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Japanese Driver's License Translation (JAF Certified)
Printing at 7-Eleven (in Japan)
Print your translation yourself at a 7-Eleven store after arriving in Japan:
Shortly before your departure, we will send you a print code for your certified driver's license translation. After your arrival, you can use your personal code to print the translation directly. It's child's play – we'll also provide you with detailed instructions.
Processing time:
- Standard: 3-5 business days (Mon-Fri)
- Express: 1-3 business days (Mon-Fri)
The price includes the JAF fee (6,000 yen).
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Print & home delivery (by us)
We print your driving license translation and send the original to your home or hotel:
Our Premium Service for you.
Receive your certified driving license translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) as an original by mail to your home (or hotel in Japan).
Processing time:
- Translation duration: 2-5 business days (Mon-Fri)
- Shipping: 8-10 business days (depending on destination country)
- Express shipping: 5-6 business days (depending on destination country)
The price includes the JAF fee (6,000 Yen).
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Why DriveDocs Japan?
Over 300 satisfied customers
We have already convinced over 300 customers. Our 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot impressively proves this.
Uncompromising prices
We offer you the best price due to lean processes. Our price comparison among top providers also confirms this.
Reliable
With us, European data protection meets Swiss reliability. We keep our promise.
FAQ on JAF Driver's License Translation
Why do I need a driver's license translation?
No Japanese driver's license translation = no driving or renting cars and motorcycles in Japan.
Do you have a driver's license from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, or Monaco? Then you absolutely need an official Japanese driver's license translation. The translation confirms to the Japanese authorities (police and driver's license offices) which specific vehicle categories and classes (e.g., small motorcycle, motorcycle, car) you are allowed to drive in your home country.
Attention: An international driver's permit (IDP) is not sufficient for these countries and will not be recognized. This is doubly annoying for holders of French and Belgian driver's licenses, as these two countries even signed the Geneva Convention, which is sufficient for all other countries for the IDP to be recognized.
You need the Japanese driver's license translation not only to drive vehicles but also to sign a rental agreement. Without a translation, you will not be able to rent a car or motorcycle.
More details can be found here: Why your international driver's license is useless in Japan
What documents do I need to be allowed to drive in Japan with my foreign driver's license?
To drive a car in Japan, you need three documents:
- Your valid original foreign driver's license.
- Your passport (as proof of entry date).
- An official Japanese translation of your driver's license.
Do you still have an old (gray/pink) paper driver's license? More information on its validity can be found here: "Panic about the 'gray paper': Will Japan reject your old driver's license?"
Is my old (grey/pink) paper driver's license valid in Japan?
Yes, the pink and grey German driver's license is valid in Japan as long as it is accompanied by an official JAF translation. Conversion to the credit card format is not absolutely necessary.
You can find more information on this in our article: "Panic about the "grey license": Will Japan reject your old driver's license?"
What does DriveDocs Japan do for me? Why can't I do it myself via VPN?
In a nutshell: We take care of the bureaucratic effort and the Japan Automobile Federation fees of 6,000 yen for you in advance.
1. Upload online: Simply upload a copy of your driver's license and the address of your hotel in Japan to our website.
2. Official application: Our team in Japan will take care of everything else and apply for your translation directly with the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
3. Flexible collection: We will send you a print code shortly before your departure. With the print code, you can conveniently print your driver's license translation at any 7-Eleven after arriving in Japan.
What prevents you from using a VPN: The Japan Automobile Federation blocks not only foreign IP addresses (geofencing) but also IP addresses from VPN providers (NordVPN, ...). In addition, foreign (credit) cards are blocked, so you will receive an error at the latest when paying for your translation. Therefore: Save yourself the stress - we will help you.
How long does the driver's license translation process take and how long is the translation valid?
Translation Duration: Based on experience, the actual translation time by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) takes between three and five business days. Upon request, we can apply for an express translation, which is usually completed within one to three business days.
Validity of the Translation: The translation itself has no expiration date. As long as your driver's license is valid and there are no changes (e.g., name, license categories, ...), your DriveDocs Japan driver's license translation remains valid.
Driving Permit in Japan: With your foreign driver's license and the translation, you are permitted to drive in Japan for up to one year from your last entry. After this year, you must convert your driver's license to a Japanese driver's license (Gaimen Kirikae). As a tourist, this time restriction should generally not affect you.
Can I request the translation online without having to appear in person?
