Drive Hokkaidō (ENG)

An official Hokkaidō government website with information about rules, safety, and where to go to transfer your license.

Hokkaidō Prefectural Police Website (ENG)

Additional information on driving in Hokkaidō. This link lists the documents required to transfer your license.

Must-have Handbook for Driving in Hokkaido

Even more English information

Driver’s License Centers:

札幌運転免許試験場 (Sapporo Driver’s License Examination Center)

中央優良運転者免許更新センター(中央警察署内) (Central Yūryō Driver’s License Renewal Center – Inside the Central Police Station)

厚別優良運転者免許更新センター(厚別警察署内) (Atsubetsu Yūryō Driver’s License Renewal Center – Inside the Atsubetsu Police Station)

函館運転免許試験場 (Hakodate Driver’s License Examination Center)

旭川運転免許試験場 (Asahikawa Driver’s License Examination Center)

釧路運転免許試験場 (Kushiro Driver’s License Examination Center)

帯広運転免許試験場 (Obihiro Driver’s License Examination Center)

北見運転免許試験場 (Kitami Driver’s License Examination Center)

Aomori Prefectural Police Driver’s License Division (JPN only)

This website has an English language option, but unfortunately the English content does not include information on driving.

Driver’s License Centers:

青森県運転免許センター (Aomori Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

弘前自動車運転免許試験場 (Hirosaki Automobile Driver’s License Examination Center)

Driving License Procedures Guide (JPN only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

岩手県自動車運転免許試験場 (Iwate Prefecture Automobile Driver’s License Examination Center)

盛岡運転免許センター (Morioka Driver’s License Examination Center)

県南運転免許センター (Ken’nan Driver’s License Examination Center)

沿岸運転免許センター (Engan Driver’s License Examination Center)

県北運転免許センター (Kenhoku Driver’s License Examination Center)

Prefectural Police Foreign License Procedures (JPN only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Traffic Safety Guide for Foreigners (ENG)

Information on traffic safety, accident procedures, and so on. No information on transferring a foreign language driver’s license.

Driver’s License Centers:

宮城県運転免許センター (Miyagi Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

石巻運転免許センター (Ishinomaki Driver’s License Center)

古川運転免許センター (Furukawa Driver’s License Center)

仙南運転免許センター (Sendai Driver’s License Center)

Prefectural Police Driver’s License Center (JPN only)

This website also provides a machine-translated version. Please be careful when using this automated translation, as it may have many inaccuracies.

Akita International Association Consultation Center

The AIA provides consultation for many issues, including licenses.

Driver’s License Centers:

秋田県運転免許センター (Akita Prefecture Drivers’ License Center)

The Process of Changing a Foreign License to a Japanese One (JPN/ENG)

Scroll down for an explanation in English.

Driver’s License Centers:

山形県総合交通安全センター (Yamagata Prefecture General Traffic Safety Center)

Switching a Foriegn License to a Japanese License PDF (JPN only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Fukushima International Association Counselling Services

Offers phone support for “procedural” interpretation.

Driver’s License Centers:

福島運転免許センター (Fukushima Driver’s License Center)

郡山運転免許センター (Kōriyama Driver’s License Center)

Ibaraki Prefectural Police website

Great information for foriegn residents.

Information on Transferring a Driver’s License from Outside Japan to a Japanese License PDF (ENG)

From the Ibaraki Prefectural Police website.

Traffic Safety Instructions (ENG)

From the Ibaraki Prefectural Police website.

Regarding the Start of English Written Tests

Information on taking the written portion of the test in English. From the Ibaraki Prefectural Police website

Driver’s License Centers:

茨城県警察運転免許センター (Ibaraki Prefectural Police Driver’s License Center)

Procedure For Obtaining a Japanese Driver’s License (ENG/JPN)

Great information on switching your license.

Tochigi International Association (ENG)

The link is for the section on switching your license, but there’s a lot of other great information in English here too.

Driver’s License Centers:

栃木県運転免許センター (Tochigi Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

Exchanging a Foreign Driver’s License (JPN only)

All requirements, written in Japanese.

Driver’s License Centers:

群馬県総合交通センター (Gunma Prefecture General Traffic Center)

Guide to Driver’s Licenses PDF (ENG)

A concise guide to license issues for foreign residents. Part of a larger Guide to Living in Saitama .

Driver’s License Centers:

埼玉県警察運転免許センター (Saitama Prefecture Police Driver’s License Center)

Chiba Prefectural Police (ENG)

An exhaustive guide to driving, transferring licenses, and everything else.

Hello Chiba Guide to Driving PDF (ENG)

Information on driving and transferring your license. Part of a larger Hello Chiba living guide.

