Translation of foreign driver's licenses into Japanese
For those who hold a driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or China
As a translation agency designated by the National Public Safety Commission, our association (ALADDIN) creates and issues official Japanese translations of foreign driver's licenses from the following countries and regions.
target country
Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, People's Republic of China (Only available for conversion to a Japanese driver's license)
To drive in Japan
If you have a driver's license from one of the above countries or regions, you can drive in Japan as long as you carry the following two items with you at all times.
- Japanese translation (issued by ALADDIN, embassy, or consulate)
- original driver's license
However, you cannot drive in Japan with a Chinese driver's license.
The Japanese translation of a People's Republic of China driver's license is only valid when applying to convert it to a Japanese driver's license.
Please note that the Japanese translation is valid for one year from the date of entry. In the case of re-entry, it will be valid for one year from the date of re-entry.
However, different rules apply if a resident or foreigner has entered or left the country within the past three months.
For details, please check with the driver's license center in your area.
Police officers may ask you to present your foreign driver's license and Japanese translation, as well as your passport to confirm your date of entry into Japan while you are driving.
caution
You cannot drive for more than one year after entering the country. If you plan to stay for a long period of time, please apply to switch to a Japanese driver's license as soon as possible.
How to apply for Japanese translation
Please bring the following documents to the ALADDIN Translation Desk.
Applications by proxy are also accepted.
required documents
- Japanese Translation Application Form
→ Please contact us by phone, and we will send it to you by fax. - Foreign driver's license (original)
→ We will return the copy to you immediately after obtaining it.
→ If it is difficult to submit the original document, please bring a clear color copy of both sides. - Issuance fee: ¥5,000 per copy
Emergency issuance (within one hour) is available for an additional fee of 5,000 yen per document.
Emergency issuance may not be available during busy periods. Please understand if this is the case.
The same fees apply for reissuance.
Days until issuance
As a general rule, issuance is possible by the next business day, but there may be exceptions depending on the following conditions.
- Country of issue and status of license
- Information on your driver's license
- Counter congestion
Please contact your nearest office in advance.
When reissuance or renewal is necessary
If there are any changes to your address or renewal of your driver's license, you will need to obtain a new Japanese translation.
The validity period is the same as the original driver's license.
Handling of Personal Information
ALADDIN will not use personal information obtained in the course of translation and publishing for any purposes other than those listed below.
- For the creation and publication of Japanese translations
- For reissuing and identity verification purposes
- When there is a legal obligation to disclose information
- When inquiries are received from public institutions such as courts and police stations
Our association will not provide the information we have obtained to third parties without permission.
However, information obtained from driver's licenses will be shared with the police.
For details, please contact us via the inquiry form or by phone (+81-3-6436-7921).
We will support your safe and smooth driving in Japan.
About ALADDIN
The Japan Visitor Driver Support Association is a general incorporated association that aims to support the smooth driving of foreign visitors and foreign residents in Japan and contribute to the development of a safe traffic environment in Japan by issuing official translations of foreign driver's licenses (France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, and the People's Republic of China) and applying on behalf of other translation service providers for translations of driver's licenses from other countries.
Business activities
If you have a driver's license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, or Monaco, you can drive a car in Japan in accordance with Japanese laws by carrying a “translation of your driver's license into Japanese” issued by the Association for the Support of Foreign Drivers in Japan (ALADDIN) or your embassy or consulate in Japan, along with your original driver's license.
We also issue translations of Chinese driver's licenses for the sole purpose of switching to a Japanese driver's license.
Our association (ALADDIN) accepts requests for the creation and publication of such translations.
If you wish to drive in Japan, please contact us.
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CONTACT
If you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form.
