トップページ > 手続き・申請 > 運転免許証に関する手続 > 外国運転免許証の切替え（How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License for a Japanese Driver's License）
外国運転免許証の切替え（How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License for a Japanese Driver's License）
Upon fulfilling certain requirements and passing certain tests (physical or otherwise), individuals who hold a foreign driver's license may be able to exchange for a Japanese driver's license. (Traffic Bylaw No. 97-2-2)
1. Requirements
l Your foreign driver's license must be valid.
l You must have at least 3 months of driving experience in your driver's license issuance country.
2. When and Where to Apply
l When
Applications are on an appointment basis. You must call in advance to arrange an appointment date of your choosing, which must fall on a weekday for the centre (see below) is open from 9 a.m.to5:00p.m.on Monday to Friday but closed on weekends. Application will be accepted from 1 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. on your desired appointment date. If you don't speak Japanese, please ask someone who do to accompany you.
l Where
Ishikawa Driver's License Centre
2nd floor, 2-1, Higashi-Kagatsume-machi,
〒920-0209 (TEL: 076-238-5901)
3. Documents to be Submitted
1 Your valid foreign driver's license.
2 The translation copy of your valid foreign driver's license, which may be obtained from either one of the following:
ü The consulate or administrative office of your driver's license issuing country.
ü The
4-8, Shinbohon,
✓ ZIPULS Co.,Ltd.
The translation service is available on the company website where you can confirm the license issuing countries they accept and other details.
3 Your certificate of residence (with no print of "personal number" "resident code") that shall state domicile of origin(for individuals who have Japaneses citizenship)
Foreign citizens who are applicable of Japanese Basic Resident Law,submit your certificate of residence (with no print of "personal number" "resident code") that shall state your nationality and resident card.
Foreign citizens who are not applicable of Japanese Basic Resident Law,submit your passport(if you have more than one,submit all)
4 Your passport (if you have more than one, submit all).
5 Any expired Japanese driver's license (for those who had a Japanese driver's license before).
6 A picture of yourself for use on the driver's license:
ü Must be taken within the last 6 months of application.
ü Size 3 cm x 2.4 cm.
ü No hat or background allowed in the picture.
ü The picture should show roughly 1/3 of your height.
7 Your personal seal (for Japanese nationals only).
8 Others
ü A proof of issuance of your foreign driver's license from the Ministry of Transportation of your home country (if you don't know the date of its issuance).
ü In some cases, you may be asked to submit one more picture I.D. from your home country as an additional proof of identity. Please contact the driver's license centre should you have any inquiries regarding this.
4. Tests to be Passed
You may exchange for a first type (ordinary) driver's license.
l Necessary tests include:
ü Some basic tests to confirm your fitness to drive:
Ø Aptitude tests (eye exam, etc.)
Ø Written test about driving and traffic regulations
2 True and false type questions
2 Available in some languages .For further details,please contact us.
ü Road test
l If you are from one of the whose driver's license system is deemed to be equivalent to that of Japan's, and if you are deemed to possess reasonable level of knowledge regarding driving skills and traffic regulations, you may be exempt from having to take the written test and the road test.
5. General Application Steps
1 Verification of the documents submitted.
2 Inquiries about your driving history.
3 Aptitude tests (eye exam, etc.).
4 Written test.
5 Road test.
6 Issuance of driver's license.
6. Other
When submitting your application, please also notify the official if you have any illness that may affect your ability to drive.