Driver’s License Centers:

千葉運転免許センター (Chiba Driver’s License Center)

流山運転免許センター (Nagareyama Driver’s License Center)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Foriegn Driver Guide (ENG)

An extensive guide to driving, transferring licenses, and everything else. For converting your license, see this pdf.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Traffic Rules (ENG)

Laws, signs, manners, and everything else.

Driver’s License Centers:

府中運転免許試験場 (Fuchū Driver’s License Examination Center)

鮫洲運転免許試験場 (Samezu Driver’s License Examination Center)

江東運転免許試験場 (Kōtō Driver’s License Examination Center)

神田運転免許更新センター (Kanda Driver’s License Renewal Center)

新宿運転免許更新センター (Shinjuku Driver’s License Renewal Center)

Prefectural Police Guide to Changing a Foreign Driver’s License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

神奈川県運転免許センター (Kanagawa Prefectural Driver’s License Center)

Prefectural Police Guide to Changing a Foreign Driver’s License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

新潟県運転免許センター (Driver’s License Center)

新潟県運転免許センター長岡支所 (Driver’s License Center – Nagaoka Branch)

新潟県運転免許センター上越支所 (Driver’s License Center – Jōetsu Branch)

新潟県運転免許センター佐渡支所 (Driver’s License Center – Sado Branch)

新潟県運転免許センター古町出張所 (Driver’s License Center – Furumachi Sub-Branch)

Prefectural Police Guide to Changing a Foreign Driver’s License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

富山県運転教育センター (Fukuyama Driving Education Center)

高岡運転免許更新センター (Takaoka Driver’s License Renewal Center)

How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver’s Licence for a Japanese Driver’s Licence (ENG)

All the information you will need to switch your license over.

To all foreigners driving in Japan PDF/Video (ENG)

A PDF and video about driving in Japan.

Driver’s License Centers:

石川県運転免許センター (Ishikawa Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License PDF (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

春江運転者教育センター (Harue Driver’s Education Center)

嶺南運転者教育センター (Reinan Driver’s Education Center)

奥越運転者教育センター (Okuetsu Driver’s Education Center)

丹南運転者教育センター (Tan’nan Driver’s Education Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

山梨県総合交通センター (Yamanashi Prefecture General Traffic Center)

山梨県警察・運転免許課都留分室 (Yamanashi Prefectural Police – Driver’s License Division, Tsuru Annex)

Switching a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese License (ENG)

Full information on what you will need and where you need to go.

Driver’s License Centers:

北信運転免許センター (Hokushin Driver’s License Center)

東信運転免許センター (Tōshin Driver’s License Center)

中南信運転免許センター (Chūnanshin Driver’s License Center)

Guidance on Application Procedure for Converting a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese Equivalent PDF (ENG)

Full information on what you will need and where you need to go.

Driver’s License Centers:

岐阜運転者講習センター (Gifu Driver’s Training Center)

多治見運転者講習センター (Tajimi Driver’s Training Center)

西濃運転者講習センター (Seinō Driver’s Training Center)

中濃運転者講習センター (Chūnō Driver’s Training Center)

東濃運転者講習センター (Tōnō Driver’s Training Center)

飛騨運転者講習センター (Hida Driver’s Training Center)

Shizuoka Prefectural Police, Drivers License Division (ENG)

Great information on everything you will need to know.

Driver’s License Centers:

Shizuoka License Center

Shizuoka Police Seibu Driver’s License Center

Changing to a Japanese License PDF (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Nagoya International Center – Converting a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese License

Great information on everything you will need to know.

Driver’s License Centers:

愛知県運転免許試験場 (Aichi Prefecture Driver’s License Test Center)

東三河運転免許センター (Higashimikawa Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License PDF (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Mie Guidebook – Getting a Driver’s License (ENG)

Not an official source, but has information on the procedures and documents you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

三重県運転免許センター (Mie Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

滋賀県運転免許センター (Shiga Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

運転免許サブセンター（米原分室）(Driver’s License Sub-Center – Maihara Annex)

Switching from Foreign Driver’s License to Japanese Driver’s License (ENG)

Excellent summary of everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

京都府警察自動車運転免許試験場 (Kyoto Prefectural Police Automobile Driver’s License Testing Center)

Procedures for a Driver’s License (ENG)

Full information on everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

門真運転免許試験場 (Kadoma Driver’s License Test Center)

光明池運転免許試験場 (Kōmyōike Driver’s License Test Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Hyogo AJET (ENG)

Complete information on transferring your license, but bear in mind this information is not directly from the Prefectural Police.

