Gaimen50-question practice tests in the real exam formatCan You Convert a License in Japan Without a Residence Record?
Updated: 2026-10
Since October 1, 2025, foreign nationals generally need a copy of their residence record (住民票の写し) to convert a foreign license. People with Temporary Visitor status (短期滞在), such as tourists, can no longer apply, and applying with a hotel address is no longer possible. The only exceptions are people holding specific documents set by law, such as diplomats. If you have just arrived as a mid- to long-term resident, register your address at your city office first.
What changed in October 2025
The National Police Agency's guidelines state that applications using documents other than those listed in a National Public Safety Commission notice do not meet the formal requirements, and that people with Temporary Visitor status in particular "cannot apply for a license, unlike before." The National Police Agency also states that foreign nationals not covered by the Basic Resident Registration Act generally cannot apply for a driver's license, except in exceptional cases set by law.
The residence record also determines where you apply: conversion applications go to the Public Safety Commission (公安委員会) of the prefecture where you are registered.
Previously, short-term visitors could apply using the address of where they were staying, such as a hotel. Since October 2025 that is no longer possible; being able to submit a residence record copy is now a precondition.
Requirements for the residence record copy
Even if you have a residence record, an unsuitable copy will be rejected. Prefectural guidance agrees on these points:
- It must show the items recorded for foreign residents (特定事項): nationality, status of residence, period of stay and its expiry date, residence card number, etc. (Kyoto and Aichi police)
- Issued within the last 6 months (Tokyo and Kanagawa police)
- An original — photocopies are not accepted (Kanagawa and Aichi police)
- Without your My Number (individual number) printed on it (Tokyo police)
Who can apply without a residence record (legal exceptions)
People not covered by the Basic Resident Registration Act must present one of the identity documents below, attach a document issued by a public body confirming their address (for example, one issued by an embassy in Japan or US Forces Japan), and also present a passport (National Police Agency guidelines). The list is exhaustive; no other documents are accepted.
| Type | Identity document |
|---|---|
| Issued by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Diplomatic, consular, staff or international-organization ID cards |
| Landing permission stamp | Showing Diplomat (外交) or Official (公用) status |
| Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格認定証明書) | The COE itself |
| Landing permission stamp | Showing a status that requires a visa and COE (not Temporary Visitor) |
| US Forces Japan | US armed forces member ID card |
Just arrived? Register your address first
If you entered Japan as a mid- to long-term resident (student, worker, etc.), you must report your place of residence at your city or ward office within 14 days of settling there (Immigration Services Agency). This creates your residence record; get a copy and then apply for conversion.
The other key condition — staying at least 3 months in total in the issuing country after getting your license — refers to time in the country that issued your license, not time in Japan. How long you have been in Japan does not matter.
Options for tourists and short-term visitors
Short-term visitors who want to drive in Japan use an international driving permit instead of converting. Japan only accepts 1949 Geneva Convention IDPs, valid for driving up to one year from landing (or until the IDP expires, if sooner). Licenses from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan can be used with a Japanese translation from a designated body (National Police Agency).
Vietnamese IDPs follow the Vienna Convention format and are not valid in Japan (National Police Agency reference), and mainland China is not a party to the Geneva Convention. Visitors from such countries on short-term status have no way to drive in Japan.
Once you have your residence record, prepare for the test
Your residence record copy must be less than 6 months old, so if you fail the knowledge test and reapply you may need a new one. Practice before you book so you can pass the first time. menkyopass mock exams are available in English in the real format: 50 questions in 30 minutes.
FAQ
Q. Can I convert my license on a tourist visa?
A. No. Since October 1, 2025, people with Temporary Visitor status cannot apply.
Q. Can I use my hotel address?
A. No. Foreign nationals generally need a residence record copy, and you apply in the prefecture where you are registered.
Q. I just arrived and don't have a residence record yet.
A. Report your address at the city office within 14 days of settling in; your residence record is then created. Get a copy and apply.
Q. Can I apply with a Certificate of Eligibility instead?
A. Legally it is one accepted identity document, but you also need an address document issued by a public body, such as an embassy. For most people, registering and submitting a residence record is the reliable route. Check with your prefectural police.
Related guides
- Japan License Conversion Documents: Juminhyo, Translation, Passport
- International Driving Permit vs License Conversion in Japan
- Japan License Conversion Rules Changed in Oct 2025: What's New
- The 3-Month Stay Rule for License Conversion in Japan: Proof
- Japan License Conversion Process: 6 Steps from Booking to License