Conversion preparation checklist

• You hold a valid (unexpired) licence from your home country
• You stayed 3+ months in the issuing country AFTER getting the licenceProven by passport entry/exit stamps; leaving right after issuance does not count.
• Check whether your country is exempt from the knowledge/skill testsExemptions depend on the country/region (and some US states) — check your local exemption list before applying.

⚠️ 注意 / Watch out：The “3 months after issuance” rule is a hard requirement — you cannot apply without it.

• Your valid foreign licence (original) — bring old ones too if you have themA digital licence alone is not enough; if the same country issued you earlier licences, bring them too.
• Proof of the licence's original issue date (if not shown on the card)Many licences don't show the first issue date — you may need a Driver Record / licence history / driving-record certificate.
• A Japanese translation of the licence — from an authorised body onlyJAF, your embassy/consulate in Japan, Ziplus, ALADDIN, etc. Self-translation is not accepted. JAF ~¥3,000円+.
• Passport(s) — all you hold, including expired onesUsed to confirm the “3 months after issuance” stay.
• 住民票 (within 6 months; showing nationality, residence status, period of stay and residence-card number; My Number omitted)
• Residence card (在留カード)
• One photo (3.0 × 2.4 cm, taken within 6 months)If you'll need glasses for the eyesight test, wear them in the photo too, to match the “glasses etc.” condition.
• Extra documents specific to your country/region (varies a lot)E.g. a Chinese licence often also needs basic info, driving record/history/credit status, a printout of the digital licence, and ~10 years of entry/exit records.

💴 Fees：You pay fees on site. Accepted methods differ by location (cash / card / e-payment such as PayPay) — some take cash only, others have gone cashless — so bring both cash and a cashless method.

⚠️ 注意 / Watch out：Self-translated licences are always rejected; a 住民票 showing My Number must be re-issued.

⚠️ 注意 / Watch out：If passport stamps/records don't sufficiently prove your STAY in the issuing country, extra documents (entry/exit records, employment/enrolment letters, utility bills, etc.) may be requested — not everyone is asked.

• Reserve at the licence centre of your prefecture of residence (phone/online)
• Check the accepted hours (usually weekday daytime; some accept mornings only)

💡 Tips：The first booking covers the document check + written test. The practical test is booked on-site on a later day, after you pass the written one.

⚠️ 注意 / Watch out：You must use the centre tied to your registered address — you cannot pick a closer one. Popular centres (Akashi, Samezu, Futamatagawa) fill up fast; book early.

• Document screening (completeness, stay-period check)
• Aptitude check: eyesight, colour vision, hearingIf your eyesight is short, glasses/contacts are allowed (bring them). If you pass while wearing them, your licence is marked “glasses etc. required” — driving without them at any time is then a violation.

• 50 true/false questions, 30 minutes, pass at 45/50
• The knowledge test is offered in several foreign languages (which ones depends on the local centre)

• Drive the in-centre course (some include set manoeuvres)
• Key scoring points: keeping left, safety checks at junctions, full stops

• Pay the issuance fee and have your photo taken
• Receive your Japanese driving licence 🎉