Job Discussion Forums

Emerati · Joined: 25 Jun 2010 Posts: 5

I got my Japanese Driver's License in Saitama Prefecture in 2005, but later that same year I returned to the United States. The license expired in 2007, but is now lost. When I return to Japan, how do I go about renewing my license? Can I do it at any Japanese Driver's License Bureau or will I need to contact an office in Saitama Prefecture? Does it have to be done in the same city I got my original license in or can I re-apply in whatever city I return to live in? Thanks in advance for any help.

Em

G Cthulhu

2007? Expired in 2007?

It's not a matter of renewing it, it's a matter of taking the tests again: it doesn't matter where you go.

Why would you think you can just renew it after it expired 3 years ago? Does that happen in any other country?

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Well, in New Zealand you have 5 years to renew your license after it has expired if you've been overseas. More than 5 years and you have to re-sit the tests. Maybe in Japan it's also 5 years, maybe it's less. It's a valid question.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Actually, you just might be able to renew/reissue it, but the fact that you lost the license might not help.

Ask the local police box, or call the licensing station near you. If they say you can renew/reissue with your current circumstances, good. I would think they would want to see the old license, though. Who can say? You could also call the old station where it was originally issued and ask what to do.

If they actually allow you to renew/reissue, you might have to attend a lecture as described a little here.
http://www.alientimes.org/Main/RenewingYourJapaneseDriversLicense

Snippets from other posters on other forums suggest that you are only allowed a 6-month grace period for an expired license before they will decide NOT to reissue. Be prepared for that. You might have to apply all over again.
http://forum.gaijinpot.com/showthread.php?35008-My-Expired-J-License.&p=399400&viewfull=1#post399400
http://www.kiea.jp/Transportation.html

Emerati · Joined: 25 Jun 2010 Posts: 5

Thanks for the information. I'll be sure to follow through once I find myself back in Japan. Hopefully I won't have to redo the driving portion, but if it can't be helped, so be it.

Em

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

well if you are a kiwi you don't need to do the driving part anyway

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Emerati seems to be an American- they do have to do the driving tests I believe.

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

Oh yes, he is American, then he will have to do a practical driving test

... lucky yanks! LOL

G Cthulhu · Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:08 pm Post subject: