Getting an international driving permit in Osaka
September 25, 2009
I couldn’t find anything on Google about getting an international drivers license in Japan. All the websites I saw were about getting one before coming to Japan. So, I’ll give some general information about what to do. First, I’m in Osaka so I’ll be referring to the Kadoma Driver’s License Test Center near Furukawabashi Station on the Keihan line.
What you need to bring
- Your passport
- Your Japanese drivers license
- A photograph of yourself taken within the last 6 months. It must show the top third of your body, you must be facing straight forward, and you can’t be wearing a hat. Also, they were pretty strict on dimensions: it has to be at least 5x4cm. I couldn’t use the pictures I brought because they were 3mm too short. Just use the machine in the Kadoma Driver’s License Test Center – you don’t even have to cut the photos out. 700 yen for two photos.
- a blue or black pen (to save time)
- 2,650 yen
Note: if you have another international driving permit that’s still valid, bring it along or else they can’t give you a new one. This will save you a trip.
What to do
Once you arrive at the Test Center, head towards counter #6. You want to pick up the application form for the “Kokusai Unten Menkyou Shou”. Ask around. The form is in Japanese and I didn’t think to bring one home so study up on your kanji or bring a j-friend. Fill in the form at the counter.
Before submitting the form, go back to the front of the center to pay. The 2,650 yen gives you stamps that you place on the form to prove that you paid.
Now, go back to counter #6 and give them the form, your passport, your drivers license, and your photo. They’ll give you a slip of paper with the current time and ask you to write your name in the box at the bottom. Thank the poor, overworked staff and come back in 30 minutes. When you come back, give that slip of paper back and they’ll have your international driving permit ready along with a useful piece of paper about which countries it’s valid in and a helpful reminder that you must bring your Japanese drivers licence with you.
