You're at the rental car counter in Japan with your driver's license translation in hand—and a few days later, the document is suddenly gone. What many travelers don't know: The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) print code can only be used once. It cannot be reprinted.
Without additional protection, you'll have to apply for a new Japanese driver's license translation. This means paying another 6,000 JPY in JAF fees. To help you avoid this unexpected hassle and the extra cost, DriveDocs Japan now offers a new optional “Replacement in Case of Loss” feature.
This guide explains what happens if you lose your JAF translation, how the new option works, and how you can protect yourself during your trip to Japan.
- The JAF print code can only be used once.
- Once printed or delivered by mail, the same code cannot be used to print another copy.
- A new JAF translation costs another 6,000 JPY in JAF fees.
- With the replacement in case of loss feature, DriveDocs Japan will cover the cost of a one-time replacement.
- The optional feature is valid for 30 calendar days after you enter Japan—even in cases of theft.
Why Can't a JAF Driver's License Translation Simply Be Reprinted?
When you obtain your Japanese driver's license translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), a unique print code is provided with the digital delivery.
You can use this code to print your translation, for example at a 7-Eleven in Japan. However, the JAF system only allows the print code to be used once.
This means that once you have successfully printed the document, the code has been used. You cannot use it again—even if you lose the document shortly afterward.
The same problem applies to the mail delivery option. If you receive your driver's license translation by mail, the original translation has already been created and the one-time printing process is complete.
The JAF does not provide a free replacement for a translation that has already been printed or delivered. You will need to order a new translation.
How Much Does a New JAF Translation Cost if You Lose Yours?
You have already printed your driver's license translation or received it by mail, but now you can't find it? In that case, you will normally have to apply for a new translation from the JAF.
A new translation costs 6,000 JPY in JAF translation fees. Additional service fees may also apply for re-applying and processing the request.
This is especially frustrating if you are already in Japan. You will have to go through the application process again and wait for the new translation to be issued.
To prevent you from having to pay for a replacement if you lose yours, we at DriveDocs Japan have developed an additional layer of protection.
New at DriveDocs Japan: Replacement in Case of Loss
With the new “Replacement in Case of Loss” optional feature, you can protect yourself against having to pay again for a JAF translation.
If you lose your issued driver's license translation or it is stolen within 30 calendar days after you enter Japan, we will cover the cost of a one-time replacement by the JAF.
You will then receive a new digital print code by email and can print your translation again.
Your Benefits at a Glance
- No Additional JAF Translation Costs: We will cover the cost of a one-time replacement of your translation.
- Protection Against Loss and Theft: Whether you accidentally lose the document or it is stolen.
- Simple Process: All you need to do is submit a written report of the loss to us. There is no need to file a police report.
- Digital Delivery: You will receive a new print code conveniently by email.
- More Peace of Mind While Traveling: You will have fewer worries about unexpected extra costs.
How Does the Replacement in Case of Loss Feature Work?
The process is straightforward. We will handle the re-application to the JAF and the processing for you.
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Select the Optional Feature When Ordering
When purchasing your driver's license translation, select the “Replacement in Case of Loss” option. -
Report the Loss or Theft
If your issued translation is lost or stolen during your trip to Japan, you can use the optional feature. -
Report the Loss to DriveDocs Japan
Contact us in writing by email (support@drivedocsjapan.com) within 30 calendar days of your stated arrival date in Japan. Please confirm that you no longer have the original translation and cannot use it. -
Receive a New Print Code
We will apply for a replacement translation from the JAF and cover the associated costs. You will then receive a new print code by email. This process takes approximately 1–3 business days.
You can use any participating convenience store in Japan to print the document. You can find instructions in our Printing Guide for Japan.
What Are the Terms and Conditions for a Replacement?
To ensure the optional feature remains fair and straightforward for all customers, several clear terms and conditions apply:
- Validity: DriveDocs Japan must receive your report of the loss within 30 calendar days after your stated arrival date in Japan.
