Kanagawa Gaimen Kirikae: Booking at Futamatagawa Explained

· GaimenGo Team

Kanagawa Gaimen Kirikae: Booking at Futamatagawa Explained

Futamatagawa Driver's License Center has no online booking for foreign license conversion — appointments run through a phone line, and wait times can stretch past three months. Here's what to expect.

Phone-Only Reservations, Not Online

Unlike Tokyo's fully online system, Futamatagawa Driver's License Center in Kanagawa handles foreign license conversion reservations mainly by phone, and the line is frequently reported as difficult to get through. This is the single center serving the entire prefecture for gaimen kirikae, which is part of why demand is so high.

Reservation Contact

Inquiries about reservations can be made at 045-365-6000, available Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM only. Full procedure details, including required documents, are published in the official Kanagawa Police PDF:

https://www.police.pref.kanagawa.jp/assets/entry/eng/e_pic/eng83013.pdf

General driver's license information page: https://www.police.pref.kanagawa.jp/tetsuzuki/english4/eng83000.html

What to Expect When Booking

  1. Call during the designated window. The phone line for reservation inquiries is only staffed for a one-hour window on weekdays, so timing your call matters.
  2. Be ready for long waits. Some applicants have reported being quoted appointment dates more than three months out, and the phone line is often busy.
  3. Consider the in-person backup option. If you cannot get through by phone, some applicants have gone to Futamatagawa in person early in the morning (around 8:00–8:30 AM) to be added to a waiting list, then returned later that same day to speak with staff about securing a date.
  4. Bring your documents to the first meeting, even if it's just to confirm your reservation, since staff may screen your paperwork before assigning you a test date.

Full Document Checklist

For the exact list of required documents (JAF translation, passport, Jumin-hyo, residence card, and photo requirements), refer to your existing conversion checklist: gaimengo.jp/conversion-guide.

Practical Tip

Because Kanagawa has no online calendar to check availability in advance, plan your schedule assuming a multi-month wait, and consider starting your reservation attempts as early as possible once your documents (especially the JAF translation) are ready.

Reservation hours, phone numbers, and wait times can change, so confirm the latest details on the official Kanagawa Prefectural Police page before calling.