Foreign driver's license conversion in Kanagawa: the 2025 rules
Since October 1, 2025, converting a foreign driver's license into a Japanese one (gaimen kirikae) requires a copy of the certificate of residence (juminhyo), so short term visitors such as tourists can no longer get a license this way. The knowledge check went from 10 picture questions to 50 written questions with a 90% pass mark, and the driving check became stricter. In Kanagawa the whole procedure takes place at the prefectural driver's license center in Asahi-ku, Yokohama, by reservation only.
What changed in October 2025
The National Police Agency summarized the review in a document published on the Cabinet Secretariat's site, "Review of the foreign license conversion procedure" (PDF, in Japanese). Until then, people without a resident record could apply with a passport and a "temporary stay certificate" from a hotel or an acquaintance. Under the amended Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations, almost every applicant, whatever their nationality, must attach a copy of the certificate of residence, and people on Temporary Visitor status cannot obtain a license. The knowledge check dropped its illustrated questions, grew to 50 questions and now needs 90% correct, the same bar as a new license. The skills check added tasks such as passing a pedestrian crossing and grades errors such as missed signals and improper turns more strictly.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department describes the same amendment on its notice page (in Japanese): foreign nationals registered as residents submit a certificate of residence that lists the items specific to foreign residents, such as nationality, status of residence and period of stay.
Who can apply in Kanagawa
Kanagawa Prefectural Police's conversion page (in Japanese, updated February 6, 2026) sets two conditions for residents of the prefecture. The foreign license must be valid. And the applicant must prove a total stay of three months (90 days) or more in the issuing country after the license was issued, counting only time when the license was valid. Anyone who can prove a total of one year or more there is also exempt from Japan's beginner driver period, including the beginner mark.
Passport stamps are the usual proof. People from countries that do not stamp passports, many EU countries among them, people who use automated gates, and dual nationals may need original documents such as an employment certificate, pay slips or a school graduation certificate.
Documents to bring
- the valid foreign license, plus any expired older ones
- your passport, plus older passports if you have them
- a Japanese translation of the license made by an embassy or consulate in Japan, the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), ZIPLUS Co., Ltd. or ALADDIN
- a copy of the certificate of residence issued by the city office within the last six months, showing nationality, status of residence and the other foreign resident items; photocopies are not accepted
- your residence card
- one photo, 3.0 cm tall and 2.4 cm wide, taken within six months
- any Japanese license or international driving permit you hold, and glasses if you need them
The list depends on the issuing country and your history, so the police ask applicants to confirm it when booking. Fees vary with the license class and whether a skills check is needed. Anyone who finds it hard to communicate in Japanese should bring an interpreter.
Booking and the checks
Bookings are made in person at window 12 of the license center between 2 pm and 3 pm on weekdays. A phone line for booking questions (045-365-6000, weekdays 3 pm to 4 pm) is also available, and the police ask that the caller be someone who understands Japanese. On the booked day, the document review takes place at window 12 on the third floor, at an assigned time between 8:30 and 9:00 am or between 1:00 and 1:30 pm.
The knowledge check is 50 true or false questions, passed with 90% or more. Kanagawa offers it in 21 languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Nepali, Indonesian and Burmese. After passing, the applicant books the driving check on the center's course online or by phone. Everything up to passing the driving check has to happen while the foreign license is still valid.
Licenses from certain countries and regions skip both checks. The list includes the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, South Korea and Taiwan. For the United States, it covers Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland and Washington, while Indiana licenses skip only the driving check.
For employers hiring drivers
When a job needs a Japanese license, the conversion takes several trips to the license center: the booking, the document review, the knowledge check and the driving check. Because a certificate of residence is required, someone who has just arrived has to register their address at the city office first. It helps to plan the start date and the first day of driving work as two separate dates and share that plan with the new hire. People living in Kawasaki can also get multilingual help with daily life at the Kawasaki International Association (KIAN), and our guide to checking the new residence card covers the card side of hiring.