Yes, that's the advantage of our service! We offer a complete online service. You submit the necessary documents to us digitally, and we start the translation process immediately. You don't have to bring your driver's license in person or send it by mail, as you would with ADAC.
The process is as follows:
- You apply for your translation with just a few clicks and upload all necessary documents.
- We take care of creating the official translation with the Japan Automobile Federation (incl. fees).
- Shortly before your departure, we will provide you with the print code* including instructions for printing at 7-Eleven.
*Please note that the print code is only valid for 7 days. Therefore, we will only send you your code a few days before your departure. It is important that you provide us with your correct departure date when ordering.
How can I print my translation at 7-Eleven in Japan?
Detailed printing instructions can be found here.
It's super easy in Japan and available 24/7. Here's how:
1. Receive print file/code: We will send you a print code via email, which is valid for seven days.
2. Find a 7-Eleven: There are over 20,000 of these stores in Japan. You're almost guaranteed to find one on nearly every street corner. If not there, then on the next one!
3. Use the printer: Look for the large multi-copy machine (usually green or gray).
4. Select language: Don't worry about the characters – you can almost always select "English" on the display.
5. Print: Select the "Print" function on the screen. Enter your print code.
6. Pay: Printing costs about 40 yen for both sides and can be paid directly at the printer. Bring some coins for this.
I would like to have my driver's license converted to a Japanese driver's license (Gaimen Kirikae). Can I use this translation for that?
Yes. The official translation of your driver's license is even a mandatory component of the conversion application (Gaimen Kirikae) at the Driver's License Examination Center.
Since our driver's license translations are prepared by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), all formal requirements are met.
You will need the following documents for the conversion process:
- Japanese driver's license translation
- Original valid driver's license
- Juminhyo (Certificate of Residence) - no older than six months & must include your nationality BUT must not show your individual number ("My Number") (data protection)
- Zairyu Card (Japanese Alien Registration Card)
- Current photo - no older than six months & in the format 3.0 x 2.4cm
- Proof that you lived in your home country for more than three months after your driver's license was issued*
*Beware of pitfalls! For this, you can use your passport (stamps and date of your entry into Japan). If you have a new passport, be sure to keep the old one for this proof. If you no longer have an official document of your entry, you can also use tax records or pay slips.
The good news last: If you are from Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, or Monaco, you do not have to take a driving test.
Is DriveDocs Japan secure? Where is my data stored?
Your data is secure.
We work with Shopify – one of the largest providers of online shops. Your data and documents are stored exclusively in Europe.
For experts: Shopify employs industry-leading security practices, including encryption of sensitive information, access restrictions, and regular security audits. The platform undergoes SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance audits every 6 months and is PCI compliant. Shopify is GDPR compliant and adheres to international data protection laws. The platform offers transparency and control over personal data and only works with carefully selected sub-processors who sign comprehensive data protection agreements.
Who is officially authorized to translate my driver's license into Japanese?
The official translation must be issued by an agency authorized by the Japanese government, usually the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) .
DriveDocs Japan applies for your driver's license translation directly with the Japan Automobile Federation. Members of our team are based in Japan and handle the bureaucratic process for you. Only these translations are officially recognized and allow you to rent and drive cars throughout Japan.
What is "Netprint" and how does it work?
Netprint is a Japanese cloud printing service that allows you to print documents directly at multifunction copiers in convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven).
We use Netprint to save you waiting time and shipping costs for physical delivery. The process is very simple:
- Order: You request your translation online from us.
- Provision: Once the official translation is completed, we upload it to the Netprint system.
- Code Delivery: You will receive an 8-digit print code via email before your departure.
- Printing in Japan: Go to any 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart in Japan. Enter the code at the copier and print your translation immediately on site.
Your advantage: You can flexibly pick up the translation only after your arrival in Japan and don't have to worry about the document getting lost in the mail or arriving too late.
My flight was cancelled. Can I get a refund?
Whether we can cancel and refund your order depends entirely on how early you inform us. Once we have applied for your driver's license translation with the Japan Automobile Federation, we have already incurred costs. Unfortunately, at this point, a refund is no longer possible.
What we can do in any case:
- Invoice for your travel cancellation insurance: Upon request, we will gladly issue you a corresponding invoice for the costs so that you can submit it to your travel cancellation insurance.
- Shipping your translation: Did you select print at arrival at 7-Eleven? We will gladly print your translation for you and send it to your home. As long as the information on your driver's license does not change, the translation remains valid.
In any case, contact us so we can find a solution: support@drivedocsjapan.com
