Driving licence renewal in Japan
Renewing a Japanese driving license typically involves attending a renewal class at a designated licensing center or police station, undergoing an eyesight test, and paying the required fees. The process ensures the license holder's continued eligibility to drive.
It is generally advisable to begin the renewal process several weeks to a few months before the expiration date printed on the license. This allows ample time to schedule an appointment if required, complete the necessary procedures, and account for potential processing times or unforeseen delays.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for the typical renewal period often allowing renewals to commence up to two months before the expiry date, plus some buffer for scheduling and preparation.
The process
- 1Confirm eligibility for renewal, which depends on the license status (e.g., standard, superior driver, ordinary driver with violations) and any special conditions.
- 2Locate the appropriate renewal location, such as a prefectural driving license center (運転免許試験場) or a police station (警察署) that handles renewals. Locations and services may vary by prefecture.
- 3Gather all required documents, including the current driving license, proof of address, and any specific forms or photographs if required by the prefectural authority.
- 4Attend the required renewal class (講習, kōshū). The duration of the class varies depending on the license holder's driving record (e.g., superior driver, ordinary driver, driver with violations).
- 5Undergo an eyesight test to ensure visual fitness for driving.
- 6Pay the renewal fee and the class fee at the designated counter.
- 7Receive the new driving license.
What to bring
- Current Japanese driving license (運転免許証)
- Renewal notice (更新連絡書), typically mailed to the registered address
- Proof of current address (e.g., residence certificate or utility bill) if there has been a change or if requested
- Funds for renewal fees and class fees
- Glasses or contact lenses, if typically worn for driving, for the eyesight test
Who handles it
Prefectural Police Department (都道府県警察本部, Todōfuken Keisatsu Honbu) / National Police Agency (警察庁, Keisatsu-chō)
The cost for renewing a Japanese driving license typically includes a renewal fee and a class fee. These fees vary based on the license category (e.g., superior driver, ordinary driver, first-time renewal, or driver with violations) and are determined by the prefectural police. As of information from the National Police Agency, these fees can range, for example, from around 2,500 to 4,000 JPY for the renewal fee, and 500 to 1,350 JPY for the class fee, totaling approximately 3,000 to 5,350 JPY. Applicants should confirm the exact current fees with their local prefectural driving license center or police station.
What commonly goes wrong
- The required renewal class length varies significantly based on one's driving record. Drivers with a 'superior' record (ゴールド免許, Gold License) have shorter classes than those with violations.
- Renewal locations and operating hours can differ by prefecture and even by specific police station. Some police stations may only handle renewals for certain license types or on specific days.
- If the license has already expired, additional procedures and potentially re-taking driving tests may be required, making timely renewal crucial.
- Applicants who have moved may need to update their registered address on their license or provide additional proof of residence.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Japan
Driving licence renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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