Saitama Gaimen Kirikae: New Online Reservation Process Explained

2026-07-10 · GaimenGo Team

Saitama switched to a fully reservation-based system for foreign license conversion, and document screening slots are now booked separately from the knowledge test. Here's how the new process works.

A New Three-Stage Reservation System

Saitama Prefectural Police changed its foreign license conversion process to a fully reservation-based system at the Saitama Driver's License Center in Konosu City. Because application volume is very high, each major stage — document screening, knowledge confirmation, and skill confirmation — now requires its own separate booking.

Stage 1: Document Screening Reservation

Before anything else, you must book an online reservation for document screening. Make sure you've prepared every required document using our Document Conversion Checklist before booking, because incomplete applications result in your reservation being cancelled, requiring you to book again from scratch.

Reservation page (Japanese): https://apply.e-tumo.jp/menkyo-saitama-u/reserve/offerList_detail?tempSeq=121596

Stage 2: Knowledge Confirmation (Written Test)

Once your documents pass screening, you need a separate reservation for the knowledge confirmation test. As of recent reports, this step alone can take three to four months of waiting due to high demand. If you completed a document screening within the past year and nothing has changed on your license or application, you may be able to book knowledge confirmation directly through a simplified re-booking link.

Stage 3: Skill Confirmation (Practical Test)

If your license category requires a practical skill check, this is arranged only after you pass the knowledge confirmation. Staff will explain the skill confirmation booking method directly to those who pass, so this step is not self-service like the earlier two.

Language Support

The knowledge confirmation test is available in 21 languages, including English, Chinese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, and Japanese, among others, as of October 2025.

One Reservation-Free Exception

If you only need a Certificate of Driving Experience (for mid-size or large license categories) rather than a full conversion, no reservation is required. Simply bring your foreign license and its official translation to the Foreign License Conversion Consultation Room, 2nd floor, weekdays 9:30–10:00 AM.

Quick Reference

Because Saitama's system is entirely in Japanese and processing times are long, plan several months ahead and double-check every document before booking your first slot.