Travelers from Taiwan who want to drive in Japan on a short visit with a Taiwanese driver’s license must bring the original valid Taiwanese license, an officially recognized Japanese translation of that license, and their passport. An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in Taiwan cannot be used in place of the Japanese translation.
This article walks you through how to apply for a Japanese translation of your driver’s license, the in-person and online application processes, the documents you need, the fees, renewing an expired translation and how long it stays valid. It also explains how to get a replacement through JAF if you only realize after landing in Japan that you forgot your translation, so you can have everything ready before you leave and avoid being turned away at the rental counter.
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Do you need an International Driving Permit or a Japanese translation to rent a car in Japan?
For travelers planning a self-drive car rental trip in Japan for the first time, the most confusing question is whether driving in Japan requires an International Driving Permit or a Japanese translation of your driver’s license.
If you hold a Taiwanese driver’s license, what you need for short-term self-driving in Japan is your “original Taiwanese license + an official Japanese translation,” not an International Driving Permit issued in Taiwan.
Under the reciprocal driver’s license arrangement between Taiwan and Japan, eligible holders of a Taiwanese license may legally drive the corresponding vehicle categories in Japan with a valid Taiwanese license plus a Japanese translation issued by a designated organization.
(1) The three documents you must have to rent a car in Japan
When you go to a rental branch in Japan to pick up your car, the driver should have the following three documents ready:
| Required documents | Details | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Original Taiwanese driver’s license | A valid Taiwanese car or motorcycle license | Must cover the vehicle category you plan to drive |
| Japanese translation of your driver’s license | Issued by an organization recognized in Japan, with details matching your license | Self-made translations or documents produced by translation apps are not valid |
| Original passport | Used to verify your identity and entry record | Confirms that the passport and license belong to the same person |
If you don’t bring the original Taiwanese license, you cannot legally drive in Japan on the translation alone. Likewise, having only a Taiwanese license without an officially recognized Japanese translation does not meet the document requirements for short-term driving in Japan by a Taiwanese license holder.
Note: Rental companies may also ask for your booking confirmation, the credit card used for payment or other documents, so always follow the pickup requirements of the specific rental branch.
(2) Why can’t a Taiwanese International Driving Permit be used in Japan?
Although Taiwan’s motor vehicle authorities can issue International Driving Permits, Japan does not recognize an IDP issued in Taiwan as a basis for driving there. Even if you already have a Taiwanese IDP, you still need your original Taiwanese license and an official Japanese translation for a short-term car rental in Japan.
In short:
- Travelers from Taiwan self-driving in Japan: use your original Taiwanese license + an official Japanese translation.
- Travelers holding a license from another country: different document requirements may apply depending on the issuing country, international conventions and Japanese regulations.
This article focuses on travelers holding a Taiwanese driver’s license; holders of licenses from other countries should check the rules that apply to them separately.
(3) Can you translate or print the Japanese translation of your license yourself?
No, you cannot put together your own Japanese translation and use it as a legal translation of your license. Under Japanese rules, only a translation issued by a designated organization can be used alongside your Taiwanese license in Japan.
Commonly recognized organizations include Taiwan’s highway motor vehicle offices, as well as JAF in Japan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan. If your translation is issued electronically by JAF, you must print the official document using JAF’s designated convenience store printing method; you cannot use a general translation app or edit the content yourself.
If you can’t present the Japanese translation or your original Taiwanese license at the rental counter in Japan, the rental company is required by Japanese law to refuse to hand over the car, and in most cases your prepaid rental fee will not be refunded. So when planning a car rental trip in Japan, be sure to get your documents ready well in advance.
Comparing the ways to apply for a Japanese translation of your driver’s license
You can get a Japanese translation of your driver’s license in person at a motor vehicle office in Taiwan, online through Taiwan’s Motor Vehicles Service website, or from a recognized organization in Japan. The three options differ in cost, processing time and the situations they suit.
