JAF - Japan Automobile Federation

Submitted by cyangoose on Sat, 2005/09/24 - 14:56.
Location Description:

It's not really part of the government, but it is one of those official "Red-Tape Type Places" you may have to deal with.

JAF is where you go to get your official driver's license translation. Cost of translation is 3000 yen.

Requirements to qualify for a translation:
1. A valid driver's license that is dated at least 3 months before you arrived in Japan.
2. If your license is dated less than 3 months prior to your entry date then you need proof that you had a license before that 3 month requirement.
For example, if your license was renewed right before you came then you need to get a photocopy of your old license or contact whomever issued your license to get proof.
3. Your alien registration card.

While you're there you can pick up a copy of Rules of the Road (the book that the written portion of the Japanese driver's license test is based on) for 1000 yen.

If you don't feel like driving there, you can also get the translation done by mail, which is nice as it doesn't require nenkyu.

Official instructions are available here.

Here's the gist of it.

What to Send:
1. The completed application form. It can be filled out in romaji. You can find that form here.
2. A photocopy of the front and back of your license on A4 size paper.
3. A photocopy of the front and back of your Alien Registration Card on A4 size paper.
4. 3290 yen in cash. Yes, you really do mail them cash.

How to send it:
1. Go to the post office and ask for a "genkin kakitome." It is a special envelope for registered mail for sending cash. It costs 20 yen.
2. Address the envelope to:

Japan Auto Federation
2040-2 Koyagimachi, Takasaki-shi
Gunma-ken 370-0071

3. Put all your papers and exactly 3290 yen into the envelope.
4. Pay the postage of 420 yen and mail the thing.

JAF says it will take between 1-3 weeks for your reply, but the turnaround can be much faster.

Location Directions:

by Car
Go along the 17 heading south from the Maebashi I.C. for about 2km. You'll see it on your left. It's just after a Mazda dealership. (If you see the BMW place, you've gone too far!) It's on the second floor of the building. The staircase is on the side.

Longitude:
139.0209424495697

Latitude:
36.357949328823516

Description:
It's not really part of the government, but it is one of those official "Red-Tape Type Places" you may have to deal with.
JAF is where you go to get your official driver's license translation. Cost of translation is 3000 yen.
Requirements to qualify for a translation:
1. A valid driver's license that is dated at least 3 months before you arrived in Japan.
2. If your license is dated less than 3 months prior to your entry date then you need proof that you had a license before that 3 month requirement.
For example, if your license was renewed right before you came then you need to get a photocopy of your old license or contact whomever issued your license to get proof.
3. Your alien registration card.
While you're there you can pick up a copy of Rules of the Road (the book that the written portion of the Japanese driver's license test is based on) for 1000 yen.
If you don't feel like driving there, you can also get the translation done by mail, which is nice as it doesn't require nenkyu.
Official instructions are available here.
Here's the gist of it.
What to Send:
1. The completed application form. It can be filled out in romaji. You can find that form here.
2. A photocopy of the front and back of your license on A4 size paper.
3. A photocopy of the front and back of your Alien Registration Card on A4 size paper.
4. 3290 yen in cash. Yes, you really do mail them cash.
How to send it:
1. Go to the post office and ask for a "genkin kakitome." It is a special envelope for registered mail for sending cash. It costs 20 yen.
2. Address the envelope to:
Japan Auto Federation
2040-2 Koyagimachi, Takasaki-shi
Gunma-ken 370-0071
3. Put all your papers and exactly 3290 yen into the envelope.
4. Pay the postage of 420 yen and mail the thing.
JAF says it will take between 1-3 weeks for your reply, but the turnaround can be much faster.

Directions:
by Car
Go along the 17 heading south from the Maebashi I.C. for about 2km. You'll see it on your left. It's just after a Mazda dealership. (If you see the BMW place, you've gone too far!) It's on the second floor of the building. The staircase is on the side.

Web Address(es) (1):
http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/index.htm

Contact Information:
Tel: 027-362-4411

Location Contact Information:

Tel: 027-362-4411

Location Web Address 1:

http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/index.htm

Location Latitude:
36.357949328823516
Location Longitude:
139.0209424495697
»

Application for Translation by Mail

Submitted by jason.bvr (not verified) on Thu, 2007/08/02 - 10:31.

The link on JAF's website for the pdf application will not open in Adobe. Does anyone know how to contact JAF by email or have the form in electronic form so that they can mail it to me?

It might be your Adobe. I

Submitted by bahia (not verified) on Wed, 2007/08/08 - 10:20.

It might be your Adobe. I didn't have any trouble opening the PDF. I would try a different computer or downloading a newer version of Adobe Reader. If that doesn't work, then you may have to go to JAF to sort it out.

-Bahia
ALT Advisor
Gunma Prefecture

Please contact me about any work related problems you may have while on JET.

Thanks for the infos.

Submitted by jollivee (not verified) on Sat, 2009/01/24 - 17:58.

Thanks for the infos. Arizona direct mailing

Note that canadian license

Submitted by bendjamin (not verified) on Sat, 2009/12/19 - 02:28.
Note that canadian license holders are exempted (along with some other european countries and australia, new zealand) from doing the road and written exam when converting the licence (you just need to get the license translation at the Japanese Automobile Federation office and do the eye exam). US license holder need to do also the road and written exams. Also remember about car insurance in Japan!