Certified Translation of Japanese Driving Licence

If you wish or need to exchange your Japanese driving licence for a GB driving licence at DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency) or DVA (Driver & Vehicle Agency), your Japanese licence must be accompanied by an official translation which is available from the Embassy of Japan in the UK. Please contact DVLA or DVA if you have any queries about exchanging your driving licence.

In order to obtain a Certified Translation of a Japanese Driving Licence for the purpose of exchanging a Japanese driving licence for a GB driving licence at DVLA or DVA, you should submit the following documents.

A Certified Translation will be issued in approximately 4 working days.

If you are applying in person

1. One completed application form (pdf) *Sample
2. A valid full Japanese driving licence
3. Applicant's valid passport

If you are applying by post

1. One completed application form (pdf) *Sample
2. A photocopy of both side of your valid full Japanese driving licence
3. A photocopy of your valid passport (photo page only)

Address
Certificate Officer, Consular Section, Embassy of Japan
101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT

On Collection, please bring the following:

1. Applicant's valid passport
2. Applicant's valid full Japanese driving licence (postal applicants only)
3. Fee (cash only)

If you would like to authorise someone to pick it up, please bring the following documents in addition.

• a) A photo ID of the authorized person collecting on behalf of the applicant
• b) An authorization letter signed by the applicant

【Attention】

Please be aware that the validity of the certificate may lapse if not collected from the Embassy and submitted to the DVLA or DVA within a reasonable time frame.
Please also be aware that we will dispose the issued certificate if it is not collected from the Embassy within 270 days.

【Opening Hours】

Monday - Friday 09:30 - 16:30. (excluding Embassy Holidays)
Visits to the Consular Section are by Appointment Only. Appointments can only be booked online.

Your Japanese driving licence may be returned to us from DVLA or DVA after exchange.

If you wish to collect your Japanese licence

When your Japanese driving licence has been returned to us from DVLA or DVA, we will contact you by e-mail.

【Collection from the Embassy in person】

You must bring your valid passport once again for identification purposes.

【If you would prefer to receive your licence by post】

Please send the following items:

1. Stamped, self-addressed Special delivery envelope (to avoid loss in the post)
2. A photocopy of your valid passport (photo page only)
3. Completed Postal Return Request Form (pdf)
4. A photocopy of your UK driving licence (as proof of address)

1. The Embassy cannot be held responsible if your Japanese driving licence submitted to DVLA or DVA is not returned to us.
2. Returned Japanese driving licences will be held at this office until 2 years have elapsed from the expiry date, therefore please be sure to collect your licence as soon as possible. Should you not wish for your licence to be returned, please send a signed letter to that effect to this office and we will dispose of your licence appropriately.
3. Please note that we will not be responsible for any loss or damages resulting from the posting of your driving licence and documents.
4. Please be advised that fees are subject to review and are liable to change from 1st of April every year.