Comparison of the three ways to apply for a Japanese translation
| Application method | Fee | Processing time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person at a motor vehicle office in Taiwan | NT$100 per copy | Issued on the spot, depending on counter wait times | Travelers leaving soon who want same-day pickup |
| Taiwan’s Motor Vehicles Service website | NT$100 + NT$28 registered mail postage | About 7–12 business days (including mailing) | Travelers with plenty of time who can’t visit in person |
| Online application with JAF in Japan | ¥6,000 + ¥20 printing fee per page | About 2–3 business days on average for Taiwanese licenses, possibly longer | Travelers already in Japan who need a replacement |
The JAF fees above are for applications for short-term driving purposes, not for converting a foreign license into a Japanese one.
If you’re still in Taiwan, it’s best to apply in person at a motor vehicle office or online through the Motor Vehicles Service website. Not only are the fees lower, you also avoid delaying your rental plans while waiting for a translation after you arrive in Japan. If you’re only a few days from departure, go straight to a motor vehicle office to avoid the uncertainty of mailing times.
Applying in person for a Japanese translation of your driver’s license
If you want your Japanese license translation quickly, the most direct way is to apply in person at a highway motor vehicle office in Taiwan. Offices around the country accept applications from any region, so you don’t have to go back to the area where you originally got your license.
(1) What do you need to bring for an in-person application?
| Items to prepare | Notes |
|---|---|
| Original national ID card | For the motor vehicles office to verify your identity |
| Original Taiwanese driver’s license | Must match the vehicle class you want the Japanese translation for |
| Application fee | NT$100 per copy |
| Documents for proxy applications | If someone else applies on your behalf, that person must also bring their original ID card for verification |
If you need Japanese translations for both your car and motorcycle licenses, you have to apply for each license class separately, at NT$100 per copy.
For a straightforward Japanese translation application, you don’t need to bring ID photos. But if you first have to renew your license, you will need photos and the related documents for the renewal.
(2) How to apply in person at a motor vehicles office
Step 1: Go to a motor vehicles office
Bring your ID card and your original Taiwanese driver’s license to a nearby motor vehicles office or branch.
Step 2: Take a number and submit your application
Follow the instructions at the service counter and apply for the Japanese translation of your Taiwanese driver’s license. If you need translations for both a car and a motorcycle license, tell the staff at the same time.
Step 3: Verification of your license details
The staff will check your identity, your license information and whether you meet the application requirements.
Step 4: Pay the fee
The fee is NT$100 per Japanese translation.
Step 5: Pick up your Japanese translation
Offices issue the translation on the spot, but how long it actually takes depends on how many people are waiting and how busy the counter is.
For example, the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office lists a processing time of 1 hour, so don’t count on “guaranteed in 10 minutes.”
(3) Can a family member apply for the Japanese license translation for me?
If you can’t go to the motor vehicles office yourself, you can ask a family member or someone else to apply for you. In addition to the usual documents, your proxy should bring their own original ID card for verification.
If your situation involves an expired license, a license renewal, a replacement for a lost license or anything similar, check with the office that will handle your case before you go, so you don’t find out at the counter that you’re missing paperwork.
How to apply online for the Japanese translation of your driver’s license
If work keeps you busy and getting to a motor vehicles office is inconvenient, you can also apply for the Japanese translation of your driver’s license through the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Highway Bureau’s “My E-Government” service. Once the online application is complete, the office mails the official translation to the address you provide, so there’s no need to pick it up in person.
(1) Steps for applying online
- Step 1: Go to the motor vehicles service website
Log in to your account and complete identity verification using one of the methods the system offers. - Step 2: Find the Japanese translation service
Under the site’s “Drivers” services, look for “Driver’s License” and then “Apply for Japanese Translation.” - Step 3: Confirm your license and application details
Check the license information shown by the system, then fill in or confirm your mailing address. If your license details don’t meet the requirements for online applications, follow the system’s instructions to update your license information or complete any other necessary steps first. - Step 4: Pay online
Fees for online applications are as follows:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Fee for the Japanese driver’s license translation | NT$100 |
| Registered postage | NT$28 |
| Total | NT$128 |
Pay by credit card or bank account using the payment options offered on the motor vehicles service website.
- Step 5: Wait for it to arrive in the mail
Once the office has reviewed your application and produced the document, it will mail the Japanese translation to the address you gave. The official processing time is about 7 to 12 business days, including mailing time.
