Get your translation in three steps:
1. Upload details &
documents
2. Order
translation
3. Enjoy
your trip
Print at 7-Eleven - Affordable, fast and hassle-free:
Print on arrival (in Japan)
Simply print your translation yourself at any 7-Eleven after arriving in Japan:
We will send you a print code for your certified driving licence translation shortly before your departure. Upon arrival, you can print the translation directly using your personal code.
Delivery time:
Express: 1-3 working days | Standard: 3-5 working days
Sale price
CHF 48.95
Regular price
CHF 86.98
Taxes included.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a driving licence translation?
No Japanese driving licence translation = no driving or renting cars and motorbikes.
To drive cars, motorbikes, or other vehicle types in Japan, you need a certified translation of your driving licence. The translation confirms to the Japanese authorities (police and driving licence centres) which specific vehicle categories and classes (e.g., small motorbike, motorbike, car) you are allowed to drive in your home country. An International Driving Permit is not sufficient and is not recognised. However, you need the Japanese driving licence translation not only to drive the vehicles but also to sign a rental contract. Without a translation, you will not be able to rent a car or motorbike.
Which documents do I need to be allowed to drive in Japan with my foreign driving licence?
To be allowed to drive a car in Japan, you need three documents:
- Your valid original foreign driving licence.
- Your passport (as proof of entry date).
- An official Japanese translation of your driving licence.
What does DriveDocs Japan do for me?
In short: We handle the bureaucratic effort for you in advance.
1. Upload online:Simply upload a copy of your driving licence and the address of your hotel in Japan to our website.
2. Official application:Our team in Japan takes care of everything else and applies for your translation directly at the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
3. Flexible delivery: We will send you a print code shortly before your departure. With the print code, you can conveniently print your driving licence translation at any 7-Eleven after arriving in Japan.
How long does the driving licence translation process take and how long is the translation valid?
Duration of translation: Experience shows that the pure translation time by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) takes between three and five working days.
Validity of the translation:The translation itself hasno expiry date, as long as your foreign driving licence is valid.
Driving permission in Japan:You are allowed to drive with your foreign driving licence and the translation for up to one year from your last entry into Japan. After this year has expired, you must convert your driving licence into a Japanese driving licence (Gaimen Kirikae).
Can I also apply for the translation online without having to appear in person?
Yes, that is the advantage of our service! We offer a completely online service. You submit the necessary documents to us digitally, and we start the translation process immediately. The process is as follows:
- You apply for your translation with just a few clicks and upload all necessary documents.
- We take care of the creation of the official translation.
- Depending on the desired service, we will send you a print file or the physical translation by post.
How can I print my translation in Japan at 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart?
This is incredibly easy in Japan and possible 24/7. Here is how to proceed:
1. Receive print file/code: We will send you a print code by email that is valid for seven days.
2. Find a Konbini: Go to the nearest 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart. You will find these shops on almost every street corner in Japan.
3. Use the printer: Look for the large multi-copy machine (usually green or grey).
4. Select language: Don't worry about the characters – you can almost always select "English" on the display.
5. Print: Select the "Print" function on the screen. Enter your print code.
6. Pay: Printing costs approx. 40 Yen for both pages and can be paid for directly at the machine. Bring a few coins with you for this.
I would like to convert my driving licence into a Japanese driving licence (Gaimen Kirikae). Can I use the translation for this?
Yes. The official translation of your driving licence is actually a mandatory part of the application for conversion (Gaimen Kirikae) at the Driver's Licence Centre.
We ensure that the translation we provide meets all formal requirements that you need for the conversion process. Please note that for the conversion, additional documents such as proof of residence in the issuing country (at least 3 months) and possibly a driving test are required.
Is DriveDocs Japan secure? Where is my data stored?
Your data is secure.
We work with Shopify – one of the largest providers for online shops. Your data and documents are stored exclusively in Europe.
For experts: Shopify employs industry-leading security practices, including encryption of sensitive information, access restrictions, and regular security audits. The platform undergoes SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance audits every 6 months and is PCI compliant. Shopify is GDPR compliant and meets international data protection laws. The platform offers transparency and control over personal data and works only with carefully selected sub-processors who sign comprehensive data protection agreements.
Who is authorised to officially translate my driving licence into Japanese?
The official translation must be issued by an authority authorised by the Japanese government; usually, this is the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). DriveDocs Japan applies for your translation directly at the Japan Automobile Federation. Parts of our team are on-site in Japan and handle the bureaucratic process of the driving licence translation for you. Only these translations are officially recognised and allow you to rent and drive cars throughout Japan.
What is "Netprint" and how does it work?
Netprint is a Japanese cloud printing service that allows you to print documents directly at multi-function photocopiers in convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven).
We use Netprint to save you waiting time and shipping costs for physical delivery. The process is incredibly simple:
1. Order: You request your translation online from us.
2. Processing: As soon as the official translation is completed, we upload it to the Netprint system.
3. Code delivery: You will receive an 8-digit print code via email before your departure.
4. Printing in Japan: Go to any 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart in Japan. Enter the code at the photocopier and print out your translation immediately on the spot.
Your advantage: You can flexibly collect the translation after your arrival in Japan and don't have to worry about the document getting lost in the post or arriving too late.