Here are some frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by using the form below or the button at the bottom right (via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger).
Official Japanese Translation
1. Who needs an official Japanese translation?
Everyone whose licence was issued by one of the following countries:
- Switzerland
- Germany
- France
- Taiwan
- Belgium
- Monaco
2. How long is the official translation valid?
The term of validity of the translation is the same as that of the driver’s licence, which means the translation can be used until the expiration date of your driver’s licence. However, you need to obtain the translation again upon renewal of your driver’s licence or when an item indicated on the licence is changed, for instance the change of an address.
3. How long can I drive with the translation in Japan?
The validity period of the Japanese translation is one year from the date of entry into Japan. For re-entry after leaving Japan, the validity period is one year from the date of re-entry. For example, if you arrive the first time in 1st July 2023 in Japan, then you can drive till 30th June 2024. If you re-enter for the second time in 1st August 2023, then you can drive again till 30th July 2024 since the period is one year from the date of re-entry.
4. What do I do with the received translation?
Those who drive vehicles in Japan must carry the Japanese Translation of the licence with them at all times, together with the original driving licence. The Japanese police may also request that you present your passport to check the date of your entry into Japan.
5. Do I need an official translation for the Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo?
Yes, you do.
6. Does every driver need a translation?
Yes, each driver needs his own translation of his driving licence.
7. Do I need a translation for every vehicle?
Yes, all drivers of vehicles (motorbike and car) need an official translation.
8. Is an international driver’s licence issued in Switzerland, France, Germany, Monaco, Belgium or Taiwan enough to drive in Japan?
Even if you have an international driver’s licence, you must make a translation of your national driving licence.
7-Eleven
1. Will I receive a digital version (PDF or photo) of my translation by e-mail?
No, the translation is only valid printed out as a paper in order that there is only one original. Thus, you will not receive your translation in a digital version by e-mail from us.
2. Can I print the translation at a 7-Eleven store outside Japan?
No, the translation can only be printed at a 7-Eleven store in Japan.
3. Can I print the translation at a car rental, hotel or other store like Family Mart?
No, currently you can only print the translation at a 7-Eleven store.
4. Would it be possible to receive the translation faster than within a week?
Yes, you can print the translation in a 7-Eleven within 1-2 workdays. To do this, order a translation that you can print in a 7-Eleven and select express delivery at the very bottom.
5. Is my printing code only valid for one week?
Yes, after that you will receive a new code which is also valid for one week.
6. Up to what date can I print my translation?
You must print your translation within one month of your arrival in Japan. For example, if you arrive in Japan on March 20, 2023, you will receive a new code every week so that you can print by April 20, 2023.
7. My printing code expires before I arrive in Japan. Can you send me a new one?
You will receive a new code approximately 3 days before your arrival in Japan. After that, we will automatically inform you of another code by e-mail every week. So you can simply wait for the new e-mail or check the status of your order on our website. If you can’t find the new email, check your spam folder, view the code on our website or contact us anytime.
General
1. Why have I not received an order confirmation?
After successful payment, you will automatically receive an order confirmation. If you have not received it, please check your spam folder. Some email providers (for example, Yahoo) may block our messages. Contact us if you have not received an order confirmation, or find out in the next section how you can check the status.
2. How can I check the status of my order, tracking or printing code?
You can check the status of your order anytime here.
3. From which email address do you send the order confirmation, tracking or printing code?
We send our messages from “team[at]driving-japan.com”. If your email provider is blocking our messages, we use the email addresses “drivinghyphenjapan[at]gmail.com” or “drivinghyphenjapan711[at]gmail.com”. Otherwise, you should always be cautious of messages claiming to be from us but using a different email address.