(2) How long does it take to receive the Japanese translation?
Online applications involve review, document production and mailing, so they aren’t a good option a few days before you leave. Apply at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead, and allow extra time for public holidays, mail delivery or requests for additional documents if something doesn’t match. If you’re flying out within a week, apply in person at a motor vehicles office instead.
What if your Taiwanese driver’s license has expired?
Many drivers in Taiwan still hold an older standard license with an expiration date printed on the card that has already passed. Since July 1, 2013, standard licenses in Taiwan no longer require periodic renewal, so some of them may still be valid in Taiwan even if the date on the card has passed.
However, the fact that licenses no longer need periodic renewal in Taiwan doesn’t mean an old card with a past expiration date is fine to use in Japan. The Highway Bureau notes that if the expiration date on your license has passed, you should renew the license before you travel and then apply for the Japanese translation.
(1) When should you renew your license first?
In the following situations, check with the motor vehicles office about whether you need to renew:
- The expiration date printed on your license has passed
- The name or other information on your license has changed
- Your license is damaged or the text is too faded to read clearly
- Your license is lost and needs to be replaced
- You’re unsure about your license’s validity or the vehicle classes it covers
If it’s simply an older card whose printed date has passed, renew it ahead of time so that rental shops or other parties in Japan don’t have trouble confirming that it’s valid.
(2) What documents do you need to renew a Taiwanese driver’s license?
For a standard license renewal, you’ll need:
| Item | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Original national ID card |
| Current license | Original license as issued |
| ID photos | One 1-inch photo taken within the past 2 years that meets the motor vehicles office’s specifications |
| Renewal fee | NT$200 each |
Using the rules published by the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office as an example, renewing a license requires 1 photo per license. If the original license was lost and needs to be reissued, 2 photos may be required. The documents actually needed still depend on the motor vehicles office and your individual case.
(3) Can you renew your license and apply for the Japanese translation at the same time?
You can submit both a license renewal and a Japanese translation application at a motor vehicles office or station, following the on-site procedure. Say you only renew one car driver’s license and apply for one Japanese translation for a car license:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Taiwan driver’s license renewal | NT$200 |
| Japanese translation | NT$100 |
| Total | NT$300 |
We recommend finishing the new license renewal first, then applying for the Japanese translation using the new license details, so that the two documents match.
How long is the Japanese translation of your driver’s license valid? Can you reuse it?
There is no general rule that the Japanese translation of your driver’s license “can only be used for one year after you apply.” Many travelers confuse how long the Japanese translation itself stays valid with how long you may drive in Japan on a Taiwan driver’s license — but the two are different!
(1) How long can you use the Japanese translation itself?
As long as your Taiwan driver’s license is still valid and the details printed on it have not changed, the Japanese translation that was issued can generally be reused.
For example, if you applied for a Japanese translation last year and travel to Japan again this year, you generally do not need to reapply as long as your license is still valid and has not been renewed or had its details changed.
However, if your Taiwan driver’s license has been renewed or any of the information on it has changed, you must apply for a new Japanese translation so that it matches the license you are currently using.
(2) How long can you drive in Japan?
Under Japanese regulations, travelers holding a valid Taiwan driver’s license and an official Japanese translation may drive in Japan during the eligible period — in principle up to one year from the applicable date of entry, and never beyond the expiration date of the Taiwan driver’s license itself.
If you are just visiting Japan for a week or two, you will rarely run into the one-year limit. But if you travel in and out of Japan often, stay in Japan long term, or make multiple entries within a short period, pay close attention to your entry dates and how the legal driving period is calculated.
(3) If you leave Japan and enter again, does the period start over?
Japan has a three-month rule for calculating the period when you leave and re-enter within a short time. Where that rule applies, if you re-enter Japan less than three months after leaving, the new entry date does not automatically become a new starting point for the driving period.
Whether it applies in practice also depends on factors such as whether you are registered as a resident in Japan, your residence status, and your entry and exit records. If you live in Japan long term, or plan to drive on a Taiwan driver’s license after frequent entries and exits, it is best to confirm your individual eligibility with the relevant Japanese authorities in advance rather than assuming that each entry unconditionally grants another year of driving.
