Driving licence

Obtaining a first Japanese driving licence can be a paperwork exercise for individuals with licences from countries with exchange agreements, or a case of starting from scratch for those without licences from countries with exchange agreements.

Exchanging a foreign driving licence

Eligible holders of licences from the following countries, states and territories (correct as of May 2021) do NOT need to take either the written or practical driving test:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Hawaii (USA), Maryland (USA), Ohio (USA), Virginia (USA) and Washington (USA).

To be eligible for the exchange, licence holders need to be at least 18 years of age, hold a valid (not expired) licence with a Japanese translation (which is recommended to be done at JAF in Japan), be able to prove they lived in the country of issuance for at least three continuous months since the issuance of the licence, have a status of residence in Japan, and complete all paperwork and payment requirements. For them, it will be a paperwork plus eye-test exercise.

The police department in each prefecture manages the process, so it's best to check the website (invariably in Japanese only) of your local police department for the requirements.

JAF has an English article summarising the process.

Obtaining a licence via driving test or driving school

Holders of licences from countries, states and territories not listed above, and those without driving licences from other countries will need to take a written and practical driving test or graduate from a driving school to obtain their licence.

Licence type and validity

Japanese driving licences come in three colours with different periods of validity. There are additional nuances to the rules, but generally:

Green licence: until 1 month after the third birthday since acquisition (ie valid for 2 years + until birthday + 1 month)

Blue licence: 3 years (date of expiry will be birthday + 1 month)

Gold licence: 5 years (date of expiry will be birthday + 1 month)

Applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP)

This advice is for an Japan resident holding a valid Japanese driving license requiring an International Driving Permit(IDP) for use outside of Japan. You should firstly confirm the country you plan to drive in accepts an IDP issued in Japan against a Japanese Driving license.

The IDP will be issued with a one year period of validity starting from the date it is issued. Unless your Japanese driving expires sooner. In which case the IDP will be issued with an expiry date matching the expiration date of your license.

If your current address is not correctly reflected on your driving license that should be amended first.

Where to go:

The two places that will issue an International Driving Permit are; a regional Driver’s Licence Centre (運転免許センター) or certain Police Stations within the region.

At the licence centre you should be able to get the IDP on the same day. If you go via a police station branch, it may take ~2 weeks.

What to prepare:

• Your Japanese Driving licence.
  • (As at Oct 2025. If your Driving License only exists within your mynumber card this will NOT be acceptable when driving overseas. You need to have a physical Driving License. )
• Cash for the application (although electronic payment methods may be available in some locations.)
• A recent photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm) which is passport size.
  • Mush be taken within the previous 6 months. (Don't spend the extra for beauty mode. You aren't heading to a casting agency!)
• Your passport. This will be required.
  • It is possible you may be asked to provide proof of planned travel abroad. (It would be advised to have a travel itinerary/e-ticket ready to show.)

What to do:

The specific process will vary based on location. But at a high level.

• Report to the location and enquire at the appropriate desk.
  • Your driving license may be scanned and this will help to prepopulate some of the application form.
• Complete the required information on the application form.
  • Name; LAST, FIRST MIDDLE
  • Passport number.
  • Place of birth.
  • Planned destination.
  • Expected duration of travel.
  • Purpose of travel. (Business/Pleasure, etc).

• Submit the completed form for review
  • Once the form is scrutinised you will be invited to pay for the application.

• As directed, move to the next step to with creation of the IDP.

At a regional license centre you will be invited to wait until the IDP is printed. Once printed you will then be asked to confirm the details on it.(Your name/address, etc.

At a Police office the process may differ.

Remember to sign the IDP before you depart and be sure to also carry your Japanese Driving License when traveling with the IDP.

Return of permit

You must return the permit to a nearby police station or driving test centre when it is no longer required or after it has expired.