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Converting an Indonesian Driving License (SIM) in Japan

Updated: 2026-10

Indonesia is not a test-exempt country, so after the document review you take both the knowledge test and the skills test. In Tokyo (警視庁), the extra document is a driving record from Indonesia if your license does not show the issue date. A SIM renewed several times may not show the first issue date, so get a certificate with the first issue date and renewal history before you need it.

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An Indonesian license means document review, knowledge test and skills test

Only some countries and regions, such as Iceland, South Korea and Taiwan, are test-exempt; Indonesia is not. 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).

The basic conditions: (1) your Indonesian license is valid; (2) you stayed in Indonesia 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. People on a short-term status cannot apply.

The key is proving when you got your license

Tokyo requires a document proving the first issue date (such as a driver's record) if your license does not show it. For Indonesia, its country list says: "driving record (mandatory if the license does not show the date of issue), from the home country".

The date matters because the 3 months are counted from it, and Tokyo also uses your length of stay for the beginner mark (初心者マーク, 1 year in total) and for carrying motorcycle passengers (1 year in total on ordinary roads, 3 years on expressways). If your renewed card does not show the first issue date, prepare a certificate.

Where you applyExtra documents (checked Oct 2026)
Tokyo Metropolitan Police (警視庁)Driving record (mandatory if the license has no issue date). From Indonesia
TochigiDriver's License Certificate showing the first issue date and all renewals. From the Indonesian license center
Aichi (Higashi-Mikawa)A certificate showing the issue date (if not on the license)

Certificates obtained abroad

Documents must be originals; copies are not accepted (Tokyo, Aichi and others). Aichi's Higashi-Mikawa center says certificates obtained abroad need a seal confirmation by the issuing country's foreign ministry or an apostille. Tokyo's list does not say this, so check with the prefecture where you apply.

If you hold two or more license types (for example SIM A for cars and SIM C for motorcycles), you need proof of each one's issue date (Tokyo). In Tokyo, licenses from non-exempt countries are in principle converted one type per application, so decide which to convert first and apply separately, with one photo per type.

Translation: JAF, the embassy, etc.

Self-made translations are not accepted. Tokyo accepts providers such as JAF, and translations from the Embassy of Indonesia in Japan are also accepted.

If you renew your license you need a new translation. Tokyo says the skills test is usually about 3 to 4 months after booking, and your license must be valid until then.

ProviderFee and time (checked Oct 2026)Notes
JAF6,600 yen (conversion version), 5 to 10 business days on averageOnline only. JPEG images of both sides
Embassy of Indonesia in JapanAsk directlyIncluded in Tokyo's list as the issuing country's embassy

Proving 3 months in Indonesia without stamps

Your stay in Indonesia is checked with the stamps in all your current and old passports. If you used automated gates and have no stamps, you need an official entry/exit record or similar.

Tokyo lists the following "documents proving the length of stay". A salary statement alone is not accepted and must be combined with other documents.

  • An entry and exit record showing your dates in and out of Indonesia
  • Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, phone, internet) with your name, address and period of use
  • Employment certificate from your employer in Indonesia
  • Academic transcript from a school in Indonesia stating the period
  • Tax certificates from a government office for 3 or more consecutive years
  • Residence certificate from a government office

The knowledge test is available in Indonesian

Tokyo offers the knowledge test in 20 languages, including Indonesian.

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 English mock test.

FAQ

Q. Does everyone need a driving record?

A. In Tokyo it is mandatory if the license does not show the issue date. Tochigi asks for a certificate showing the first issue date and all renewals. Check where you apply.

Q. Can I convert my car and motorcycle licenses at once?

A. In Tokyo, licenses from non-exempt countries are in principle converted one type per application. Apply separately and bring proof of each one's issue date.

Q. Where can I get the translation?

A. JAF, the Embassy of Indonesia in Japan, etc.

Q. Can I take the knowledge test in Indonesian?

A. Yes. Tokyo's knowledge test is offered in 20 languages, including Indonesian.

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Related guides

Sources (in Japanese)

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