Japanese Driver's License Renewal

 

Renewal period

You have a two-month period in which to get your driver's license renewed (one month before and after your birthday in the year your driver's license expires) This period is to be notified to you in a postcard sent to the address on your driver's license about two months before your birthday.

What to bring (MUST BE ORIGINAL)

  • Renewal notification postcard (If you did not receive this, please tell at the reception at the driver's license center)
  • Japanese driver's license
  • Residence card
  • The renewal fee in CASH *Please check the fees below.
  • *A headshot photo  (you can take a photo at the license center for 600JPY)
  • A residence certificate with NO my number info **If you changed your address

        *Headshot photo specifications:

  1. H3cm×W2.4cm
  2. The photo must not be older than 6 months old
  3. Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
  4. The photo should show a close-up of your face and the top of the shoulders
  5. No background

Renewal fee

Which one of the below driver's categories you fall under is mentioned on the postcard.

  • Excellent driver (優良運転者）3,000 JPY - Gold status
  • General driver (一般運転者）3,300 JPY - Blue status
  • Traffic-rule violator & beginner driver（違反者講習＆初回更新者）3,850 JPY

Renewal location & schedule

1. Okinawa Prefectural Driver's License Center (near the airport)
2. Okinawa Prefectural Police Safe Driving School Chubu Branch (in Okinawa city)
3. Okinawa Prefectural Police Safe Driving School Hokubu Branch(in Nago)

Please arrive at the renewal location by one hour before the starting time

 

Others

  • There is no ATM or wifi at the license center and driving schools
  • Please arrive at the renewal location by one hour before the starting time
  • If you don't know what your license status is (usually, it is written on the notification postcard), please go to one of the renewal locations for the earliest renewal sessions