外免切替の手続きの流れ

外国の運転免許を日本の免許に切り替えるまでの各ステップと、当日持参する書類の一覧です。必要書類は都道府県や国籍によって異なるため、最終確認は必ずお住まいの運転免許センターで行ってください。

The 9 steps

1. Confirm your eligibility — valid foreign license plus proof you lived in the issuing country 3+ months after it was issued. Since October 2025, tourists are not eligible; you need a medium/long-term residence status.
2. Get an official Japanese translation of your license (翻訳文) — from JAF (online, ¥6,000) or your embassy.
3. Gather your documents — see the checklist below.
4. Book your appointment at your prefecture's Driver's License Center (運転免許試験場 / 免許センター).
5. Document review & application (書類審査) — arrive 30 minutes early with a pen.
6. Pass the aptitude (vision) test (適性検査).
7. Pass the knowledge test (知識確認) — 50 true/false questions, 45 to pass (90%).
8. Pass the practical driving test (技能確認) — some nationalities are exempt.
9. Get your Japanese license issued (交付).

Required documents

• Valid foreign driver's license
• Official Japanese translation of your license (翻訳文)
• Passport(s) — current and old, to prove your 3-month stay
• Residence card (在留カード)
• Certificate of Residence (住民票), usually dated within 6 months
• Passport photo(s), typically 3.0 cm × 2.4 cm
• Application & exam fees (cash)
• Existing Japanese license (if you already hold one)