Toyama License Conversion: Phone Booking, Screening Mon–Thu

Booking: phone, weekdays 14:00–17:00; screening Mon–Thu

Book the document screening by calling the Toyama Prefectural Police main number, 076-441-2211. Bookings are taken Monday to Friday, 14:00–17:00 (not on public holidays, national holidays or 29 Dec–3 Jan).

Booked applicants are received for screening Monday to Thursday only, 8:30–9:00 and 13:00–13:30. The police say there are so many applicants that it takes a long time to reach your screening date. If documents are missing, you must book another day for re-screening, so get everything ready before booking. The English page (updated 29 Jan 2025) also lists Friday mornings, but the Japanese page (updated 16 May 2026) says Monday to Thursday.

Documents for Toyama

Foreign nationals who cannot get a residence certificate (short-term stay, or a status of three months or less) generally cannot apply, and the police ask them to contact the license center first.

• Passport (and old passports, if any). You must prove you stayed in the issuing country for at least three months after getting the license; if your passport lacks entry/exit stamps, bring other proof of your stay
• One residence certificate (住民票) showing nationality, issued by a municipality in Toyama for your Toyama address, without My Number, no photocopies; foreign nationals need nationality, status and period of stay
• Residence card (在留カード) — the actual card; a temporary receipt (預かり証) is not accepted
• Foreign license (an International Driving Permit cannot be converted; if the license shows no issue date, bring proof of it)
• Japanese translation by the issuing authority, a consulate, JAF etc., showing vehicle classes, validity and conditions
• One photo (taken within 6 months, 3cm × 2.4cm, name and date taken written on the back)
• Fees
• Expired Japanese license (if applicable)
• Clothes and shoes suitable for driving; glasses (if needed)

Translations and extra documents by country

The JAF Toyama branch does not do translations. If you use JAF, contact the JAF West Japan Translation Center (052-300-3399) or East Japan Translation Center (03-6833-9110). The police advise checking in advance whether your language can be translated.

Extra documents may be needed depending on your country or the screening. Examples given by Toyama police:

Process and test languages (20 + Japanese)

The process is: document screening and questions about how you got your license → aptitude test (eyesight etc.) → knowledge test → skills test → issuance. After screening you get an appointment slip; on the knowledge test day, bring it with ID and one photo and check in at Counter 11 with your interpreter. On the skills test day, bring your test voucher, fee receipt and ID to Counter 11.

The knowledge test is available in English, Spanish, Persian, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Burmese (Myanmar), Mongolian, Ukrainian, Sinhala, Urdu, Arabic and Hindi (20 languages), plus Japanese (checked October 2026).

The knowledge test follows the nationwide format since October 2025: 50 true/false questions, 30 minutes, pass with 45 or more. The skills test is passed with at least 70 of 100 points. In Toyama, skills tests may be cancelled in bad weather such as heavy snow.

Under the nationwide rule, if you pass the knowledge test but fail the skills test, reapplying within six months of the knowledge test date waives the knowledge test (in any prefecture).

Exempt countries and regions

According to the Toyama list (as of October 2025), licenses from these countries and regions are exempt from both tests: Iceland, Ireland, the UK, Italy, Australia, Austria, the Netherlands, Canada, Greece, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Hungary, Finland, France, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Monaco, Luxembourg, South Korea, Taiwan, and the US (only Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Virginia, Hawaii, Maryland and Washington).

Licenses from Indiana (US) require only the knowledge test; the skills test is waived.

Who cannot convert, and fees

Toyama police say you cannot convert if any of the following applies. If you hold the "Designated Activities" (特定活動) status for the motor transport industry, say so when booking.

• You stayed less than three months in the issuing country after getting the license
• You cannot obtain a residence certificate (as a rule)
• Your foreign license has expired
• You are considered unfit to drive due to illness, or have a physical disability that prevents driving
• You show symptoms of alcohol or other addiction
• You are subject to administrative action for violating Japanese traffic law
• Fees: the Toyama page gives no amounts, only that they vary by license class and that you should ask the license center directly. For reference, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police an ordinary license costs 2,500 yen to apply and 2,350 yen for issuance (checked October 2026)

Long waits for screening: prepare for the test first

In Toyama it takes a long time to reach your screening date, and failing the knowledge test means booking again. Use the wait to get used to the 50-question, 30-minute format. menkyopass's practice exam uses the same format in Vietnamese, English, Chinese and Japanese.

FAQ

Related guides

• Japan License Conversion Process: 6 Steps from Booking to License
• Japan License Conversion Documents: Juminhyo, Translation, Passport
• Japanese Translation of Your License for Conversion: JAF, Fees
• How Much Does License Conversion Cost in Japan? Fees Explained
• Failed Japan License Conversion? Reapplying and the 6-Month Rule

Sources (in Japanese)

• 富山県警察「外国免許証から日本免許への切替申請をするには」（2026年5月16日更新）
• 富山県警察「How to Convert a Foreign Driver’s License to a Japanese Driver’s License」（所在地の確認）
• 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」
• 警視庁「外国免許の切替」（手数料の参考例）