Japan Driving License Translation
Affordable translations without breaking the bank.
Proven industry expertise you can trust.
Say goodbye to long JAF office visits.
If your license is from one of these countries, you’ll need a translation to drive in Japan.
About us
At One Click Japan, we specialize in providing official Japanese driver’s license translations that are fully recognized by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Since our inception, we’ve been committed to helping international drivers hit the road in Japan with confidence and ease. Our expert team, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, is dedicated to delivering fast, accurate, and hassle-free translation services.
To be the leading provider of trusted and seamless driver's license translation services, ensuring every international driver in Japan can navigate the roads with confidence.
To simplify the process of obtaining official Japanese driver's license translations with fast, reliable, and customer-focused service, making every journey in Japan worry-free.
Key Benefits
Trust One Click Japan for your official Japanese license translations, approved by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). With our fast, reliable service, you’ll be road-ready in no time, backed by our years of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Recognized by the Japan Automobile Federation.
Affordable and transparent pricing.
Multiple delivery options.
Quick processing for your convenience.
Simple steps to get started.
Multilingual assistance in English and German.
Assistance with any issues.
Proven track record.
Emphasis on data security and efficiency.
How to get your official translation
Pricing & Delivery Options
Enjoy our budget-friendly standard shipping option. Delivery times may be longer, but you'll save without compromising on quality.
Need your translation ASAP? Our express shipping delivers your document swiftly and securely, guaranteeing you prompt and reliable service.
We deliver your translation directly to your hotel or any preferred address in Japan. Choose your delivery date for convenience.
Opt for our print-yourself option and pick up your translation at any 7-Eleven in Japan, with the freedom to choose your pickup time.
FAQS
Find answers to common questions about our driver’s license translation services. Whether you’re curious about the process, payment, or delivery, our FAQ section has you covered.
General Questions
If your driver's license was issued in Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, or Taiwan, you can drive in Japan with your original license for up to one year. However, you will need an official Japanese translation of your driver's license.
Simple! Just provide your name, email address, and a clear copy of your driver’s license. We’ll handle the rest.
Your translation is good for as long as your driver’s license. You can use it for up to a year on each trip to Japan.
Yes, our translations are officially certified by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and are recognized by all authorities in Japan.
Yes, it's essential to have both your original driver's license and its certified Japanese translation with you whenever you drive in Japan. Japanese authorities may request to see both documents at any time. Be prepared to show them your passport as well for identification purposes.
You may reuse the translation document indefinitely, provided the information on your original driving license remains unchanged. The one-year validity period for driving in Japan resets every time you leave and re-enter the country. This means that tourists can utilize the same translation across multiple trips, as long as their original driver's license remains valid.
Exception: If your original driver's license is lost, stolen, or otherwise replaced, you must obtain a new JAF translation, as the original translation document is permanently tied to the unique license number of the lost document.
Order and Payment
You will need a clear scan of your valid driver's license from one of the supported countries.
Yes, you can generally use your old paper driving license for the official translation, provided that the entire document is 100% legible. We can use it for the translation process as long as it meets strict integrity standards.
To ensure the translation is accurate and accepted by the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), please note the following requirements:
Complete Images: You must submit clear images or scans of the entire license. For older, multi-panel licenses (often three sections), this means providing photos of all sections, both front and back.
Legibility: Every single detail (names, dates, stamps, categories) must be clearly readable.
The JAF maintains strict rules regarding document originality. Your paper license will not be accepted if:
It is severely damaged (e.g., water damage, fading, or smudging that renders parts illegible).
A section has been ripped off and reattached (e.g., using adhesive tape).
The originality of the document cannot be 100% guaranteed due to these alterations or damages.
In such cases, please apply for a new plastic card license in your home country and then submit clear photos of the new card for the translation.
Currently we accept payment via credit card and Paypal.
Yes, we take data privacy very seriously. All customer data is handled securely and in accordance with data protection regulations.
Unfortunately we cannot cancel your order once we have started processing it / once your translation is finished.
Delivery and Pickup
The processing time depends on the chosen delivery method. Please refer to our delivery options for details.
We offer standard delivery, express delivery, direct delivery to your hotel in Japan, and a print-yourself option. Please refer to our delivery options page for more details.
Unfortunately, we do not offer in-person pickup at this time.
We need your arrival date to estimate whether your preferred delivery option is possible and to time the email with your unique print code (if you choose the 7-Eleven Option). We usually send out the code one day before your arrival in Japan, so that you have enough time to print your translation (the code is valid for 7 days but can be re-issued if you won't be able to print within 7 days).
Other Questions
In case of loss, you will need to request a new translation.
No, the translation is only valid for driving in Japan.
No, we only accept valid, original driver's licenses.
If you haven't received an order confirmation, please contact our customer support immediately. We'll assist you in locating your order.
The 7-Eleven printing code is valid for seven (7) days from the date of issuance.
To avoid any inconvenience, we highly recommend you complete the printing process promptly upon your arrival in Japan.
Should you be unable to print within the 7-day window, please notify us via email or WhatsApp. We will promptly request a replacement code from JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).
Please be aware that the renewal process is manual. Consequently, there may be delays in issuing the new code, particularly during weekends, public holidays, or outside of standard business hours (e.g., at night).
For this reason, securing the printout as soon as possible after arriving is strongly advised.
Yes, that is now possible! While 7-Eleven is widely used, you can also print your documents at other major convenience store chains in Japan, including Lawson, FamilyMart, and Ministop.
