Order official JAF driver's license translation for Japan
If you have a driver's license from Germany, Switzerland, France, or Belgium, you will definitely need a translation
⚠️ Your International Driving Permit (IDP) is not accepted in Japan ⚠️
Why Choose DriveDocs Japan for Your JAF Translation?
Customer satisfaction
We have already convinced over 850 customers. Our 4.8-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.
Japanese Driver's License Translation (Certified by the Japan Automobile Federation)
Printing at 7-Eleven (in Japan)
Simply print your translation yourself at a 7-Eleven 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 print the translation directly using your personal code. This only takes two minutes – we will provide you with detailed printing instructions.
Delivery time:
- Standard: 3-5 business days (Mon-Fri)
- Express: 1-3 business days (Mon-Fri)
The price includes the JAF fee (6,000 Yen).
€54,94
Print & home delivery (by us)
We print your driver's license translation and send the original to your home or hotel. Our premium service for you.
Receive your certified driver's license translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) as an original by mail to your home (or hotel in Japan). You won't have to print anything on site and can start driving immediately.
Delivery time:
- Standard: 12-15 business days (Mon-Fri)
- Express: 8-11 business days (depending on destination country)
The price includes the JAF fee (6,000 Yen).
€79,59
Three steps to officially translate your driver's license for Japan:
1. Select
shipping
2. Uploading Documents
3. Enjoy the anticipation
Personal Recommendations from the Team
Activity Guide
Still looking for inspiration on what to do in Japan? We've put together our favorites for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Japanese people love order and planning. Therefore, it is very important to book your tickets and activities in advance. You don't want to find out upon arrival that everything is fully booked.
In the blog, you'll find classics (teamLabs, Skytower, or Nintendo Museum) as well as cultural experiences (tea ceremony).
JR Pass All Japan
Would you like to explore Japan by train? With the JR Pass Japan, you can use almost all trains and ferries throughout Japan. As often as you like. Perfect for your trip.
You can secure 7 days at the best price for 280 Euros (cheaper than on-site) at GetYourGuide*. Do you need 14 or 21 days? No problem!
Unsure if it's worth it? You can find more information about available trains and the process here.
Internet in Japan
Secure an eSIM data package for Japan conveniently with our partner Saily. Avoid falling into a cost trap with your mobile provider – Japan is usually not included.
Data packages are available from 3 Euros. They start at 1 GB and go up to unlimited data. Exactly what you need for your trip to Japan.
With our voucher code "DRIVEDOCS10" you receive an additional 10% discount.
Book recommendation to get you excited
You've planned and booked your trip? Our recommended read "Abroad in Japan" by Chris Broad is perfect for getting acquainted.
Chris, a young teacher from England, begins his career in rural Japan.
The book is perfect for getting to know Japanese culture and its peculiarities. It's an entertaining read and includes some tips for your trip.
Car Rental in Japan
In our experience, you not only get the best prices at Check24, but also the best conditions (included kilometers, insurance, ...).
We had very good experiences with Nissan and Orix in Tokyo and Okinawa.
Be sure to check if dropping off the car in the same city is worthwhile and look for free cancellation. You can save money with these two points.
Hotel recommendation from the team
Do you want to play it safe when booking a hotel? We have put together our personal recommendations and would like to share them with you.
The DriveDocs Japan Team has already tried out several hotels in Japan themselves. Whether downtown Tokyo or rural Fujiyoshida.
In a detailed blog article, we have compiled our highlights for you: More information here.
FAQ - Driver's License Translation for Japan
Why do I need a driver's license translation for Japan?
No Japanese driver's license translation = no rental car and no driving cars or 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, passenger car) you are allowed to drive in your home country.
Please note: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not sufficient for these countries and will not be recognized in Japan. You will be turned away at the rental car counter.
You can find more details here: Why your international driver's license is useless in Japan
What documents do I need to drive in Japan with my foreign driver's license?
To drive 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? You can find more information about its validity here: "Panic about the "gray license": Will Japan reject your old driver's license?"
How long does it take to translate a driver's license? 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.
Translation validity: 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 classes, ...), your driver's license translation from DriveDocs Japan remains valid.
Driving in Japan: You may drive in Japan with your foreign driver's license and the translation 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 generally should not affect you.
Who is authorized to officially translate my driver's license into Japanese?
The official translation must be issued by an authority authorized by the Japanese government. These include our partner, the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), Ziplus, and others.
DriveDocs Japan applies for your translation for you at the Japan Automobile Federation. Parts of our team are located in Japan and handle the bureaucratic process of driver's license translation for you. Only these translations are officially recognized and allow you to rent and drive cars throughout Japan.
Is my old (grey/pink) paper driving license valid in Japan?
Yes, the pink and grey German driving license is valid in Japan, as long as it is accompanied by an official JAF translation. Exchanging it for the credit card format is not mandatory.
You can find more information on this in our article: "Panic about the "grey license": Will Japan reject your old driving license?"
What does DriveDocs Japan do for me? Why can't I do it myself via VPN?
In a nutshell: We handle 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 your hotel address 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 receipt: 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 not only blocks 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.
Can I apply for the translation online without having to appear in person?
Yes, that is the advantage of our service! We offer a complete online service. You send us the necessary documents digitally, and we immediately start the translation process. You do not 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 at 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 to do it:
1. Receive Print File/Code: We will send you a print code via email, 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: Choose the "Print" function on the screen. Enter your print code.
6. Pay: Printing costs approximately 40 Yen for both sides and can be paid directly at the printer. Bring some coins for this.
I would like to convert my driver's license to a Japanese one (Gaimen Kirikae). Can I use this translation for that purpose?
Yes. The official translation of your driver's license is even a mandatory component of the application for conversion (Gaimen Kirikae) at the Driver's License 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) - not older than six months & must include your nationality BUT must not show your individual number ("My Number") (data protection)
- Zairyu Card (Japanese residence card for foreigners)
- Current photo - not older than six months & in format 3.0 x 2.4 cm
- Proof that you lived in your home country for more than three months after your driver's license was issued*
*Beware of pitfalls! You can use your passport for this (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 stubs.
Finally, the good news: 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 stores. 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.
What is "Netprint" and how does it work?
Netprint is a Japanese cloud printing service that allows you to print documents directly at multi-function 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 Dispatch: 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 on the spot.
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.
Will I incur additional fees (customs, import duties, disbursement fees) when receiving a delivery from Japan?
We exclusively ship paper-based driver's license translations, i.e., documents without merchandise, samples, or other physical products with their own commercial value. Therefore, in practice, our shipments are usually not treated like classic merchandise packages with high customs value, and additional fees are generally none or minimal.
Nevertheless, the customs authorities and shipping service providers in the recipient country independently decide on any import duties or service fees. In individual cases, therefore, fees may arise over which DriveDocs Japan has no influence and which must be borne by the recipient.
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, a refund is no longer possible at this point.
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, please contact us so that we can find a solution: support@drivedocsjapan.com
Links marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links or advertisements.