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Official License Acquisition Guide

We have compiled official information to help foreigners drive safely in Japan.

This guide covers everything from obtaining a driver’s license, converting a foreign driver’s license, traffic rules, and test preparation.
It covers everything you need to know before you start driving.

We will help you understand the systems and rules correctly and support you in driving safely and comfortably in Japan.

Basic rules for obtaining a driver’s license in Japan

  • Have a Residence Card
  • Staying in Japan for 185 days or more
  • Meet the necessary driving qualifications, including vision, hearing, and physical ability
  • Have a resident registration (resident card)
  • If you have a foreign driver’s license, a “Certificate of Translation”
  • Understanding academic subjects and exams in Japanese
  • The period of stay is longer than the license expiration date
  • Other conditions are the same as for Japanese nationals

Required Documents List

If you don’t have a driver’s license

Identification documents *Copies not accepted

One original of the following four documents is required:

  • Residence card
  • Special permanent resident certificate
  • Passport ( only those issued in Japan )
  • Health insurance card (health insurance card)

*If there is a possibility that your residence card will expire during the training camp, please be sure to renew it in advance.
*If the registration number on your residence card or special permanent resident certificate is different from the one listed on your resident registration card, please obtain a new resident registration card and make sure the numbers are the same.

Residence certificate *Copies not accepted

  • Documents showing your permanent domicile
  • Issued within the last three months
  • Items that do not include your My Number

Those who have a driver’s license

Driver’s license *Copies not accepted

  • Must be within the expiration date
  • If the address on your driver’s license differs from the address registered on your resident card, please change it in advance to make sure they are consistent.
  • If you have lost your driver’s license, be sure to get a new one beforehand.
  • If your driver’s license is likely to expire during the camp, please be sure to renew it beforehand.

Residence certificate *Copies not accepted

  • Documents showing your permanent domicile
  • Issued within the last three months
  • Items that do not include your My Number

License acquisition process

①Application

②Academic course and written exam

③ Practical training and on-site exam

④ Graduation Exam

⑤ Actual test and issuance at the license center

Relationship with visas and residence status

Requirements for period of stay for license application

To apply for a driver’s license in Japan (or convert a foreign license), you must have a residence card and be registered as a “medium- to long-term resident.”
As a general rule, you cannot apply for a temporary stay such as a short-term stay visa (90 days or less).

License treatment when renewing residence status

When you renew your residence status, the expiration date of your driver’s license may also be subject to change.
Generally, your driver’s license will remain valid until the expiration date printed on it, but if your period of stay is short, you should be aware of the following points.

The expiration date of your driver’s license will be the “date of your residence permit expiration date” or the “regular renewal date,” whichever comes first.

If your residence status expires, your driver’s license will also become invalid.

If your driver’s license is due for renewal while you are in the process of renewing your residence status, you may be able to renew your license if you present a certificate stating that you are currently applying for an extension of your period of stay.

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