Driving License Translation
To drive a car in Japan, you will need the following documents
If your license was issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan:
- your passport
- your national license
- the official drivers license translation you can book on this page
If your license was issued in any other country:
- your passport
- your international driving license
Can I drive in Japan with my international driving license?
Only nationals of countries that issue their International Driving Permit following the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic are allowed to drive in Japan with their international Driving Permit. Note that some countries have signed the Geneva Convention, but issue their international licenses on the model of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. That is why, the international driving licenses issued in France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan are not valid in Japan!
If your driving license was issued by one of these countries, you'll need an official Japanese translation of your license from the JAF (Japanese Automobile Association).
To make it easier for you when organizing your trip, we can take care of this process for you! Your driving license translation is taken care of in Japan by the only official accredited service, the Japanese Automobile Association (JAF).
Turnaround time
- It takes a minimum of 6 weeks from booking confirmation to delivery.
What we need to translate your driving license
- Your address and phone number. You may choose to receive your translation at your personal address at home or at the airport in Japan. Please note that we need your contact details to reach you in the event of any issues with your translation.
- The date on which you plan to leave for Japan.
- A double-sided color scan of your driving license. You will receive an email once the order has been confirmed, with instructions for where and how to upload it.
Please note the following conditions:
- the scan must be a maximum of 1 page for front side and 1 page for back side
- it must be of sufficient resolution quality
- the entire driving license must be scanned in full
- the license must be legible, the photo and the stamp must be clearly visible
- the license must be scanned without its plastic cover when possible
Should we be unable to translate your driving license due to an issue with your scans, and if we are unable to contact you after several attempts, we reserve the right to cancel your order up to two weeks before the deadline and issue a refund.
IMPORTANT: Once you receive your translation, please keep the document in a safe place for future use in Japan. We do not keep copies, and cannot issue a second one if you lose it.
The advantages of our driving license translation service
- Our bilingual team of specialists on site in Japan will take care of the process.
- You will not have to deal with international calls or deliveries.
- In the event of a problem, our team will also take care of following up your file with JAF in Japan.
- It's quick and easy, all you have to do is provide us with a color photocopy of your driving license and your translation will be sent to your home.
Before placing your order, please read the terms and conditions of the driving license translation service carefully.
Common questions