The short answer
This is a procedure related to your 運転免許 (unten menkyo, driver's license). Two cases are common: converting a foreign driver's license into a Japanese one — 外国免許切替 / 外免切替 (gaikoku menkyo kirikae / gaimen kirikae, foreign license conversion) — and renewing a Japanese driver's license (運転免許更新, unten menkyo kōshin). Both usually require you to go in person to the driver's license center (運転免許センター, unten menkyo sentā) of the prefectural police (都道府県警察, todōfuken keisatsu) with jurisdiction over your place of residence, with the required documents. The exact documents, tests, and periods vary by situation and region — follow the explanations of the National Police Agency and your local center.
What this document is
Around a driver's license, you may deal with:
- 外国免許切替 / 外免切替 (gaikoku menkyo kirikae / gaimen kirikae, foreign license conversion): converting a valid foreign driver's license into a Japanese one; it requires an application and knowledge / skills checks.
- 運転免許更新 (unten menkyo kōshin, driver's license renewal): renewing a Japanese license before it expires.
- Related notices such as the 更新連絡書 (kōshin renrakusho, renewal notice) that reminds you of the renewal period.
Common fields on the documents
- 運転免許証 (unten menkyoshō) — driver's license (the card itself).
- 外国免許切替 / 外免切替 (gaikoku menkyo kirikae / gaimen kirikae) — conversion of a foreign license into a Japanese one.
- 翻訳文 (hon'yakubun) — Japanese translation of the foreign license (issued by bodies such as JAF).
- 住民票 (jūminhyō) — copy of your resident record listing the specified items (for foreign residents: residence status, etc.) or the registered domicile (for Japanese nationals).
- 本人確認書類 / パスポート (honnin kakunin shorui / pasupōto) — identity documents / passport.
- 有効期限 / 更新期間 (yūkō kigen / kōshin kikan) — expiry date / renewal period.
- 手数料 (tesūryō) — fee.
What you need to do
- Foreign license conversion (外免切替): go to the driver's license center with jurisdiction over your place of residence, bringing your 住民票 (for foreign residents, one listing your residence status and other specified items), your foreign license, its 翻訳文 (Japanese translation), proof of the period you stayed in the issuing country after obtaining the license (such as entry / exit records), identity documents, and so on; you generally must apply in person and pass knowledge / skills checks.
- Renewal: complete the procedure at the designated counter during your license's 更新期間 (renewal period) — bring the notice, identity documents, photo, and so on — and attend the lecture as required.
- Keep an eye on the 有効期限 (expiry date) and act early.
- Confirm the documents and the latest rules with the National Police Agency and your prefectural police.
Where deadlines and fees may appear
- Deadline: follow the 有効期限 (expiry date) on your license and the 更新期間 (renewal period); for foreign license conversion, reservations and document requirements follow your local driver's license center.
- Fees: fees follow the rules of the National Police Agency / your local authority (foreign license conversion and renewal each have their own 手数料 (fee)).
Which official body to check with if you are unsure
License conversion and renewal follow the website of the National Police Agency (警察庁, Keisatsuchō) and the explanation of the prefectural police driver's license center with jurisdiction over your place of residence (the foreign license conversion procedure has been adjusted in recent years — follow the latest official announcements). Official explanations take precedence over any third-party interpretation.
Common Japanese terms
- 運転免許証 (unten menkyoshō) — driver's license
- 外国免許切替 / 外免切替 (gaikoku menkyo kirikae / gaimen kirikae) — conversion of a foreign license into a Japanese one
- 翻訳文 (hon'yakubun) — Japanese translation (of a foreign license)
- 住民票 (jūminhyō) — resident record (copy)
- 更新期間 (kōshin kikan) — renewal period
- 運転免許センター (unten menkyo sentā) — driver's license center