Renewing Your Driver’s license

更新日:

2024年02月08日

Approximately 40 days before your birthday in the renewal year, a Renewal Notice (a post card) for your driver’s license is sent to the address on your driver’s license. The type of lecture you need to attend is specified in the Renewal Notice.
The period you can apply for the renewal (renewal period) is from one month before your birthday up to one month after your birthday in the renewal year. If the final day of the renewal period falls on Saturday, Sunday, National Holiday, or Year-End and New Year Holiday, you may apply for the renewal on the next business day (e.g., If it falls on Saturday, you can apply on the next Monday).
You cannot apply for the renewal if your driver’s license is expired. Those whose driver’s license is expired, please refer to “The necessary procedure for those with expired driver’s license ”.
You may apply for the renewal at the Driver’s License Center or at a police station that has the jurisdiction over your residence. However, those whose address is in Yokohama City and those who need to attend the Traffic Offender’s Lecture or First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture may apply for the renewal only at the Driver’s License Center.

(Driver’s License Center)

Anyone whose address is in Kanagawa Prefecture may apply for the renewal at the Driver’s License Center. If you apply for the renewal at the Driver’s License Center, the renewed driver’s license will be issued on the same day that you apply for it regardless of the type of lecture you attend.

(Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations)

Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations are the Kawasaki Police Station, Yokosuka Police Station, Kamakura Police Station, Odawara Police Station, Ebina Police Station, and Sagamihara-kita Police Station. People who can receive their renewed driver’s license on the same day that they apply for it are those who need to attend the Good Diver’s Lecture (you may attend the Good Driver’s Lecture on the same day that you apply for the renewal) or those who have attended the Senior Driver’s Lecture. However, those who need to attend the General Driver’s Lecture, Traffic Offender’s Lecture, or First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture are informed of the date (a weekday) of their lectures at the time of the application and need to attend their lectures at a later date (approximately one month after the application). The renewed driver’s license is issued on the same day that you attend the lecture. For more details, please see below.

(Police Stations)

Those who apply for the renewal at police stations (excluding Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations) and those who need to attend the General Driver’s Lecture, Traffic Offender’s Lecture, or First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture are informed of the date (a weekday) of their lectures at the time of the application and need to attend their lectures at a later date (approximately one month after the application). The renewed driver’s license is issued on the same day that you attend the lecture.Those who need to attend the Good Driver’s Lecture may attend the lecture on the same day that you apply for the renewal.The renewed driver’s license for those who have attended the Good Driver’s Lecture or Senior Driver’s Lecture is issued at a later date. You may collect your renewed driver’s license at the police station from about one month after the application or receive it by mail in about two weeks after the application (you need to pay 1,000 yen as shipping fee). The mail will be sent to your preferred address.

Others

Special exception for renewal(特例の更新手続き: tokureino koushin tetsuduki):
If you are unable to renew your driver’s license during your renewal period due to unavoidable reasons such as traveling abroad and illness, you can apply for the renewal before the starting date of your renewal period (this procedure is called “special exception for renewal”). If you apply for special exception for renewal, the valid term of the renewed license will be shorter compared to that of a license renewed during the renewal period.
In addition to the documents that are required for the renewal, you need to bring a document that can prove that you have unavoidable reasons. Such documents include passports or seaman’s books (to prove that you are going abroad), medical certificates (to prove that you are going to be hospitalized), and maternal & child health handbooks (母子手帳: boshi techou) (to prove that you are going to give birth). For the information on the reception hours for special exception for renewal procedure, please see below.

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Where and when to apply for the renewal

The reception hours differ depending on the lectures. The lecture you need to attend will be notified via your Renewal Notice (post card).

Types of Lectures

Good Driver’s Lecture 優良運転者講習

People who need to attend this lecture are those who have had a Japanese driver’s license for five consecutive years or longer and have been free of accidents and violations in the last five years.

General Driver’s Lecture 一般運転者講習

People who need to attend this lecture are those who have had a Japanese driver’s license for five consecutive years or longer and have committed only one traffic offense of 3 points or less and have been free of traffic accidents in the last five years.

Traffic Offender’s Lecture 違反運転者講習

People who need to attend this lecture are those who have had a Japanese driver’s license for five consecutive years or longer and meet either one of the following conditions:

・Those who have committed traffic offenses of 3 points or less twice or more in the last five years.

・Those who have committed a traffic offense of 4 points or more in the last five years.

・Those who have caused traffic accidents in the last five years.

First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture 初回更新者

People who need to attend this lecture are those who have had a Japanese driver’s license for less than five years and meet either one of the following conditions:

・Those who have been free of accidents and violations

・Those who have committed only one traffic offense of 3 points or less and have been free of traffic accidents.

Senior Driver’s Lecture 高齢者講習受講者

People who need to attend this lecture are those who are 70 years old or older.

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Driver’s License Center

Anyone whose address is in Kanagawa Prefecture may apply for the renewal at the Driver’s License Center. If you apply for the renewal at the Driver’s License Center, the renewed driver’s license will be issued on the same day that you apply for it regardless of the type of lecture you attend.

