Ibaraki Foreign License Conversion: Online Booking, Steps, Fees

Booking: first-timers book online only

The police launched the online booking system on December 1, 2025. Only first-time applicants can use it; anyone who has taken the test before cannot book through it. The counter does not accept advance bookings, and slots close when full. The police ask you not to phone about the system. Prepare all documents before booking.

The system first checks that you are eligible (living in Ibaraki, holding a foreign license and residence card, with an accepted translation, the fees and two photos ready) and not barred (under license suspension or revocation). You then enter your name (in the Latin alphabet), nationality, passport number, email and so on, and answer questions about proof of your 3-month stay, your residence certificate and country-specific documents.

Venue: the License Center (Tsukuba-kita for special countries)

The system shows two venues, "運転免許センター" and "つくば北警察センター". However, if your license is not from a special (test-exempt) country, the only venue you can choose is the License Center. Applicants using つくば北警察センター are asked to email their booking number and phone number to gaimen@pref.ibaraki.lg.jp.

To change or cancel, you need the 16-digit booking number from the confirmation and the last 4 digits of your passport number.

The day: pass the review and take the knowledge test the same day

First-time applicants: prepare documents → book online → document review → knowledge test and driving test (for those who pass the knowledge test). If you pass the review, the knowledge test is held that day, but the review takes time, so expect a long wait.

If you are applying for the knowledge test only: come at your booked time → knowledge test → driving test (if passed). For the driving test only: come at your booked time → driving test. In the review, staff ask how you obtained your foreign license; depending on the result, your application may be refused or extra certificates required. The license is issued the same day in principle. You cannot practise driving at the center.

Knowledge test languages and fees

The knowledge test is offered in 20 languages: English, Arabic, Indonesian, Ukrainian, Urdu, Korean, Khmer, Sinhala, Spanish, Thai, Tagalog, Chinese, Nepali, Hindi, Vietnamese, Persian, Portuguese, Burmese, Mongolian and Russian. If you are not confident in Japanese, the police ask you to come with an interpreter.

Requirements and documents

You must be eligible to take the test, hold a valid foreign license, have stayed in the issuing country for a total of 3 months (90 days) after getting it — provable from passport stamps and the license issue date — live in Ibaraki, and have a valid period of stay (visa). Minimum ages: 18 for standard and semi-medium, 20 for medium, 21 for large (with experience conditions).

• Residence certificate (住民票): for foreign nationals, showing nationality, status and period of stay, residence card number, etc. (not accepted if your period of stay has expired). The booking system says: all items except the My Number, issued within 6 months
• Foreign license (all old ones too). If it lacks the acquisition/issue date, a document proving it
• Japanese translation (from the issuing country's embassy/consulate in Japan, JAF or another source the police accept)
• Passports from the one used when you got the license up to your current one. Without stamps: entry/exit certificate, employment certificate, payslips, graduation certificate (originals), etc.
• Two photos 3 cm × 2.4 cm (within 6 months), residence card (在留カード), International Driving Permit if you have one
• If you have just moved to Ibaraki: proof of residence (e.g. your apartment lease)

Location and access

Ibaraki Prefecture Driver's License Center, 3783-3 Nagaoka, Ibaraki Town, Higashiibaraki District (茨城県東茨城郡茨城町長岡3783-3), tel. 029-293-8811. From JR Mito Station (Joban Line), take a Kanto Railway bus bound for "運転免許センター行" from stop 3 at the north exit bus terminal, about 40 minutes. By car, about 1 km from Ibarakimachi-higashi IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway via Route 6 (police guide page, May 2025).

Application forms, test slips and questionnaires are available at counter 14 in the center.

Knowledge test on review day — study before you book

In Ibaraki, passing the review takes you straight to the knowledge test the same day, so finish studying before your appointment. menkyopass mock tests use the same 50-question, 30-minute format in English, Vietnamese and Chinese.

FAQ

Related guides

• Japan License Conversion Process: 6 Steps from Booking to License
• Japan License Conversion Documents: Juminhyo, Translation, Passport
• The 3-Month Stay Rule for License Conversion in Japan: Proof
• How to Book a License Conversion Appointment in Japan
• Converting a Foreign License in Chiba: Makuhari Hours & Booking

Sources (in Japanese)

• 茨城県警察「外国免許から日本免許への切替」
• 同ページのアーカイブ（2026年6月17日取得。2026年10月12日時点で県警サイトは簡易表示のため）
• 茨城県警察 学科試験等予約システム「外国免許切替予約」
• 茨城県警察「運転免許」（予約システムへのリンク）
• 茨城県警察「運転免許センターの案内」（アーカイブ、2025年5月取得）
• 警察庁「都道府県警察の予約システム」一覧
• 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」