Hi everyone,
I’m a French citizen and I’ve been living in Japan for about a year and a half with a dependant visa (3-year residency status). I’d like to convert my French driver’s license into a Japanese one.
My French license is over 10 years old, and I obviously lived in France for more than 3 months after getting it.
I also already have the official translation from JAF.
So technically, everything is ready — except I don’t know where exactly to go in Kyoto, and how to make a reservation.
I tried calling the number listed online, but I don’t speak Japanese, and honestly I couldn’t understand anything they said. I’m willing to call again, go in person — whatever it takes — I just need clear directions.
I’ve read tons of posts on Reddit (sorry if this sounds like a duplicate 🙏), but honestly I’m still lost. Everyone shares slightly different info, sometimes based on older experiences, and I keep hearing that the process changed recently (maybe in April?) — so I really don’t know what’s still accurate.
To put it simply:
• Where exactly do I need to go in Kyoto to convert my French license?
• Do I need an appointment?
• If yes, how do I book it? By phone? Online? Which website?
• Or can I just go directly to the office in person?
I already have my JAF translation and my French license, I just need a clear step-by-step from someone who’s done it recently in Kyoto.
Thank you so much in advance to anyone who can help! 🙏
by FrenchTakoyaki