Licence conversion guide
The steps, documents and exempt countries for converting a foreign licence to a Japanese one.
Since October 2025 you need a Japanese residence record (juminhyo) to convert a licence. Short-term visitors such as tourists are no longer eligible.
Is your country exempt from the tests?
Exempt（28）
Iceland ・ Ireland ・ United Kingdom ・ Italy ・ Australia ・ Austria ・ Netherlands ・ Canada ・ South Korea ・ Greece ・ Switzerland ・ Sweden ・ Spain ・ Slovenia ・ Czechia ・ Denmark ・ Germany ・ New Zealand ・ Norway ・ Hungary ・ Finland ・ France ・ Belgium ・ Poland ・ Portugal ・ Monaco ・ Luxembourg ・ Taiwan
Depends on the state
United States (only some states are exempt)
Tests required
Vietnam ・ Nepal ・ China ・ Philippines ・ Indonesia ・ Thailand ・ Myanmar ・ Cambodia ・ Bangladesh ・ Sri Lanka ・ India ・ Pakistan ・ Mongolia ・ Russia ・ Brazil ・ Peru
The most common reason applications fail: you cannot prove you stayed in the issuing country for 3+ months AFTER getting the licence. Check this first.
How the process works
- Gather the documents and go to your licence centre (some require a booking)
- Document check (validity of the foreign licence, and 3+ months of residence after you got it)
- Aptitude test (eyesight, colour recognition)
- Knowledge check (50 written questions, 45 correct to pass)
- Practical check (driving on the test course)