Driver’s License Centers:

明石更新センター (Akashi Renewal Center)

阪神更新センター (Hanshin Renewal Center)

神戸更新センター (Kobe Renewal Center)

但馬免許センター (Tajima License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Nara AJET (ENG)

Complete information on transferring your license, but bear in mind this information is not directly from the Prefectural Police.

Driver’s License Centers:

奈良県運転免許センター (Nara Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License PDF (ENG)

Full information on everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

交通センター(第１試験場) (Traffic Center – First Test Center)

田辺運転免許センター(第２試験場) (Tanabe Driver’s License Center – Second Test Center)

新宮運転免許センター (Shingū Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Driver’s License Centers:

鳥取県東部地区運転免許センター (Eastern District Driver’s License Center)

鳥取県中部地区運転免許センター (Central District Driver’s License Center)

鳥取県警察本部西部運転免許センター (Western District Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Shimane International Center (ENG)

A Q&A on changing over a foreign license in Shimane Prefecture. The International Center also provides some interpretation services.

Driver’s License Centers:

島根県免許センター (Shimane Prefecture License Center)

島根県西部免許センター (Shimane Prefecture West District License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Driver’s License Centers:

岡山県運転免許センター (Okayama Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

津山試験場 (Tsuyama Testing Center)

倉敷試験場 (Kurashiki Testing Center)

Driving in Japan PDF (ENG)

Driver’s License Centers:

広島県運転免許センター (Hiroshima Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

広島県東部運転免許センター (Hiroshima Prefecture East District Driver’s License Center)

Application For a Japanese Driver’s License From a Foreign License PDF (ENG)

Full information on everything you will need. Additional information on driving in Yamaguchi can be found here.

Driver’s License Centers:

山口県総合交通センター (Yamaguchi Prefecture General Traffic Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Tokushima Living Guide PDF (ENG)

Full information on what you will need. Scroll down to section 8, “Driving)

Driver’s License Centers:

徳島県運転免許センター (Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Driver’s License Centers:

香川県運転免許センター (Driver’s License Center)

香川県運転免許東讃センター (Driver’s License Tōsan Center)

香川県運転免許小豆事務所 (Driver’s License Azuki Office)

Changing to a Japanese License PDF (JPN/ENG)

Scroll down to the second half of the PDF for English. Full information on everything you will need to know.

Driver’s License Centers:

愛媛県運転免許センター (Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Kōchi AJET: How to get a Japanese License (ENG)

The section on Driving has everything you will need to transfer your license. Other information on living in Kōchi is also available here.

Driver’s License Centers:

高知県運転免許センター (Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Fukuoka City International Foundation – Driving In Japan (ENG)

Full information on what you will need. This website also has information about the International Foundation’s support services.

Driver’s License Centers:

渡辺通優良運転者免許更新センター (Watanabedori Gold Driver’s License Renewal Center)

黒崎優良運転者免許更新センター (Kurosaki Gold Driver’s License Renewal Center)

筑後自動車運転免許試験場 (Chikugo Automobile Driver’s License Test Center)

筑豊自動車運転免許試験場 (Chikuhō Automobile Driver’s License Test Center)

北九州自動車運転免許試験場 (Kita Kyūshū Automobile Driver’s License Test Center)

福岡自動車運転免許試験場 (Fukuoka Automobile Driver’s License Test Center)

How to Convert Your Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese License PDF (ENG)

Full information on everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

佐賀県運転免許センター (Saga Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

Converting Your Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese Driver’s License (ENG/JPN)

Bilingual website describing everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

長崎県運転免許試験場 (Nagasaki Prefecture Driver’s License Test Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Kumamoto JET – Obtaining a Japanese License

Full information on everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

熊本県運転免許センター (Kumamoto Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

City of Oita – Living In Oita PDF (ENG)

See the Driver’s License section for full information on what you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

大分県運転免許センター (Ōita Prefecture Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time. A Google Translate auto translation option is available, but this is not an official translation and may contain significant errors.

Miyazaki AJET – Obtaining A Driving License (ENG)

Full information on everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

宮崎県総合自動車運転免許センター (Miyazaki General Automobile Driver’s License Center)

都城運転免許センター (Miyakonojo Driver’s License Center)

延岡運転免許センター (Nobeoka Driver’s License Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

Kagoshima JET – Driver’s Licenses (ENG)

Full information on everything you need.

Driver’s License Centers:

鹿児島県交通安全教育センター (Kagoshima Prefecture Traffic Safety Education Center)

Changing to a Japanese License (JPN Only)

Unfortunately, only Japanese-language information is available at this time.

OkiJETs – Japanese Driver’s License

Full information on everything you will need.

Driver’s License Centers:

沖縄県警察運転免許センター (Okinawa Prefectural Police Driver’s License Center)