period During Which You Can Drive in Japan

  • ① Japanese driver’s license
    → Within the validity period of the license
  • ② International Driving Permit (IDP)
    → Either one year from the date of entry into Japan, or the validity period of the IDP, whichever is shorter
  • ③ Foreign driver’s license with a Japanese translation
    → Either one year from the date of entry into Japan, or the validity period of the foreign license, whichever is shorter
    Applicable only to licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Taiwan, and Monaco.

“Starting Date of Stay” for Residents in Japan

Some residents registered in Japan, despite having an address in Japan, drive using an International Driving Permit obtained abroad instead of obtaining a Japanese license.
There are cases where such individuals leave Japan for a short period, obtain a new IDP, re-enter Japan, and continue driving.
To prevent misuse of this system, if the period of stay outside Japan is less than three months, the re-entry date is not regarded as a new “date of entry.” Instead, the original date continues to be used.
Due to this rule, even if your IDP is still valid, you may not be allowed to drive in Japan.
In such cases, you must either:
obtain a Japanese driver’s license, or
convert your foreign license to a Japanese license

3 Converting a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese License

If you have a valid driver’s license issued in another country, you can convert it to a Japanese driver’s license.

Who Can Apply

Persons who are registered residents in Japan and can submit a copy of their residence certificate (Juminhyo)
*In principle, short-term visitors (e.g., tourists) cannot apply.

Application Location

Akashi Driver’s License Examination Center
1st Floor, Counter No. 7 “Foreign License Examination Office”
(1649-2 Niyamacho, Akashi City / Tel: 078-912-1628)

Required Documents

(The following are general requirements. Additional documents may be requested during screening.)

  • ① A valid foreign driver’s license
  • ② Japanese translation of the foreign license
  • ③ Copy of residence certificate (without My Number)
  • ④ Residence card (for foreign nationals)
  • ⑤ Passport
    → Must show that you stayed in the country where the license was issued for at least a total of 3 months after obtaining the license
    → Depending on the case, all old passports may be required
    → If old passports are unavailable, alternative documents showing entry/exit records may be required
  • ⑥ Fees
    → Vary depending on the type of license
    → Additional issuance fee required after passing
  • ⑦ Photo for license
    → One photo taken within the last 6 months
    (Size: 3 cm × 2.4 cm, no hat, plain background, front-facing, upper body)
  • ⑧ Other: a black ballpoint pen and your personal seal

Procedure

1. Document screening
2. Aptitude test (vision, etc.)
3. Knowledge test (written test)
4. Driving test (practical test) - Required only for certain countries/regions
5. Issuance of license

Notes

Rules and required documents may change
For details, please contact the Driver’s License Center

Foreign License Conversion Office
Driver’s License Examination Center
Tel: (078) 912-1778
Tel: (0570) 078-912

Website:
https://www.police.pref.hyogo.lg.jp/qanda/6traffic/index49.htm

The translation is based on the data available as of March, 2026. Please note that new systems, system changes etc. may have been introduced after this date. Responsibility for the linked websites lies with their creators. Kobe City accepts no responsibility for their content etc.