[COVID-19 related] Extend the validity of your JP driver's license
Please be aware of the expiry date of your Japanese driver's license. The license renewal service at the driver's license centers is suspended until 6th of May 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19. Although they plan to re-start the service from 7th of May, it is expected that the license centers will be packed with the people who couldn't renew their licenses during this time. Hence the Japanese police allows people who fall under the below cases to have the validity of their driver's licenses extended for 3 months. People are only allowed to apply for the extension while the license is still valid. If the license has already expired, its validity cannot be extended.
People who are eligible to apply for the extension are;
- People whose drive's licenses are expiring by 7th May 2020 - must have it extended ASAP if they want to continue to drive, otherwise the license will be invalidated by the time they are allowed to renew the licenses
- People whose driver's licenses are expiring by 31st July 2020 - eligible to apply for the extension if they want to leave them more time until they renew their licenses because the license centers are expected to be crowded for a while after they have started the renewal service again
How to check the expiry date on your driver's license;
- Please refer to the attached image
Where to go;
- The police station that has jurisdiction over the area you live (e.g. Ishikawa police station if you live in Ishikawa, Onna, Kin, Ginoza. Kadena police station if you live in Yomitan or Kadena.)
What to bring;
- Your valid driver's license
- Resident card with your current address printed