(4) If the address on your license changes, do you need to reapply for the Japanese translation?
If your license has been reissued, or any of the details printed on it have changed, you should apply for a new Japanese translation that matches the new license.
But you should not assume that every change of household registration address on your ID card means you must immediately redo everything. What matters is whether the information actually printed on the license and on the translation matches.
Already in Japan without your Japanese translation? How to reapply online with JAF, and what to watch out for
If you have already arrived in Japan and realize you forgot to bring the Japanese translation of your driver’s license, you can consider applying online through JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).
Keep in mind, though, that JAF is not a same-day issuing service, so don’t assume you can apply at the airport in Japan and pick up the translation and your car the same day! According to information published by JAF, processing a Japanese translation of a Taiwan driver’s license takes about 2 to 3 business days on average, though individual applications can take longer.
(1) JAF Japanese translation fees and processing time
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing organization | JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) |
| How to apply | Online application from within Japan |
| Application fee | ¥6,000 (for short-term driving) |
| Convenience store printing fee | ¥20 per page |
| Average processing time | About 2 to 3 business days |
| Same-day issuing available | Not available |
| How to collect it | Print the official translation at a designated convenience store in Japan |
Right now, JAF’s official translation application system only accepts applications submitted from an internet connection inside Japan. If you are still in Taiwan, apply through a Taiwan motor vehicles office first — there is no need to wait until you arrive in Japan to apply through JAF.
(2) Five steps to apply for a Japanese translation online with JAF
- Step 1: Go to the official JAF application website
Access the system using an internet connection that works from within Japan, then create an account or log in as instructed on the site - Step 2: Choose the Japanese driver’s license translation option
When applying, choose the option for using your Taiwan driver’s license together with a Japanese translation for short-term driving in Japan. Be careful not to select the application type for converting a foreign license into a Japanese license, as the purpose and fees can be different. - Step 3: Upload images of your Taiwan driver’s license
Upload images of the front and back of your valid Taiwan driver’s license as required by the system. Make sure the photos are clear and complete — do not crop out important information or edit the images. - Step 4: Check your details and complete payment
Pay the ¥6,000 translation issuing fee using one of the payment methods offered by the system. You can pay by credit card or with cash at a convenience store following JAF’s procedures, but processing times may vary depending on the payment method. - Step 5: Once approved, print it at a designated convenience store
After JAF completes its review, you can log in to My Page in the system to check the issuing status of your document and get the reservation number needed for printing. Then follow the printing method specified by the system and print the document at a multifunction machine in a Japanese convenience store.
Convenience stores supported by JAF include:
- 7-Eleven
- FamilyMart
- Lawson
- Ministop
- Some other designated convenience stores
The on-screen steps differ from store to store, so follow JAF’s official printing instructions. The printing reservation number you first receive is usually valid for one week; if you need a new number, follow the instructions provided in JAF My Page.
(3) Already in Japan but don’t have your original Taiwan driver’s license?
If you only have the Japanese translation and did not bring your original Taiwan driver’s license, you still do not meet Japan’s document requirements for short-term driving. Even if you successfully get a JAF Japanese translation, it cannot replace the physical Taiwan driver’s license.
So if what you forgot is your original Taiwan driver’s license, you have to solve the missing original document problem first — reapplying for a Japanese translation alone will not make you legally eligible to drive.
(4) Besides JAF, which other organizations in Japan are recognized?
Apart from JAF, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association also lists other recognized organizations that issue Japanese translation documents, including:
- Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, and its Yokohama and Naha branch offices
- Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka, and its Fukuoka branch office
- Ziplus Co., Ltd. (ジップラス株式会社)
- General Incorporated Association Support Association for Visiting Drivers to Japan (訪日運転者支援協会)
Application methods, fees, processing times and eligibility conditions vary from one organization to another. If you only realize your documents are incomplete after arriving in Japan, you can check these organizations for the latest application details, but same-day pickup is not guaranteed.
