Gaimen50-question practice tests in the real exam formatConverting a Nepali Driving License in Japan: Documents, Stamps
Updated: 2026-10
Nepal 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) you also need a Driving Record stamped by both Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo, plus License Holders Details. Both come from Nepal, so start early.
A Nepali license means document review, knowledge test and skills test
Only some countries and regions, such as Iceland, South Korea and Taiwan, are test-exempt; Nepal 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 Nepali license is valid; (2) you stayed in Nepal 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.
Nepal-only documents in Tokyo
Tokyo's list of documents by country (as of August 2026) asks Nepali license holders for the two documents below, both obtained in Nepal.
The Driving Record needs both the MOFA stamp and the stamp of the Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo. After getting the record in Nepal, have it authenticated by MOFA before bringing it to Japan. Ask the embassy directly about the order of steps, its fee and how to apply.
| Document | Conditions (Tokyo) |
|---|---|
| Driving Record | Stamped by both Nepal's MOFA and the Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo. Obtained in Nepal |
| License Holders Details | Details of the license holder. Obtained in Nepal |
Other prefectures (Tochigi, Aichi)
Extra documents vary by prefecture. These examples were checked in October 2026; always check the latest list where you apply.
Tochigi also requires authentication by both Nepal's MOFA and the embassy in Japan. Aichi (Higashi-Mikawa) asks for License Holder Details "if you hold several license classes or have renewed your license", and says certificates obtained abroad need a seal confirmation by the issuing country's foreign ministry or an apostille.
| Where you apply | Extra documents |
|---|---|
| Tokyo Metropolitan Police (警視庁) | Driving Record (MOFA and Tokyo embassy stamps), License Holders Details |
| Tochigi | Driver's License Certificate authenticated by both Nepal's MOFA and the embassy in Japan, Driving History Certificate |
| Aichi (Higashi-Mikawa) | License Holder Details (if several classes or renewed) |
Translation: JAF, the embassy, etc.
Self-made translations are not accepted. Tokyo accepts providers such as JAF, and translations from the Embassy of Nepal 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.
| Provider | Fee and time (checked Oct 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JAF | 6,600 yen (conversion version), 5 to 10 business days on average | Online only. JPEG images of both sides |
| Embassy of Nepal in Japan | Ask directly | Included in Tokyo's list as the issuing country's embassy |
Proving 3 months, and holding several classes
Your stay in Nepal (3 months or more in total after getting the license) is checked with the stamps in all your current and old passports. If that is not enough, Tokyo accepts "documents proving the length of stay" such as an employment certificate, academic transcript, tax certificates for 3 or more consecutive years, a residence certificate or utility bills. A salary statement alone is not accepted.
In Tokyo, licenses from non-exempt countries are in principle converted one class per application. If you hold both car and motorcycle licenses, apply separately, bring proof of each class's issue date and one photo per class.
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).
The knowledge test is available in Nepali
Tokyo offers the knowledge test in 20 languages, including Nepali.
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. Where does the Driving Record need to be authenticated?
A. Tokyo's list requires both Nepal's MOFA stamp and the stamp of the Embassy of Nepal in Tokyo. Ask the embassy about fees and procedure.
Q. Does everyone need License Holders Details?
A. In Tokyo, yes. Aichi (Higashi-Mikawa) asks for it only if you hold several classes or have renewed. Check where you apply.
Q. Must the translation come from the embassy?
A. No. Translations from JAF and other approved providers are also accepted.
Q. Can I take the knowledge test in Nepali?
A. Yes. Tokyo's knowledge test is offered in 20 languages, including Nepali.
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」英語版PDF
- 警視庁「国別必要書類一覧」中国語版PDF（滞在期間証明書類の一覧）
- 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」
- 栃木県警察「必要証明書類（国別）一覧」英語版PDF
- 栃木県警察「必要証明書類（国別）一覧」PDF
- 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）
- JAF「翻訳文の申請方法」
- 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）