Chapter 10 Driver’s License - Saitama’s Prefectural Mascot Kobaton

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel

Chapter 10 Driver’s License explains how to obtain and manage a Japanese driver’s license in Saitama. It covers converting a foreign license, including eligibility after overseas residence and the required documents and translation options. It also explains license renewal timelines by age and history, the driver’s license test application process and requirements, and what to do when a license expires, including possible exemptions and provisional licensing rules. Contact details for consultations are included.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time20 min

AccessFree to download

Chapter 10 Driver’s License

1 Converting a Foreign Driver's License

2 Renewing Your Driver's License

3 Driver’s License Tests

4 What to Do When Your License Expires

5 Procedures for Changing Your Address, etc.

6 Buying and Registering a Car

7 Automobile Insurance

Chapter 10 Driver’s License Saitama’s Prefectural Mascot Kobaton 1 Converting a Foreign Driver's License 2 Renewing Your Driver's License 3 Driver’s License Tests 4 What to Do When Your License Expires 5 Procedures for Changing Your Address, etc. 6 Buying and Registering a Car 7 Automobile Insurance To be able to drive in Japan, you must have a Japanese driver’s license. To obtain one, it is necessary to pass the Japanese driving test or to pass a review for conversion of a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese license. However, people with an international driver’s license issued by a country that is a signatory of the Geneva Convention, or a driver’s license (with a Japanese translation) from a country designated by Japanese government ordinance (Switzerland , Germany, France, Belgium , Monaco , Taiwan), are also allowed to drive. In this case, you may drive a vehicle whose operation is permitted by the license for 1 year from the date of arrival to Japan, assuming the foreign license remains valid during that time. ☎ Consultation and Inquiries | Office | Phone | Address | Reception Hours Mon-Fri
(Except National Holidays and during the New Year's Holiday Period) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Saitama Prefectural Police Department Driver's License Center | 048-543-2001
Phone & Fax
Guide:
048-541-1234 | 405-4 Konosu,
Konosu-shi Access: Take the bus from bus stop no. 3 bound for“Menkyo Center”from the east exit of Konosu Sta. on the Takasaki Line – get off at the last stop | Advance consultation for converting a foreign-issued license:
9:30-10:00
Review for license conversion
(Only for those who have had an advance consultation):
13:00-13:45 | 1 Converting a Foreign Driver's License If you have a valid driver's license issued overseas, you can apply to convert it into a Japanese license if you resided in the country that issued the license for at least 3 months in total after obtaining it. In Saitama, this procedure can be completed at the Saitama Prefectural Police Department Driver's License Center. When you apply, you will need the following documents: 􀁸 Passport 􀁸 Residence Card, or Special Permanent Resident Certificate , etc. 􀁸 Resident Record (with all your details (excluding your Individual Number)) 􀁸 Your driver's license issued overseas 􀁸 An official Japanese translation either by your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan, or by a corporation designated by the National Public Safety Commission (limited to the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and ZIPLUS) 􀁸 Two photos (3 .0cm x 2 .4cm) 􀁸 Application fee Other information may be required, so please consult with the Saitama Prefectural Police Department Driver's License Center's Foreign License Conversion Consultation Office before applying (If you don’t get your documents confirmed at the advance consultation, you can’t apply for inspection for license conversion) . . | 2 Renewing Your Driver's License
Depending on the driver’s age and accident and traffic violation history, the term of validity of a Japanese driver’s license is 3 to 5 years. The expiry date is written on the license.
You will need to renew your license during the designated renewal period (starting one month prior to your birthday directly before your license is due to expire , and ending with the expiry date) . Specific details about renewing your license , such as the place, reception times, and application fee, will be written in the renewal notification you will be sent just before the renewal period begins. Please contact the Driver’s License Center if you are not sent a notification by the time the renewal period begins.
When renewing your driver’s license, the following documents are required:
􀁸 Old driver’s license
􀁸 Document that certifies your status of residence (Residence Card, Special Permanent Resident Certificate , a copy of your Resident Record not displaying your Individual Number, or passpor

FAQs

Who is eligible to convert a foreign driver’s license into a Japanese license?

You can apply if you resided in the country that issued the license for at least 3 months in total after obtaining it. The documents must be submitted to the Saitama Prefectural Police Department Driver's License Center.

What documents are generally required when converting a foreign license?

You need items such as a passport, residence-related documents (Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate, etc.), a resident record without your Individual Number, your foreign license, an official Japanese translation, two photos, and an application fee.

What happens if your Japanese license expires and you do not renew in time?

You must apply again for a new license. If you take the test within a certain period after expiration, you may be able to obtain a license with exemptions from part of the written and practical sections, and there are rules depending on how long it has been.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel