What to bring

Nine items. Two of them — the residence certificate and the official translation — cannot be produced on the day, so start with those.

• Application formFilled in at the license center. Source: National Police Agency
• QuestionnaireAbout your driving history and health. Source: National Police Agency
• PhotographPassport-style photo to the center's specification. Source: National Police Agency
• Residence certificate (jūminhyō)Must show the required items and be issued within the last 6 months. This became mandatory on 1 October 2025. Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police — 2025 rule change
• IdentificationMy Number card, residence card or similar. Source: National Police Agency
• Your foreign driving licenseThe original, still valid. Source: National Police Agency
• Japanese translation of the licenseFrom JAF, the issuing country's embassy or consulate in Japan, or a body designated by the National Police Agency. Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police — conversion procedure
• Passport(s) proving your stayEntry and exit stamps showing 3 months or more in the issuing country after the license was issued. Bring old passports too. Source: National Police Agency
• FeesApplication and issue fees, in cash or as revenue stamps depending on the center. Source: National Police Agency

Who may translate your license

• JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)
• The embassy or consulate in Japan of the country that issued the license
• Zip Plus Inc. — designated by the National Police Agency
• Japan Inbound Driver Support Association — designated by the National Police Agency

A translation you prepare yourself is not accepted. Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Police — conversion procedure

Some centers ask for extra documents depending on the country that issued your license, and the exact form of the residence certificate differs. Check the document list published by the center serving your registered address before you travel to it.