Check before you drive
Is your license valid?You may not be able to drive in Japan.
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇧🇪 Belgium
- 🇲🇨 Monaco
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan
International driving permits issued in these countries or regions are not valid in Japan. You need your valid original license and an official Japanese translation.
02 / Japanese translation
01 / Your original license
JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), Japan’s automobile association, issues Japanese translations of foreign driving licenses. We handle the application and arrange shop pickup or delivery to your hotel in Japan.
KNOW WHAT YOU NEED
Your license + a Japanese translation
See how your local license and its Japanese translation work together for your trip.
01
The license you already have
Your name, license number, vehicle categories and validity are translated from your original license.
German license shown as a public specimen. Layouts vary by country and issue date.
02
The Japanese document you receive
JAF issues a paper translation of your license details. Keep it with your original license when driving in Japan.
Open a larger imageWhat You Must Carry
- Original driver's license issued in one of the eligible countries/regions
- Japanese translation from a recognized issuer (JAF for our service)
- Passport (recommended to carry together for identity confirmation)
Your translation must come from a recognized issuer
For these eligible licenses, Japan requires a Japanese translation prepared by an issuer recognized under Japanese law, such as the license authority, its embassy or consulate, or a designated organization.
Self-translations, machine translations and translations from an unrecognized issuer cannot be used for this purpose.
JAF is one of the organizations designated by the Japanese government to issue these translations. We arrange your JAF-issued translation.
Read the National Police Agency’s guidanceCHOOSE YOUR PICKUP
Receive it your way
For pickup or delivery, choose a receipt date at least 5 days from today (Japan time).
Pick up at our shop
All-inclusive price · No additional charges
¥9,000
Collect your translation at Kawaguchiko or Hakone.
- JAF issuance fee
- ¥6,000
- Our application & pickup service
- ¥3,000
For just ¥3,000 above JAF’s issuance fee, we handle the application and arrange shop pickup for you.
Hotel delivery in Japan only
All-inclusive price · No additional charges
¥12,000
Delivery is available only to hotels in Japan. We do not ship internationally.
- JAF issuance fee
- ¥6,000
- Our application service & delivery
- ¥6,000
Leave the JAF application and hotel delivery to us for ¥6,000 above JAF’s issuance fee. No separate collection trip needed.
For shipping, choose a receipt date at least 5 days from today. Remote areas may take longer.
How Our Support Works
STEP 1
Send Us Your License Details
Share your country, travel dates, and license information through our inquiry form.
STEP 2
Document Check
We review your details and confirm what is needed before starting the request.
STEP 3
JAF Translation Handling Support
We handle the practical application flow on your behalf and keep you updated.
STEP 4
Receive and Carry Both Documents
When driving in Japan, carry both your original license and JAF translation at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which licenses are covered by this service for driving in Japan?
This page covers licenses issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan.
Can I drive with only my local license?
No. For these eligible licenses, you must carry your original license together with a Japanese translation from a recognized issuer. Our service arranges a translation issued by JAF.
How long does the process take?
Processing time depends on application volume and your required delivery timing. We provide an estimated schedule after reviewing your case.
Can I receive my translation in less than 5 days?
No. For pickup or delivery, choose a receipt date at least 5 days from today (Japan time). Remote areas may take longer.
Get your documents ready for Japan
Upload your license, enter your details and choose where to receive your translation.
Start my application