Guidance on application procedure for converting a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese equivalent
Applicants who do not understand Japanese must be accompanied by an interpreter.
Those not accompanied by an interpreter may not be able to complete the application process.
1. Application conditions
The following conditions are required to apply for exchanging your foreign driver’s license.
(1) Your current foreign driver’s license was properly obtained.
(2) Your current driver’s license is valid.
(3) You stayed in the license issuing country for at least three months in total after obtaining the license.
(4) You are a resident of Mie prefecture.
(5) You are neither currently nor expected to be subject to administrative punishment.
2. Required documents(1) A valid foreign driver’s license※If you have expired licenses, please bring all of them.
(2) Residence card (Zairyu card)(3) Japanese translation of your foreign driver’s license※You can request translation from:・The administrative agency that issued your foreign driver’s license, or your Embassy or Consulate .
・Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
JAF Aichi Branch TEL 052-872-3685
・ZIPLUS Co.,Ltd. TEL050-1731-8335 https://ziplus.jp/switching_license/
For inquiries regarding translations, please contact the parties indicated above.
(4) Passport
Note1: You need to provide all the passports you have held so far.
Note2: If you do not possess your all passports(including past passports) for reasons such as loss or having
handed them in when renewing, or you lack entry/exit passport stamps (e.g. because of use of automatedgates at airports), you will need to provide documents verifying your entry, exit and length of stay in yourlicense issuing country.
※If the length of your stay in your license issuing country cannot be confirmed in the preliminary evaluation,
you will be asked to provide such documentation.
※Please ensure that you have the correct documents to prove your entry, exit and length of stay in yourlicense issuing country, and obtain these in advance if necessary.
※Please note that there may be other cases in addition to the above in which extra documentation isnecessary.
(5) Proof of driver’s license records, etc.
Please note: this must be proof issued by a licensing body in the applicable country. (This proof may or may not
be required depending on your license issuing country.)
You must provide this proof if (examples):・your driver’s license has no mention of the date of first acquisition and issuance of your license
・you have acquired more than two types of licenses e.g. an ordinary motor vehicle license and motorcycle license
You must present proof of the dates of acquisition and issuance of your first license, and if you have multipletypes of licenses, proof of each acquisition and issuance date.
(6) 1 photograph …Required at the time of application.
※Those taken within 6 months with a front view of face, and without a hat or any background.
Size: 3cm × 2.4cm (Passport size is not allowed.)(7) Resident register (Juuminhyo)
It must show the domicile or nationality on it.
(8) Japanese Driver’s License …Applies only to those who have previously obtained one.
(A valid or expired Japanese license.)※Additional documentation other than (1)～(8) mentioned above may be required as a result of the preliminaryevaluation.
3. Application Process(1) Application for conversion
An appointment is required for the application for conversion.
Application dates: Monday to Friday (except Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and year-end and new yearholidays)

※Please bring all related documents on the day of application.
※Please note that if you fail to bring the required documents or items or arrive late, your appointment is subject tocancellation.
(2) Test and Exams① aptitude test (eye test, etc.), ② knowledge exam (written), ③ skills exam (practical)※If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please bring them with you.
※A fee set separately by the Mie Prefectural Public Safety Commission is required for these tests and exams.
(Example: for ordinary vehicle license:2,550 yen)(3) Issuance of Driver’s LicenseThose who pass all tests and exams will receive a driver’s license on the testing day.
An issuance fee of 2,050 yen (additional fee: 200 yen per type of driving license) is required.
4. Other・Those who have committed traffic violations, etc. (Including while driving on an international license) in the past
may not be able to apply.
・Those who have had their license revoked in the past must have completed the Disqualification Period (during
which you are unable to sit a driver’s license examination) and have taken the required lectures for revoked
license offenders within the last year in order to make an application.
5. Application and Inquiries
2566 Tarumi Tsu Mie Prefecture
Driver’s License Center
Foreign License Examination Branch
Telephone: 059-229-1212
On weekdays, from 8:30a.m to 5:00p.m※ Please follow the instructions given by the voice guidance and press buttons in order from 2 to 3.
※ We are closed on Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and Year-end and New Year holidays.