Which country needs an official Japanese translation?

All holders of a valid foreign driving license from:

France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Taiwan, Monaco – must have translation to drive

How to get my driving licence translation - 3 easy steps

  • Fill out the form with basic information and upload your driver’s license

    Fill the form below with information about you and your driving licence and submit clear scans of your license directly on this site

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  • Pay the fee and select where you want to receive the translation

    Pay directly here the insuance fee to Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and pick up the document at a 7-Eleven convenience store or have it sent directly at your hotel or Airbnb

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  • Carry your translation with you and drive in Japan from Day 1

    The translation is accepted by the police, rental agencies or insurance companies and can be used anywhere in Japan including roads and even go‑kart tours.

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Why get your driving licence translation with us?

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Fully Certified and Recognized

Our translations are officially issued by Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and are 100% accepted by Japanese police authorities, car rental companies, car insurance providers and Government offices for license exchange

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Multiple Delivery Options

We make it easy to receive your translation, wherever you are : Print at any 7-Eleven in Japan via a digital code, get your printed copy delivered directly to your hotel reception desk or we can ship your certified translation internationally before your departure

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Fast & Reliable

We understand your time is valuable. That’s why our standard print code delivery takes a maximum of 3 business days. Whether you’re planning weeks in advance or need a quick solution before your trip, we’ve got you covered.

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Clear, Multilingual Support

Have questions or feel unsure about the process? We offer step-by-step instructions and friendly customer service in English, French and German to ensure a smooth experience from upload to delivery.

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Simple & flexible pricing

In 24 hr
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Convenience Store (any 7-Eleven)

€60
  • Translation that you can print yourself at a 7-Eleven store

  • in Japan, order now and print it upon your arrival

  • 🕒 Delivery in 1 to 3 working days maximum

GET NOW
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Hotel (in Japan)

€80
  • Translation and delivery including tracking code

  • to your hotel address (or private address) in Japan.

  • 🕒 Delivery in 3 to 5 working days maximum

GET NOW
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Home (overseas)

€90
  • Translation and delivery including tracking code

  • to your home address in Europe or Asia

  • 🕒 Delivery in 3 to 15 working days maximum depending on the country

GET NOW

Not sure what to choose ? Contact us at contact@licensetranslationjapan.com with your trip details

Order Your Official Japanese
License Translation

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Foreign drivers must carry an official Japanese translation of their original driving license issued by JAF, their embassy, or an authorized agency like ZIPLUS. Without this translation, you cannot legally drive in Japan.

No. The JAF website is not accessible from outside Japan, even when using a VPN.

No. Japan only accepts International Driving Permits from certain countries under the 1949 Geneva Convention. If you're from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan, you must use an official Japanese translation instead of an IDP." }

The official Japanese translation is valid for one year from your date of entry into Japan, not from the issue date of the translation itself.

Delivery time depends on the method: 7-Eleven print codes are sent within 1–5 business days; hotel delivery takes 1–2 weeks; international shipping may take up to 5 weeks. Express options are also available.

You need a scanned copy of your original valid driver's license (front and back) and some personal information.

Absolutely. You can order the translation from outside Japan and have it delivered to your home address, your hotel in Japan, or get a print code for local printing.

Yes. If you wish to convert your foreign license to a full Japanese license (gaitame kirikae), an official translation is part of the required documents.

Yes. As long as your translated license and original foreign license are valid, you can drive throughout Japan—including rural areas, cities, and tourist roads.

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How to print my driving licence translation in a 7-Eleven store


  • Find the multi-function photocopier located in 7-Eleven stores

    They are located throughout Japan, including Narita and Haneda Airports in Tokyo

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    7-Eleven photocopier
  • Then press the "Print" and "Netprint" buttons on the screen

    After selecting "English" at the top of the screen

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    screen 7-Eleven photocopier
  • Enter the 8 alphanumeric characters we emailed you the same day you applied

    After confirming "OK" on the terms and conditions page

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    Photocopier screen
  • The print image appears on the print settings screen

    Press "Save & Next," insert the amount displayed on the next screen (40 yen = €0.25) into the photocopier, and don't forget to collect the two freshly printed A4 sheets!

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    digital code license

Driving in Japan as a Tourist Key Things to Know



1. Road Rules in Japan


Drive on the Left: Japan drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Speed Limits (the new limits for 2026):
City: 40 km/h - Highways: 80–100 km/h - Residential zones: 30 km/h

Alcohol: Zero tolerance. Even one drink = heavy fines & penalties.

Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers, front and back.

Stop Signs: Red triangular sign (止まれ = “tomare”) means full stop.



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2. Renting a Car


Requirements: Passport + valid driving license + translation for driving license + credit card.

Age: Most rental agencies require 18+, but some set 20+ or 21+.

Insurance: Always recommended (Collision Damage Waiver).

road in Japan


3. Roads & Navigation


Toll Roads: Expressways often require tolls. You can use ETC cards for automatic payment.

Parking: Street parking is rare. Use paid parking lots or coin-operated spaces.

Navigation: GPS systems in rental cars are often available in English. Google Maps works well.

Road Signs: Most signs are in Japanese + English, but some local ones may only be Japanese.

traffic signs in Japan


👉 To drive in Japan as a foreigner, you’ll need the right translation, remember to drive on the left, watch out for strict traffic rules, and be prepared for tolls and parking fees.

Driving in Japan after October 1, 2025: what changes for foreigners



From October 1, 2025, Japan will implement new rules to regulate the use and conversion of foreign driver’s licenses. These changes aim to strengthen road safety and limit abuses related to the use of licenses obtained abroad.

There have recently been several accidents caused by foreigners on Japanese roads. In May 2025, a Chinese national was arrested for an alleged hit-and-run that injured four elementary school students in Saitama Prefecture. In another case, a Peruvian man was arrested for allegedly driving the wrong way on the Shin-Meishin Expressway in Mie Prefecture, colliding with multiple vehicles and fleeing the scene.

What remains unchanged for tourists who want to drive in Japan


Temporary visitors (tourists or short-term stays) will still be able to drive in Japan under the same conditions as before:

Nationals from certain countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan) may use their domestic license accompanied by an official Japanese translation issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or their embassy/consulate.

• All other foreigners must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention, in addition to their national license.

• In all cases, the validity is limited to a maximum of 1 year after entering Japan, or until the national license expires, whichever comes first.

👉 Conclusion: for tourists, nothing changes after October 2025.

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What changes for residents in Japan and license conversion


The biggest changes concern the conversion of a foreign driver’s license into a Japanese one (gaimen kirikae), required for long-term residents.

1. Residency requirement


From October 1, 2025, only official residents in Japan can convert their license.
Applicants must provide a jūminhyō (residence certificate), a document reserved for registered residents in Japan.
Temporary stays (tourists, short-term students, short visa workers) will therefore no longer be able to apply for conversion.

2. Tougher written exam


The written test will increase from 10 to 50 questions.
The required pass rate will rise from 70% to 90%.
The questions will be more practical, focusing on real-life driving situations in Japan.

3. Stricter road test


The evaluation criteria for the driving test will be standardized and tightened nationwide.
Special attention will be given to respecting mandatory stops (pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, right of way) and the correct use of turn signals.

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Why these changes in driving conditions in Japan


The Japanese government aims to:

1 - Improve road safety, by ensuring that foreign drivers are familiar with local rules.

2 - Prevent fraud, as some foreigners obtain licenses abroad only to bypass the difficulty of getting a Japanese license.

3 - Standardize the procedure, as until now conditions varied by prefecture.


road in Japan