- One-Time Use: Only one replacement is available per originally ordered driver's license translation.
- Loss and Theft: Both situations are covered.
- Digital Delivery: You will receive a new print code by email.
- No Mail Delivery: The replacement will be delivered digitally only.
- Printing: You are responsible for the cost of printing the document at a convenience store.
The optional feature applies exclusively to the actual loss or theft of an issued translation. It is tied to the individual and cannot be transferred to other people, driver's licenses, or orders.
For example, it does not cover the loss of an unused print code, an expired print code, changes to the driver's license, or corrections required due to incorrect customer information.
You can find the full terms and conditions in our Terms of Service.
Is the Replacement in Case of Loss Feature Worth It?
Imagine the following situation: You ordered your Japanese driver's license translation in good time, arrived in Japan, and printed the document at a 7-Eleven.
A few days later, you notice that your translation is no longer in your travel bag. Perhaps you left it at the hotel or lost it while out and about.
Without the optional feature, you would have to apply for a new translation from the JAF. This would mean paying another 6,000 JPY in JAF fees. Additional service fees may also apply.
With the replacement in case of loss feature, DriveDocs Japan will cover the cost of a one-time replacement. You will receive a new print code and can continue your trip without having to pay the additional JAF translation costs yourself.
A trip to Japan should not be unnecessarily complicated by a lost document and unexpected extra costs. With the replacement in case of loss feature, you can focus on your trip instead of having to go through the hassle of re-applying and paying additional translation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driver's License Translations and Replacements
Can I print my JAF driver's license translation a second time?
No. A JAF print code can only be used once. Once the translation has been successfully printed, the code has been used. To obtain another copy, you must apply for a new translation from the JAF.
What happens if I lose my Japanese driver's license translation?
Without the “Replacement in Case of Loss” optional feature, you will have to apply for a new translation from us or the JAF and pay the associated fees again. With the optional feature, DriveDocs Japan will cover the cost of a one-time replacement, provided that the agreed terms and conditions are met.
How much does a replacement JAF driver's license translation cost?
A replacement costs 6,000 JPY in JAF fees. Additional service fees may also apply. With DriveDocs Japan's “Replacement in Case of Loss” optional feature, we will cover the cost of a one-time replacement.
Does the replacement in case of loss feature also cover theft?
Yes. The optional feature covers both the accidental loss and theft of your issued driver's license translation. There is no need to file a police report.
How long is the replacement in case of loss feature valid for?
You can use the optional feature within 30 calendar days after your stated arrival date in Japan. Your written report of the loss must be received by DriveDocs Japan within this period.
How many times can I apply for a replacement translation?
The optional feature includes one replacement per originally ordered driver's license translation. A second replacement is not included.
Will I receive the new translation by mail?
No. As part of the optional feature, you will receive a new digital print code by email. You can then print your translation, for example at a 7-Eleven in Japan. You are responsible for the cost of printing.
Can I add the optional feature after placing my order?
The feature must generally be selected as part of the original order. It cannot be activated after an issued translation has been provided.
Conclusion: More Peace of Mind for Your Trip to Japan
A Japanese driver's license translation is an important document if you want to drive during your trip to Japan. Because the JAF print code can only be used once, losing it can quickly lead to additional translation costs of 6,000 JPY and further administrative hassle.
With DriveDocs Japan's new replacement in case of loss feature, you can protect yourself against these unexpected costs.
Within 30 days after you enter Japan, we will cover the cost of a one-time replacement of your translation by the JAF—even in cases of theft.
This allows you to focus on what really matters during your trip to Japan: discovering the country and enjoying your journey.
Ready for Your Japanese Road Trip?
Apply for your official JAF driver's license translation conveniently online. You can also optionally add the replacement in case of loss feature to your order and protect yourself against unexpected costs during your trip to Japan.
Get Your Driver's License Translated Now