FAQ about the Japanese translation of your driver’s license
Taiwan’s motor vehicles offices offer over-the-counter, while-you-wait service, so if you meet the requirements you can usually get it the same day, though it still depends on how busy the office is. If you apply online through the Motor Vehicles Service Network, it takes about 7 to 12 business days, including mailing time.
You don’t need to reapply for every trip to Japan. As long as your Taiwanese driver’s license is still valid and the information on it hasn’t changed, the Japanese translation you were issued can generally be reused. You still have to stay within the legal driving period for each entry into Japan.
If your Taiwanese driver’s license has been reissued, we recommend applying for a new Japanese translation so that it matches the license you are currently using. The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association also specifically notes that you should obtain a new translation after your license is renewed or its recorded details change.
If you ride a motorcycle in Japan that your Taiwanese motorcycle license covers, you likewise need a valid Taiwanese driver’s license and the corresponding official Japanese translation. You also have to comply with Japan’s local license categories and road restrictions.
The driving privileges that a Taiwanese ordinary passenger car license carries in Japan do not exactly match the seating-capacity rules of a Japanese ordinary license. According to the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, a Taiwanese passenger car license corresponds to passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. If you want to rent a ten-seater vehicle, you need to check your license eligibility separately.
For short-term driving in Japan, you need an official Japanese translation issued by a designated organization. If you apply online with JAF, you must print the official document at a designated convenience store following the official procedure; you can’t substitute an ordinary PDF or a document produced by translation software.
If the name or other key identity details on your documents don’t match, it can make it harder for the rental shop to verify your identity. We recommend checking with the issuing organization before you leave to make sure the details are correct, and having them corrected if necessary, rather than dealing with it after you arrive in Japan.
At a motor vehicles office in Taiwan, each copy costs NT$100; applying online through the Motor Vehicles Service Network adds NT$28 for registered mail, for a total of NT$128. If you apply in Japan through JAF for a Japanese translation for short-term driving, the current issuing fee is ¥6,000, plus the convenience store printing fee.
Generally, the designated driver can’t drive off without having all the required legal driving documents in hand. If you need to apply after the fact, first ask the rental shop whether they can hold your booking or adjust the pickup time, then follow the procedure of JAF or another recognized organization. Whether a refund or date change is possible depends on the rental contract and the shop’s policy.
This only works if your Taiwanese driver’s license itself doesn’t carry an “automatic transmission only” restriction. The Japanese translation simply renders your existing license privileges in Japanese; it does not expand what you are licensed to drive.
If you hold a Taiwanese license restricted to automatic vehicles, you cannot drive a manual (MT) car in Japan even with a Japanese translation. If your Taiwanese license has no automatic-only restriction and you qualify for the corresponding vehicle category in Japan, you can rent a manual car.
Before your Japan self-drive trip, make sure your license and Japanese translation are ready
For Taiwanese travelers renting a car in Japan, the Japanese translation of your driver’s license is one of the most important documents. Confirm that your license is valid, apply for an official Japanese translation, and get your pickup documents ready in advance, and you’ll greatly reduce the risk of missing documents derailing your itinerary after you land in Japan.
Before you set off, double-check these five things:
- Is your original Taiwanese driver’s license valid: if the expiration date on the card has passed, renew it at the motor vehicles authority first
- Do you have an official Japanese translation: it must be a document issued by Taiwan’s motor vehicles authority or an organization recognized in Japan
- Do your license and translation match: if you’ve renewed your license or changed any details, check whether the translation needs updating
- Do you have your original passport: it’s used to verify your identity and entry date
- Does your license cover the vehicle you booked: especially for motorcycles, large multi-seat vehicles or special vehicle types, confirm your eligibility in advance
If you’re still in Taiwan, it’s best to get your Japanese translation at a motor vehicles office or through the Motor Vehicles Service Network rather than scrambling to apply after you arrive in Japan.
Once your documents are in order, you can compare rental options on the gogoout Japan car rental platform. And don’t forget to read up on Japan’s traffic rules and car rental insurance in Japan in advance for a smoother, worry-free self-drive trip!
This article was translated by AI from the original Chinese version.
