Nippon Driver made the process seamless. We received our translations at our hotel without any hassle.
Printing my translation at a 7-Eleven in Tokyo was so convenient. Highly recommend!
Highly recommend Nippon Driver. The whole process was straightforward, and the customer support was very helpful.
In Japan, foreign drivers must have a certified translation of their driver's license if their country does not issue licenses that are recognized under the Geneva Convention. This applies to motorists whose license was issued in Germany, France, Belgium, Taiwan, Switzerland or Monaco.
This translation, certified by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), ensures that local authorities can verify your license's authenticity and your eligibility to drive legally in Japan.
No, you just need your local driver's license to get a valid translation.
International driving permits based on licenses from Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Monaco are not valid in Japan. This is why you need a certified translation through our services.
If your license was issued in one of these countries, the JAF-certified translation we provide, when attached to your local license, will allow you to drive in Japan. You do not need to bring an international driving permit, as it is not recognized in Japan.
It’s best to apply as soon as possible! Early submission allows us to verify your documents promptly and address any potential issues in advance.
For example, if your driver's license is difficult to read or has a handwritten expiry date, JAF may reject it unless we can provide additional documentation. Applying early gives you time to fix such problems without delay.
If you choose the self-printing option at 7-Eleven, don’t worry about the print code's validity. We carefully time your request to JAF so that your code is ready just a few days before your arrival in Japan. Even if a code expires, we can regenerate it, so this won’t be an issue.
The delivery time depends on the option you choose:
Yes, the translated driver's license remains valid as long as your original driver's license is valid. It is important to carry both the original and the translated license at all times while driving in Japan.
If your driver's license is issued by a country other than France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, or Monaco, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country before driving in Japan. This permit must be carried along with your original driver's license.
Keep in mind that Japan only recognizes IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. If your country does not issue permits under this convention, you may need to consider converting your license to a Japanese one, depending on the length of your stay.
Please note that we cannot assist with driver's licenses from countries other than France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, or Monaco. If your license is from a different country, there is no need to contact us, as we are unable to provide services for your situation.
Our support team in Tokyo is available to assist with any issues that might arise. We handle follow-ups with JAF on your behalf and provide customer service in multiple languages to ensure your concerns are promptly addressed.
Upon completion of your translation, you will receive a digital file along with detailed instructions on how to print it at any 7-Eleven store. The process is straightforward, and stores are conveniently located throughout Japan, ensuring easy access.
No, printing in your home country is not possible. The translations are certified with a watermark that can only be printed using 7-Eleven printers in Japan.
Fortunately, there are over 20,000 7-Eleven stores across Japan, including at airports, so you’ll easily find a location to print your driver's license translation during your stay.