If you require a print code specifically for one of these other Konbini chains, please notify us immediately. Let us know in the notes section of your order, or send us an email or WhatsApp message, so we can ensure you receive the correct printing code for your chosen location.
If your code expires, don't worry! Just let us know and we'll send you a new one.
No worries if you're already in Japan. You can still apply for your translation. We'll process it within 24 hours, however depening on the JAF workload it might take a few days until your translation is ready.
You must always carry three documents when operating a vehicle:
Your original national driver's license (e.g., German, Belgian, French license).
The official JAF translation of that license.
Your passport (or Japanese residence card if you are a resident) to verify your entry date and identity.
This often occurs when a person changes their surname due to marriage or divorce, but their current driver's license still displays the maiden name (or former name).
If, for example, your driver's license shows your maiden name (Erika Müller) but your passport shows your married name (Erika Schmidt), this is usually acceptable, provided that:
Both documents show the same date of birth.
The photo on the license clearly matches the person holding the passport.
You carry supporting documentation (like a marriage certificate or official name change document), especially if the names are very different (though this is rarely requested).
The JAF translation will strictly reflect the name on your license (e.g., Erika Müller), and your valid passport serves as the ultimate proof of identity, bridging the name difference.
No. For drivers holding licenses from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Monaco or Taiwan the standard 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is not accepted in Japan. You must carry your original national driver's license along with an official translation issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
Japan – a land of captivating contrasts, from the vibrant neon glow of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and the breathtaking landscapes of the Japanese Alps. For many travelers, the dream isn’t just to see this incredible country by train, but to explore it flexibly and at their own pace with a rental car. But before you get behind the wheel and conquer Japan’s roads, there’s a crucial step: you’ll need a translation of your driving license. A standard International Driving Permit (IDP), which you might be familiar with from other travels, isn’t always sufficient here. This article will guide you, step-by-step, on how to perfectly prepare your driving license from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, or Monaco for your Japanese adventure.
Unlike many other countries where an International Driving Permit combined with your national license is enough, Japan has a unique agreement. For drivers from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Monaco, this means your valid national driving license – whether it’s a German EU license, a French permis de conduire, a Swiss Führerausweis, a Belgian rijbewijs/permis de conduire, or a Monégasque permis de conduire – must be officially translated into Japanese by a recognized institution. Without this Japanese translation of your driving license, your document simply won’t be valid in Japan, and you risk significant penalties if stopped by authorities. This applies whether you plan to rent a car in Japan or use a private vehicle.
The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) is the sole official institution recognized by Japanese authorities to issue these translations. However, there’s a crucial point to note: As of April 1, 2025, the JAF no longer accepts direct in-person applications at their offices. Applications can now only be submitted online or through an authorized representative.
This is where One Click Japan comes in! As a specialized service provider, we handle the entire process for you, allowing you to easily and reliably order your driving license translation for Japan from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, or Monaco. We act as your intermediary with the JAF, ensuring all your documents are correctly submitted and that the translation of your driving license for Japan reaches you on time. Our goal is to make the entire process of getting your driving license translated for Japan as straightforward as possible.
To apply for your driving license translation for Japan through One Click Japan, you only need to follow a few simple steps:
Regardless of the option you choose, you must always carry the translation along with your national driving license and your passport when driving in Japan.
The processing time for getting your driving license translated into Japanese is often more efficient through One Click Japan, as we optimize the procedures with the JAF. However, it’s always wise to factor in a little buffer before your trip.
Once you have the official driving license translation for Japan in hand, nothing stands in the way of driving in Japan with your German, French, Swiss, Belgian, or Monégasque driving license! However, there are a few specific points about Japanese road traffic to be aware of:
If you plan to rent a car in Japan, the correct driving license translation for Japan is absolutely essential. All rental car companies in Japan will carefully verify your official driving license translation before handing over a vehicle. Without this valid translation, you won’t be able to rent a car. The freedom that a rental car in Japan offers to explore rural regions or remote attractions is priceless. Therefore, the effort to get your driving license translated for Japan is definitely worthwhile!
Sometimes the question arises whether it’s not simpler to just apply for a driving license for Japan instead of getting your European one translated. For tourists or short-term stays, this is generally not practical. Obtaining a Japanese driving license is a lengthy process that includes a theoretical and practical exam, often involving driving school lessons. For a vacation or a shorter stay, the translation of your driving license for Japan is the only sensible and necessary option.
It’s also important to emphasize that there are no shortcuts. A self-made translation of your driving license into Japanese or a translation by an unauthorized translation agency will not be recognized in Japan. Only the official driving license translation from the JAF is valid. And One Click Japan is your reliable partner to obtain this for you, whether you want to get your driving license translated in Tokyo or start your journey in another prefecture.
Driving in Japan with a German, French, Swiss, Belgian, or Monégasque driving license is a wonderful way to experience the country in all its diversity. The process of getting your driving license translated for Japan is a necessary step that can save you a lot of hassle. With the official Japan driving license translation from the JAF, conveniently applied for through One Click Japan, you’ll be perfectly prepared to explore Japan’s breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities on your own. Plan this step well in advance so you can fully enjoy your trip to Japan. Have a safe journey and an unforgettable time in Japan!
Should you have any questions about the exact process with One Click Japan, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Contact Us
Feel free to contact our customer support team for any further questions or assistance.
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