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Russian Driver's License to Japanese License: Documents & Names

Updated: 2026-10

Russia is not a test-exempt country, so after the document review you take both the knowledge test (知識確認) and the skills test (技能確認). Tokyo's list by country says that if the name on your passport or residence card differs from the name on your Russian license, you need embassy-issued proof that both belong to the same person. The knowledge test is available in Russian.

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Russian licenses: document review + knowledge test + skills test

Only 29 countries and regions, such as Korea and some European countries, are test-exempt; Russia is not one of them. You must pass the knowledge test (50 true/false questions, 30 minutes, 45 correct to pass) and the skills test (70 of 100 points).

Common conditions: (1) your Russian license is valid; (2) you stayed in Russia 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 certificate (住民票) with the special items, issued within 6 months and without My Number. Temporary Visitors cannot apply. In Tokyo, licenses from non-exempt countries can normally be converted one type per application.

Tokyo's Russia-specific document: proof when names differ

In Tokyo's List of Required Documents by Country (as of August 2026), the Russia entry covers only names: if the name on your passport or residence card does not match the name on your Russian license, you need a document issued by the embassy proving both identities belong to the same person.

If your surname changed through marriage, or the Latin spelling differs between documents, compare them before applying. Saitama Police also require, for any country, a certificate explaining why the names differ.

Situation	Document needed
Passport, residence card and license names match	No Russia-specific extra document (Tokyo). Prepare the common documents
Passport or residence card name differs from the license	Proof of identity issued by the embassy (Tokyo)
Applying in Saitama with differing names	A certificate explaining the difference (Saitama Police)

Keep your name consistent

Under the National Police Agency's rules, foreign applicants write their name on the form in Latin letters based on their residence certificate. In Japanese procedures, the spelling on your residence certificate and residence card is the reference.

JAF asks applicants with licenses written mainly in non-Latin scripts, such as Russian, to enter their name in Japanese or English when ordering a translation. Using the same spelling as your residence card makes matching easier at the document review.

Translation and proof of issue date

Your own translation is not accepted. Tokyo accepts translations from the issuing country's embassy in Japan, JAF and a few others. A JAF translation for conversion costs ¥6,600 and takes 5–10 business days on average (online only, from within Japan).

If your license does not show the first issue date, you need a document proving it; if you hold two or more types (such as car and motorcycle), you need one showing each issue date. Tokyo says a digital license alone cannot be converted; bring the physical card.

Document (Tokyo example)	Notes
Russian driver's license (original)	The physical card. Bring expired old licenses too, if you have them
Japanese translation	From an approved provider such as JAF or an embassy
Passports (including old ones)	To confirm 3+ months in Russia after getting the license
Residence certificate (住民票)	With special items, within 6 months, no My Number
Photo	3 cm × 2.4 cm, one per license type
Proof of identity (embassy)	If your passport or residence card name differs from the license

Proof of 3 months' stay and fees

Your 3+ months in Russia are checked through entry/exit stamps in all your passports. If those are not enough, Tokyo accepts proof such as an entry/exit record certificate, utility bills, a certificate of employment, academic transcripts or 3+ consecutive years of tax certificates.

In Tokyo, your stay also decides the beginner-mark obligation (初心者マーク, 1 year in total) and carrying a passenger on a motorcycle (1 year on ordinary roads, 3 years on expressways).

Fees (Tokyo, checked Oct 2026)	Amount
Application fee (ordinary car 普通)	¥2,500
Application fee (large, medium, semi-medium)	¥3,900
Application fee (other)	¥2,800
Issuance fee	¥2,350
JAF translation (for conversion)	¥6,600

Take the knowledge test in Russian

Tokyo offers the knowledge test in 20 languages, including Russian. According to the National Police Agency, pass rates in October–December 2025 were 42.8% for the knowledge test and 13.1% for the skills test.

The skills test is usually about 3–4 months after booking, and your license must be valid until then (Tokyo Metropolitan Police). If you pass the knowledge test but fail the skills test, reapplying within 6 months of the knowledge test date exempts you from it. Russia drives on the right, so practise turning positions for Japan's left-hand traffic. Get used to the 50-question, 45-to-pass format with the menkyopass mock test in Russian.

FAQ

Q. Is a Russian license test-exempt?

A. No. After the document review you take both the knowledge and skills tests.

Q. Does everyone need an embassy document?

A. In Tokyo, only if the name on your passport or residence card differs from your license; then you need embassy-issued proof of identity.

Q. How do I write my name when ordering from JAF?

A. JAF asks holders of Russian-language licenses to enter their name in Japanese or English. Matching your residence card is safest.

Q. Can I take the knowledge test in Russian?

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