- 1. Image data of the front and back sides of a current valid foreign driver's license.
*For licenses issued in countries listed in 1) and 2) below, documents that supplement the information on the license are required.- 1) People's Republic of China: images of the front and back of the subpage.
- 2) Republic of the Philippines: image of the official receipt.
- 1) Syrian Arab Republic: passport
- 2) Republic of Korea, Kingdom of Thailand, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Republic of the Union of Myanmar: residence card or copy of certificate of residence in Japan.
- 3) Countries other than those in 1) and 2) above with driver's licenses written in Arabic or Russian: residence card or copy of certificate of residence in Japan.
Sample translation issued by JAF
1) Japanese translation before December 2017.
2) Japanese translation from December 2017 or later
(copy proof paper).
3) Japanese translation from November 2022 or later
(security print).*As of October 2022, translations for security printing 3) will be issued for pick-up at convenience stores or sent by post on copy proof paper 2) in unavoidable circumstances.
Sample of the translation accompanied by an "Appendix"
The translations of some countries are accompanied by an "Appendix" that explains details such as the type of vehicle allowed to drive. Please be careful not to forget to take it when you print your translation out at a convenience store, as you will need it when you apply for a "Gaimen Kirikae". In addition, if a "Appendix" is attached to the translation, there is a description in Japanese to that effect at the bottom left of the translation, so please check it.
If "Appendix" is attached to the translation, text will be added to the red frame
Image of "Appendix"
Application for Japanese Translation
- In general, applications for Japanese translations of foreign driver's licenses can be submitted online through Application for Japanese Translation.
Online Application for Japanese Translation here.
Please check this information, if you are applying for a translation online.
- If you have any questions regarding the issuance of translations, please check the FAQ first, before contacting us.
FAQ
Listed below are frequently asked questions about translations issued by JAF. Please read them before contacting us.
Handling of Personal Information
JAF uses personal information obtained through translation and issuance services only for the purpose of properly carrying out such services and will not disclose the information to a third party without the consent of the individual concerned. However, if there is a request for disclosure of such information from a court of law, police, or other public agency in accordance with laws and regulations, the information may be provided to the authority. Please see JAF's Handling of Personal Information (Privacy) for details.
