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Converting a Brazilian Driver's License (CNH) in Japan

Updated: 2026-10

Brazil is not on the exemption list, so after the document check you take both the knowledge test (知識確認) and the driving test (技能確認). In Tokyo you also need a driving record, which you can get online. The knowledge test is available in Portuguese. A digital CNH alone is not accepted, so bring the card or paper original.

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Brazilian licenses: document check, knowledge test and driving test

Only 29 countries and regions, such as South Korea, Taiwan and parts of Europe, are exempt from both tests, and Brazil is not one of them (Tokyo police 警視庁, checked October 2026). The knowledge test is 50 true/false questions in 30 minutes; you need 45 to pass. The driving test needs 70 out of 100.

You need: (1) a valid Brazilian license; (2) a total of at least 3 months in Brazil after getting it; and (3) residence registration in Japan with a copy of your residence record showing nationality and status (住民票の写し, 特定事項入り). No proxy applications.

Tokyo: a driving record from the web

Tokyo's list of documents by country (国別必要書類一覧, as of August 2026) asks Brazilian license holders for "driving records (available on the web)". Unlike some countries, you do not need to visit an office in Brazil, but print it so you can hand it in as an original.

Tokyo police require the original card or paper license; a digital license alone cannot be converted. Dual nationals must bring passports from every country of nationality on the appointment day.

Document	Conditions (Tokyo)
Brazilian CNH (original)	Card or paper; the digital version alone is not accepted
Driving record	Obtained online
Japanese translation (翻訳文)	JAF, the embassy, etc.
Passports (old, new, every nationality)	Brazilian stamps showing 3 months or more
Copy of residence record (住民票の写し)	With status details, no My Number, issued within 6 months (Tokyo)

Aichi, Saitama, Tochigi and Miyagi

Even in prefectures with many Brazilian residents, the extra documents differ slightly. These examples were checked in October 2026; always check the latest list where you apply.

At Aichi police's Higashi-Mikawa license center, document-check days are set by issuing country, and Brazilian licenses are handled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (July 2026 notice). Aichi also says certificates issued abroad need authentication by that country's foreign ministry (公印確認) or an apostille; Saitama police give the same notice.

Where you apply	Extra documents for Brazilian licenses
Aichi police (Higashi-Mikawa)	License history certificate (Prontuário)
Saitama police	Driving history certificate (web) and immigration records (web, etc.)
Tochigi police	Driving history certificate, immigration records, CTPS (work and social security booklet)
Miyagi police	Driving history certificate (web version accepted)

Translation and proving 3 months

You cannot translate the license yourself. Only designated bodies (the issuing authority, the embassy or consulate in Japan, JAF and others) are accepted. JAF's translation for conversion costs 6,600 yen and takes 5 to 10 business days on average (from July 1, 2026). JAF's application site has a guide in Portuguese.

The 3 months are counted as total days in Brazil after you got the license. Passport stamps are the basic proof; without them you need proof of stay such as immigration records (Tokyo police). If your renewed CNH does not show the first issue date, you also need a document proving it, such as your driving history.

Steps and fees in Tokyo

In Tokyo you book online, then go to the Fuchu (府中) or Samezu (鮫洲) test center for the document check. The Koto (江東) center only handles licenses from exempt countries, so you cannot apply there. Applications are accepted on weekdays from 8:30 to 15:00 (not 11:00 to 13:00). After the document check comes the knowledge test, and if you pass, the driving test on a later booked date. You cannot take the driving test on the day you apply.

For licenses from non-exempt countries, you can normally apply for only one license type at a time. If you want to convert both a car and a motorcycle license, prepare documents showing when you got each one and apply separately.

Fee (Tokyo police, checked October 2026)	Amount
Application fee (ordinary car, 普通)	2,500 yen
Application fee (moped, 原付)	1,600 yen
Application fee (large, medium, semi-medium)	3,900 yen
Issuance fee	2,350 yen
JAF translation (for conversion)	6,600 yen

You can take the knowledge test in Portuguese

Tokyo's knowledge test is offered in 20 languages, including Portuguese. Aichi police also offer Portuguese.

According to the National Police Agency (警察庁), pass rates for October to December 2025 were 42.8% for the knowledge test and 13.1% for the driving test. Brazil drives on the right while Japan drives on the left, so relearn turning positions and right-of-way at intersections. If you pass the knowledge test but fail the driving test, reapplying within 6 months of the knowledge test day exempts you from it. You can practice the 50-question format with menkyopass's English mock test.

FAQ

Q. Can I apply with only the digital CNH?

A. No. Tokyo police require the original card or paper license; a digital license alone cannot be converted.

Q. Can I take the knowledge test in Portuguese?

A. Yes. Both Tokyo and Aichi police offer Portuguese.

Q. Which days can I book in Aichi?

A. According to the Higashi-Mikawa center's July 2026 notice, document checks for Brazilian licenses are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, booked through Aichi police's online application system.