How to apply for a translation
Important Notice
Starting April 1, 2025, translation applications will be accepted online only.
*Applications via counter service and mail will no longer be available.
- 1.Application procedures
- 2.Documents required for application
- 3.Issuance fee
- 4.Application process (credit card payment)
- 5-1.Flow of application
- 5-2.How to pay at a convenience store
- 6.Printing the translation at 7-Eleven
- 7.How receipts are issued
- 8.Translation samples
- 9.Precautions
- 10.Information
- 11.FAQ
1. Application procedures
Online application
How to apply: Online applications can be made on the Translation Application Site.
Method of payment: Credit card or cash payment (at a convenience store)
Receiving the translation: The translation can be printed out at any 7-Eleven store in Japan. If there is no 7-Eleven store near you, JAF will send a hard copy of the translation to your mailing address in Japan by registered mail.
Number of days required for issuance: About one week (may vary depending on JAF work load)
How to use "Foreign Driver’s License Translation Application Site"
2. Documents required for application
All countries
Image data showing the front and back of a currently valid driver’s license
Other additional documents required
Republic of the Philippines: Official receipt showing the driver’s license number and date of issue or a certificate from the driver’s license issuing authority
People’s Republic of China: Document showing the driver’s license subpage
Republic of Korea, Union of Myanmar, licenses written in Arabic: Residence card or copy of certificate of residence in Japan or passport
Afghanistan, Israel: A certificate issued by the embassy in Japan may be required.
3. Issuance fee
Type of translation | Translation fees | 7-Eleven printing fee |
---|---|---|
Japanese translation | ¥4,000 | ¥20/page |
Chinese translation | ¥4,400 |
4. Application process (credit card payment)
Flow of application
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- *When applying online, payment can only be made by credit card. Debit/prepaid cards and other types of payment will not be accepted.
5-1. Application process (cash payment at convenience store)
Flow of application
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For cash payment at a convenience store, you will receive an email from JAF with payment instructions after your translation request has been accepted. (This may take anywhere from the same day up to one or two weeks.) Please follow the instructions on the email to make your payment for the translation.JAF staff will begin working on the translation as soon as payment has been confirmed.
Please be aware that JAF may not be able to respond to problems that arise concerning the translation or application site outside of JAF business hours.
- *1Regardless of which convenience store payment is made at, the translation can only be printed at a 7-Eleven store.
- *2Payment at a convenience store can only be made by cash. Credit card, e-money or QR code* payments cannot be accepted.
- *3As a rule, cancellations cannot be made after JAF staff have begun working on the translation. If the translation work has not yet begun, you can make the cancellation on your My Page.
- *4Translations are generally issued the day after payment is confirmed. Do not wait at the convenience store after you make your payment, for the translation to be issued.
- *QR code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE.
5-2. How to pay at a convenience store
6. Printing the translation at 7-Eleven
How to print the translation out at a convenience store
If you have made your application through the Driver’s License Translation Application Site, you can use the netprint® service at any 7-Eleven store in Japan. For instructions, please see How to use a multifunction copier, below.
- *The initial print reference number is valid for one week. However, you can reissue a number from your My Page up to one year from the date of application.
How to use a multifunction copier
7. How receipts are issued
About receipts
After the translation work is complete and you are able to receive the translation, you can get a receipt from your My Page on the Driver’s License Translation Application Site. Please refer to FAQ for details regarding receipts.
8. Translation samples
Japanese translation
Sample of translation issued by JAF
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(1) Japanese translation before December 2017
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(2) Japanese translation as of December 2017 (using copy guard paper)
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(3) Japanese translation as of November 2022 (copy-protection printing)
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(4) After November 2024, text related to background pattern printing will be added to the red frame (copy prevention printing)
- *As of October 2022, translations collected at convenience stores are printed on paper noted in (3),(4) and translations received by regular mail or picked up in person are printed on paper noted in (2).
Sample of translation with an appendix
Translations of driver’s licenses issued in some countries need an appendix attached to describe the type of license and/or other details. Be sure not to forget it if you are printing at a convenience store, as you will need to have it with the translation to drive in Japan. If the translation of your license has an appendix, it will be noted on the lower left corner of the main document. Please check.
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If the translation has an appendix, text will be added within the red frame.
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If the translation has an appendix, text will be added within the red frame.
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Image of appendix
9. Precautions
- To switch from a foreign to a Japanese license (Gaimen Kirikae), the following two conditions must be met:
- 1.The foreign license must be valid (expired licenses cannot be transferred).
- 2.You must prove that you stayed in the country where your license was issued for a total of at least three months from the day you obtained the license.
- JAF does not translate International Driving Permits
- See here for the validity of the translation.
- If you renew your foreign driver’s license or make any changes on it (e.g. change of address), you will need to obtain a new translation.
- JAF may not be able to issue a translation, depending on the license.
- Applications can only be made online, from within Japan.
- Debit/prepaid cards will not be accepted, to avoid any trouble completing payment.
- JAF cannot be held responsible for any compensation due to changes in your itinerary as a result of being unable to obtain a JAF translation.
- For further information on JAF translations, please see the sections explaining each type of translation.
- Please be sure to read all of the information below and be mindful of the precautions, before making your application.
10. Information
11.FAQ
*Check Steps 1 and 2 before making your application.