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How to Renew Driving License in Japan? A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Renewing your driving license in Japan is something every driver must go through. If you are living in Japan—whether as a Japanese citizen or a foreign resident—you need to make sure your license stays valid. In this guide, I will explain every detail you need to know about the renewal process, the documents required, different options available, and even what happens if you miss the deadline. By the end, you will have a clear picture of how you, as a driver in Japan, can smoothly renew your driving license.

Why You Must Renew Your Driving License in Japan

  • A Japanese driver’s license is valid for a set number of years (usually 3 or 5 years depending on your record).
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal and can lead to heavy penalties.
  • Renewal ensures your driving record, health, and knowledge are up to date.
  • For foreign residents, renewal also confirms your valid residency status.

General Renewal at the Driver’s License Center (Main Method)

This is the most common way for most drivers in Japan to renew their licenses.

Receive Renewal Notice

  • About 1–2 months before your license expires, you will receive a postcard from the Public Safety Commission (公安委員会).
  • This postcard includes:
    • Renewal period dates.
    • Designated center or police station.
    • Required documents checklist.
    • Fee details.
  • You should not ignore this postcard because it acts as your official notice to renew.

Prepare Documents

When you go for renewal, you need to prepare specific documents in advance. These include:

  1. Renewal notice postcard – The one you receive by mail.
  2. Current driver’s license – Must be valid at the time of renewal.
  3. Resident card (在留カード) – This applies if you are a foreign resident in Japan.
  4. One ID photo (3 cm × 2.4 cm) – Must be plain background. In many centers, photos can be taken on-site if you don’t bring one.
  5. Glasses or contact lenses – If your license has a condition for corrective vision.
  6. Renewal fee – Usually between ¥3,000 and ¥4,000 depending on the type of lecture course you must attend.

Visit Designated Place

  • You must visit either your prefecture’s Driver’s License Center or, in some cases, a designated Police Station.
  • It is important to go during the renewal period mentioned in your postcard.
  • If you miss this period, you risk your license expiring.

Health & Eye Test

  • A simple health check will be performed.
  • The eyesight test checks your ability to see clearly and recognize signals.
  • If your eyesight does not meet the required standard, you must use glasses or contact lenses.

Lecture / Safety Course

The renewal process includes a mandatory safety lecture. The length depends on your driving record:

  • Excellent drivers (no infractions): 30 minutes.
  • Standard drivers: 1 hour.
  • Drivers with violations: 2 hours.

This lecture covers safe driving practices, accident prevention, and traffic law updates.

Receive New License

  • If you renew at the Driver’s License Center, you usually receive your new license on the same day.
  • If you renew at a Police Station, you may need to return later (about 2–3 weeks) to collect it.

Renewal at a Police Station (Limited Option)

Not everyone can renew at a police station. This option is limited to drivers with a good record.

Who Can Use This Option?

  • Drivers who received a notice specifically stating they qualify.
  • Usually those with no traffic violations and a clean record.

Process at the Police Station

  • Submit your documents at the police station.
  • Take the eyesight test.
  • Attend the lecture (usually shorter if you are a safe driver).
  • Wait for about 2–3 weeks for your new license to be ready. You must return to pick it up.

Early Renewal (特例更新, Tokurei Kōshin)

Sometimes, you may need to renew your license earlier than scheduled. Japan allows early renewal for special circumstances.

Valid Reasons for Early Renewal

  • Traveling abroad for a long period.
  • Serious hospitalization.
  • Pregnancy or health conditions.
  • Work assignment outside Japan.

Steps for Early Renewal

  1. Visit the Driver’s License Center or Police Station before your expiry date.
  2. Provide supporting documents (passport, medical certificate, company documents, etc.).
  3. Take the eyesight test.
  4. Attend the required lecture.
  5. Receive your new license.

Note: The new license will be valid until your normal cycle resumes.

Renewal After Expiry

If you forget to renew your license before it expires, the process becomes more complicated.

If Expired Within 6 Months

  • You can still renew with some extra procedures.
  • You must explain the reason for the delay.
  • Proof may be required (travel, medical, or unavoidable reasons).

If Expired for More Than 6 Months but Less Than 3 Years

  • You cannot simply renew.
  • You will need to retake the tests:
    • Written exam.
    • Practical driving test.
  • This process is similar to getting a license for the first time.

If Expired for More Than 3 Years

  • You are treated as a completely new driver.
  • You must go through the full process again, including driving school (if required) and exams.

Renewal for the Elderly (Over 70 Years Old)

In Japan, elderly drivers must go through special checks before renewal.

Cognitive Function Test

  • Drivers aged 70 years and older must take a cognitive function test.
  • This test evaluates memory, judgment, and thinking ability.

Additional Checks for Age 75+

  • Drivers aged 75 and above have stricter checks.
  • If they are suspected of declining cognitive ability, further evaluation is done.

Renewal Steps for Elderly

  • After passing the cognitive test, elderly drivers proceed with the usual renewal process.
  • They take the eyesight test, attend the lecture, and receive the new license.

Important Tips for Smooth Renewal

  1. Check your postcard notice carefully – It has all the details.
  2. Bring exact documents – Missing one document may stop your renewal.
  3. Carry cash – Some centers may not accept cards for payment.
  4. Arrive early – Renewal centers can be crowded.
  5. For foreigners – Always carry your residence card. Without it, renewal will not be processed.
  6. Don’t wait until the last day – If there’s an issue, you may miss your renewal window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I renew my license in a different prefecture?

Yes, but it may take longer. Your license may be mailed later rather than given on the same day.

Do I need Japanese language skills?

Most renewal centers provide limited English guidance, but forms and lectures are primarily in Japanese. If you are not confident, you may want to bring someone to help translate.

What happens if I move to a new address?

You must update your address on your license at the police station before renewal.

Can I renew with an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

No. An International Driving Permit is not valid for renewal. Only a Japanese driver’s license can be renewed.

Conclusion

Renewing your driving license in Japan may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the process, it is straightforward. Whether you are renewing at a Driver’s License Center, a Police Station, or applying for early renewal, the steps are well-structured.

The most important things you need to remember are:

  • Always watch for your renewal postcard.
  • Prepare all required documents.
  • Attend the eyesight test and lecture.
  • Collect your new license on time.

If you are elderly, make sure to take the required cognitive test before renewal. If your license expires, act quickly to avoid retaking exams.

By following the steps I explained in this guide, you can smoothly complete your renewal process and continue driving legally in Japan.

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