Gaimen50-question practice tests in the real exam formatConverting a Foreign License in Chiba: Makuhari Hours & Booking
Updated: 2026-10
In Chiba, foreign license conversion (gaimen kirikae, 外免切替) is only handled at the Chiba Driver's License Center in Makuhari (Mihama-ku, Chiba City) — not at the Nagareyama center. For licenses other than mopeds, the first step, the document check, needs no booking: go on a weekday between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. From the knowledge test onward everything is by appointment, and Chiba police say slots are filled several months ahead. Everything below is from the Chiba Prefectural Police official page (checked October 2026).
How Chiba works: no booking for the document check, booking from the knowledge test
Chiba police say that for license classes that involve a driving test, the document check is not by appointment, while the knowledge and driving tests are. The flow is: document check (driving-history review) → knowledge test (booked, on a later day) → aptitude test → driving test → license issued. In principle, the knowledge test through the driving test are done on the same day.
Because applicant numbers are very high, the document check takes a long time and results may come the next day or later. Waits for knowledge-test slots are also long.
| License class | Document check | Knowledge & driving tests |
|---|---|---|
| Other than moped (e.g. regular car) | No booking. Come weekdays 8:30–9:00 or 13:00–13:30 | By appointment (full months ahead) |
| Moped (原付) | By appointment (since June 16, 2025). Book in person at counter 10, weekdays 14:30–15:00 | – |
Reception hours and things to note
Reception is only 8:30–9:00 a.m. and 1:00–1:30 p.m. on weekdays — not on weekends, public or substitute holidays, or over New Year. Late arrivals are not accepted, even if your train was delayed.
To book a moped slot you must go in person with ID such as your residence card. If you can't speak Japanese, bring someone who can interpret. Groups of 5 or more must call at least 7 days before the desired date to arrange a schedule (043-274-2000, press 1 → 55 → 1, weekdays 4:30–5:00 p.m.).
Documents for Chiba
The documents listed on the Chiba police page. Requirements vary by country and how you got your license, so the police recommend calling the center first (043-274-2000, press 1 → 55 → 1).
- Valid foreign driver's license (International Driving Permits cannot be converted)
- Translation from an approved issuer such as an embassy/consulate, JAF, ALADDIN, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (Taiwan licenses only) or the German automobile club (German licenses only)
- Passport (to confirm 3+ months in the issuing country). Without stamps, bring entry/exit records or proof of employment from that country
- Certificate of residence (住民票の写し) showing every item recorded for foreign residents, without My Number
- ID such as My Number card or passport; foreign nationals also bring their residence card
- Any Japanese license you hold, whatever its expiry date; a certificate of your foreign driving history (not always needed)
- Photo 3 cm × 2.4 cm taken within 6 months — you can also have one taken (paid) at the center
Who can sit the tests, and in which languages
According to Chiba police, only people with resident registration in Chiba Prefecture can take the knowledge and driving tests. Foreign nationals on short-term stay cannot sit them, even with a booking.
Since October 2025 the knowledge test has 50 written questions in 30 minutes, with 45 (90%) needed to pass. It is offered in 20 languages (English, Spanish, Persian, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Burmese, Mongolian, Ukrainian, Sinhala, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi); tell the reception counter which one you want.
The driving-test course also changed in October 2025. You can't practise at the license center; contact a driving school yourself (some don't offer practice for license conversion).
Fees
On the Chiba police conversion page, both the application fee and the issuance fee say "please contact us for details" — no amounts are given (checked October 2026). Ask the Chiba Driver's License Center (043-274-2000).
Getting to the Chiba Driver's License Center
Address: 2-1 Hamada, Mihama-ku, Chiba (千葉市美浜区浜田2丁目1番); phone 043-274-2000. When there's an event at Makuhari Messe, bus stops and nearby roads get crowded, so leave extra time.
- From Makuhari-Hongo Station (JR Sobu / Keisei): bus bound for 「海浜幕張駅」 to 「免許センター」, about 10 min
- From Kaihin-Makuhari Station (JR Keiyo): bus bound for 「幕張本郷駅」 about 5 min, or about 15 min on foot
- From Makuhari-Toyosuna Station (JR Keiyo): about 20 min on foot (no bus stops at 「免許センター」)
Don't waste a slot you waited months for
Knowledge-test slots are booked months ahead, and failing means waiting again. menkyopass's mock exam uses the same 50-question, 30-minute format, in English.
FAQ
Q. Can I convert at the Nagareyama center?
A. No. In Chiba, conversion is only done at the Chiba Driver's License Center in Makuhari.
Q. Do I need a booking for the document check?
A. Not for licenses other than mopeds — come on a weekday 8:30–9:00 or 13:00–13:30. Mopeds have required booking since June 16, 2025. From the knowledge test on, every class is by appointment.
Q. How much are the fees in Chiba?
A. The Chiba police page gives no amounts and asks you to contact them (checked October 2026). Call the center at 043-274-2000.
Q. Are the knowledge and driving tests on different days?
A. Chiba police say that, in principle, the knowledge test through the driving test are carried out on the same day.
Related guides
- Japan License Conversion Process: 6 Steps from Booking to License
- Japan License Conversion Documents: Juminhyo, Translation, Passport
- Failed Japan License Conversion? Reapplying and the 6-Month Rule
- Converting a Foreign License in Tokyo: Fuchu, Samezu, Koto Guide
- Converting a Foreign License in Saitama: Konosu Online Booking