Gaimen50-question practice tests in the real exam formatConverting a Chinese Driver's License (驾驶证) in Japan
Updated: 2026-10
Mainland Chinese licenses are not test-exempt, so after the document review you take both the knowledge test and the skills test. In Tokyo (警視庁) you also need a 基本信息 stamped by the vehicle management office (车辆管理所), one supporting certificate such as a driving record, and 10 years of entry/exit records from China's National Immigration Administration (NIA). Translations are available from JAF, ALADDIN or the embassy, among others.
A Chinese license means document review, knowledge test and skills test
The test-exempt countries and regions include Iceland, South Korea and Taiwan, but not mainland China. After the document review you must pass the knowledge test (知識確認: 50 true/false questions, 30 minutes, at least 45 correct) and the skills test (技能確認: at least 70 out of 100). Taiwanese licenses are exempt and Hong Kong licenses have different requirements, so this article covers mainland licenses.
The basic conditions: (1) your Chinese license is valid; (2) you stayed in China for a total of 3 months or more after getting it; (3) you are registered as a resident in Japan and can submit a residence record (住民票の写し) with the specified items. An electronic license (电子驾驶证) alone cannot be converted; Tokyo requires the original card.
China-only documents in Tokyo
According to Tokyo's list of documents by country (as of August 2026), Chinese license holders prepare the three items below. Item 2 can be obtained online if it carries the electronic official seal.
Tokyo says waiting time is much shorter if you apply for the entry/exit records on the NIA website and bring a printout.
| Document | Details (Tokyo) |
|---|---|
| 1. 基本信息 | With the 车辆管理所 seal. Beijing: 4 certificates from the 车辆管理所 (license, accident record, violations, 12-point record, all sealed) are also accepted. Tianjin: a sealed 登记信息 is also accepted |
| 2. One of the following | Score certificate (成绩证明) / driving history (经历证明) / credit status (信用状况: violations, accidents) / printout of your digital license (photo, name, QR code, address, class and acquisition date) |
| 3. Entry/exit records for 10 years | Apply on the NIA (国家移民管理局) website and bring a printout |
| Two or more classes | Documents showing the acquisition date of each class |
Other prefectures ask for different things (Aichi, Tochigi, Yamagata)
Extra documents for Chinese licenses vary by prefecture. These examples were checked in October 2026; always check the latest list where you apply.
Aichi's Higashi-Mikawa license center asks that you be able to open the app at the counter to show your digital license, so bring your phone as well as the printout.
| Where you apply | Extra documents |
|---|---|
| Aichi (Higashi-Mikawa) | Entry/exit records (apply on the NIA website, print, and be ready to show the web screen). Class A or B: printout of the digital license (also showing violation points and inspection validity date) or a no-accident, no-violation certificate. Multiple classes: proof of each acquisition date |
| Tochigi | Entry/exit records (NIA), 基本信息 and your Chinese ID card (居民身份证). Multiple classes: driving history certificate |
| Yamagata | Resident ID card (居民身份证) issued by the People's Republic of China |
Translation: don't forget the supplementary page (副页)
Self-made translations are not accepted. The main providers below are accepted in Tokyo and handle Chinese licenses. Only the license itself is translated.
JAF asks for images of the license's supplementary page (副页). If you renew your license, you need a new translation.
| Provider | Fee and time (checked Oct 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JAF | 6,600 yen (conversion version), 5 to 10 business days on average | Online only. Images of both sides of the license and the supplementary page |
| ALADDIN (訪日運転者支援協会) | 5,000 yen, usually the next business day | Counter only. Chinese licenses only for conversion to a Japanese license |
| Chinese embassy or consulate | Ask directly | Included in Tokyo's list as the issuing country's embassy |
Your name on the application: romanised plus Chinese characters
Under the National Police Agency guidelines, applicants from countries that use Chinese characters in names write their name in the Roman alphabet as on the residence record, followed by the Chinese characters in brackets (e.g. Zhu yuanzhang (朱 元璋)). Check beforehand that the names on your residence record, passport and license match.
In Tokyo, licenses from non-exempt countries are in principle converted one class per application. If you hold several classes (for example car and motorcycle), decide which to convert first. The Japanese class depends on the vehicles your Chinese license covers, and you may apply for a lower class.
The knowledge test is available in Chinese
Tokyo offers the knowledge test in 20 languages, including Chinese. The questions are about Japanese rules, though, so Japanese rules, starting with driving on the left, come up directly.
According to the National Police Agency, pass rates in October to December 2025 were 42.8% for the knowledge test and 13.1% for the skills test. If you pass the knowledge test but fail the skills test, reapplying within 6 months of the knowledge test date exempts you from the knowledge test. Practise the 50-question format with menkyopass's mock test in Chinese.
FAQ
Q. Can I convert with only an electronic license?
A. No. Tokyo requires the original card or paper license. A printout of the digital license is only used as a supporting document.
Q. Where do I get the entry/exit records?
A. Apply on the website of China's National Immigration Administration (NIA). Tokyo asks for 10 years and recommends bringing a printout to cut waiting time.
Q. Do I need my Chinese ID card (居民身份证)?
A. Tokyo's list does not mention it, but Tochigi and Yamagata require it. Check with the prefecture where you apply.
Q. Which translation is fastest?
A. As checked in October 2026: ALADDIN usually the next business day (counter only), JAF 5 to 10 business days on average.
Related guides
- Japan License Conversion Documents: Juminhyo, Translation, Passport
- Japanese Translation of Your License for Conversion: JAF, Fees
- The 3-Month Stay Rule for License Conversion in Japan: Proof
- Japan License Conversion Process: 6 Steps from Booking to License
- Failed Japan License Conversion? Reapplying and the 6-Month Rule
Sources (in Japanese)
- 警察庁 丙運発第59号（令和8年1月8日）別添「外国免許等関係事務取扱い要領」
- 警察庁「外国で取得した免許をお持ちの方」
- 警視庁「外国で取得した運転免許証を日本の運転免許証に切り替えるには」
- 警視庁「必要書類（共通）」PDF
- 警視庁「国別必要書類一覧」PDF（令和8年8月現在）
- 警視庁「国別必要書類一覧」中国語版PDF
- 警視庁「注意事項」PDF
- 警視庁「外国語による学科試験・知識確認」
- 愛知県警察 東三河運転免許センター「外国免許から国内免許への切替え」PDF（令和8年7月）
- 栃木県警察「必要証明書類（国別）一覧」PDF
- 山形県総合交通安全センター「外国驾驶证更换为日本驾驶证的申请手续」（中国語、2025年10月1日）
- JAF「翻訳文の申請方法」
- 一般社団法人訪日運転者支援協会（ALADDIN）
- 日本経済新聞「外国人の免許切り替え、筆記試験の合格率9割→4割に 25年10〜12月」（警察庁公表の報道）