Converting a Foreign License in Kanagawa: Futamatagawa Booking

How to book: counter 12, weekdays 2–3 p.m.

Kanagawa police ask you to secure an appointment in advance at the foreign license counter of the License Center. Bookings are taken Monday to Friday (except weekends, holidays and New Year), 2–3 p.m., directly at counter 12.

For questions about booking there is a consultation line, 045-365-6000 (weekdays 3–4 p.m.). Because detailed checks are involved, the police ask that someone who understands Japanese makes the call. Even if you only want an explanation or consultation from staff at the counter, you need an appointment.

Required documents vary by issuing country and how you obtained the license, so confirm them when you book.

Reception hours on your appointment day

On the day, reception is at a time the police assign in advance: 8:30–9:00 a.m. or 1:00–1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, at counter 12 (foreign license section) on the 3rd floor. If Japanese communication is difficult, bring a Japanese interpreter.

The document check takes place at your appointment. You must pass everything up to the driving test while your foreign license is still valid.

How "3 months (90 days)" and "1 year" are counted

Kanagawa police spell out the requirement as "3 months (90 days)": the total days you spent in the issuing country during the period your license can be confirmed as valid.

If you can prove a total of 1 year or more in the issuing country after getting the license, you are exempt from the beginner-driver period (beginner mark, no motorcycle passengers, etc.).

• Countries that don't stamp passports (EU, etc.): you need originals such as employment certificates, payslips or school diplomas. Japanese entry/exit records alone don't prove your stay
• Dual nationals (including people born outside their passport country): 90 days are counted only in periods when the passports overlap
• US military personnel: prove your stay with service records or orders, and bring a DD214
• Foreign nationals not covered by the Basic Resident Registration Act cannot obtain or renew a license, except diplomats and a few others

Documents to bring (Kanagawa's list)

Main documents from the official page. Some countries need more, so confirm when you book.

• Valid foreign license (and old expired ones if you have them). A certificate from the issuing authority may be required — no copies or photos
• Passport (and old passports if you have them). People registered for automated gates etc. need extra documents
• Japanese translation only from a designated issuer such as an embassy/consulate in Japan, JAF (Kanagawa branch 045-482-1255) or ALADDIN
• Certificate of residence (住民票の写し) showing nationality, status of residence and all other specified items; issued within 6 months; no copies
• Residence card or special permanent resident certificate; one photo (3.0 cm × 2.4 cm)
• Japanese license or US-military driving permit (if any), International Driving Permit (if any), glasses (if needed)

21-language knowledge test, driving test and fees

The knowledge test (知識確認) has 50 true/false questions and you need 90% or more to pass. It is offered in 21 languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Tagalog, Russian, Persian, Korean, Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Burmese, Mongolian, Ukrainian, Sinhala, Urdu, Arabic and Hindi.

After passing it, the driving test (技能確認) takes place on the center's course on a date you book online or by phone.

On fees, Kanagawa police only say they "differ by license class and whether a driving test is needed — please confirm when booking"; no amounts are listed.

Getting to the License Center

Address: 1-1-1 Nakao, Asahi-ku, Yokohama (横浜市旭区中尾1丁目1番1号); main phone 045-365-3111. The nearest station is Futamatagawa on the Sotetsu Line.

• Sotetsu bus: from Futamatagawa north exit turn right; the stop is on the 1st floor of the Sotetsu Life building (ジョイナステラス3); about 5 min to 「運転免許センター」
• On foot: about 15 min from the north exit
• Enquiries: Foreign License Section (運転免許課外国免許係), weekdays 8:30–17:15

Use the waiting time to practise

Failing the knowledge test means starting over. menkyopass's mock exam uses the same 50-question, 30-minute format, in English.

FAQ

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 Chiba: Makuhari Hours & Booking

Sources (in Japanese)

• 神奈川県警察「外国の運転免許から日本の運転免許への切替手続について」
• 神奈川県警察「運転免許センター」（所在地・交通）
• 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」