Where to apply

Driver’s License Center

1-1-1 Nakao, Asahi-ku, Yokohama City

TEL: 045-365-3111 (Pilot Number)

(a 20-minute walk from Soutetsu Line, Futamatagawa Station)

Office hours: Mon – Fri and Sundays(Office is closed on: Holidays and Year-End and New Year Holiday)

Types of lecture / Reception hours

Good Driver’s Lecture 優良運転者講習
Senior Driver’s Lecture 高齢者講習
8:30 – 11:00 AM 1:00 – 3:30 PM

General Driver’s Lecture 一般運転者講習
8:30 – 11:00 AM 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Traffic Offender’s Lecture 違反運転者講習
8:30 – 11:00 AM 1:00 – 2:30 PM

First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture 初回更新者講習
9:00 – 9:50 AM 1:00 – 1:50 PM

Special exception for renewal* 更新の特例
9:00 – 9:50 AM 1:00 – 1:50 PM

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Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations

For those who wish to renew their driver’s license at Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations.

Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations are the Kawasaki Police Station, Yokosuka Police Station, Kamakura Police Station, Odawara Police Station, Ebina Police Station, and Sagamihara-kita Police Station. People who can receive their renewed driver’s license on the same day that they apply for it are those who need to attend the Good Diver’s Lecture (you may attend the Good Driver’s Lecture on the same day that you apply for the renewal) or those who have attended the Senior Driver’s Lecture. However, those who need to attend the General Driver’s Lecture, Traffic Offender’s Lecture, or First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture are informed of the date (a weekday) of their lectures at the time of the application and need to attend their lectures at a later date (approximately one month after the application). The renewed driver’s license is issued on the same day that you attend the lecture.

Those who may apply for the renewal at Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations are as follows:

・Those whose address is within the jurisdiction of each of the Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations.

・Those whose address is within the jurisdiction of each of the designated police stations on the list below (“Same-Day-Renewal Blocks”) and those who need to attend the Good Driver’s Lecture or those who have attended the Senior Driver’s Lecture (You can receive your renewed driver’s license on the same day that you apply for it). Please refer to the following “Same-Day-Renewal Block” list and check the Same-Day-Renewal Police Station for you to go for the renewal.

Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations

Office is open on Mon – Fri
(Office is closed on Holidays and Year-End and New-Year Holiday)

Good Driver’s Lecture 優良運転者講習
Senior Driver’s Lecture 高齢者講習受講者
9:00 – 11:00 AM 1:00 – 4:00 PM

General Driver’s Lecture 一般運転者講習
Traffic Offender’s Lecture 違反運転者講習
First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture 初回更新者講習
9:00 AM– 12:00 PM 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Special exception for renewal *更新の特例
9:00 – 11:00 AM 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Same-Day-Renewal Blocks

Police Stations to go for the renewal / Designated police stations

Kawasaki Police Station
Kawasaki, Kawasaki-rinko, Saiwai, Nakahara, Takatsu, Miyamae, Tama, Asao
Yokosuka Police Station
Yokosuka, Taura, Yokosuka-minami, Misaki, Hayama
Kamakura Police Station
Kamakura, Ofuna, Fujisawa, Fujisawa-kita, Chigasaki, Zushi
Odawara Police Station
Odawara, Hiratsuka, Oiso, Matsuda, Hadano, Isehara
Ebina Police Station
Ebina, Atsugi, Yamato, Zama
Sagamihara-kita Police Station
Sagamihara, Sagamihara-minami, Sagamihara-kita, Tsukui

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Police Stations

For those who wish to renew their driver’s license at police stations.

Police Stations(Excluding Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations)

・You can apply for the renewal at your local police station that has jurisdiction over your residence. However, those whose address is in Yokohama City and those who need to attend the Traffic Offender’s Lecture or First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture may apply for the renewal only at the Driver’s License Center. *Except for the Yokohama-suijo Police Station. Yokohama-suijo Police Station does not handle procedures related to driver’s licenses.

The office is open on Mon-Fri(The office is closed on Holidays and Year-End and New-Year Holiday)

Good Driver’s Lecture 優良運転者講習
9:00-11:30 AM 1:00 – 4:00 PM
General Driver’s Lecture 一般運転者講習
Traffic Offender’s Lecture 違反運転者講習
First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture 初回更新者講習
Senior Driver’s Lecture 高齢者講習受講者
9:00 AM-12:00 PM 1:00 – 4:00 PM

*Except for those whose address is in Yokohama City and those who need to attend the Traffic Offender’s Lecture or First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture.

Special exception for renewal* 更新の特例
9:00 – 11:30 AM 1:00 – 4:00 PM

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Requirements:

Driver’s License Center
Same-Day-Renewal Police Stations

Driver’s License
* If your license is suspended, you need to bring your Notification of Driver’s License Suspension (免許停止処分書: menkyo teishi shobunsho).
Renewal Notice (a post card)
*It is possible to apply for the renewal without a Renewal Notice.
Application form for the renewal and questionnaire
Resident Card (在留カード: zairyu-card), Certificate for Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者証明書: tokubetu-eijusha shomeisho), etc. (for foreign applicants only)
A Certificate of Attendance for the Senior Driver’s Lecture (those who need to attend the Senior Driver’s Lecture)
Glasses, hearing aids, etc.
*You need to take an aptitude test. You are advised to bring glasses, hearing aids, etc., if you feel you need them for the aptitude test even if conditions on your driver’s license do not state that you need to use them.

*If you apply for the renewal at the Driver’s License Center or at a Same-Day-Renewal Police Station, you do not need to bring a photograph in principle. However, you need to bring one identification photograph of yourself for the renewal if you fall under either of the following conditions or if you wish to use a photograph of your choice for your renewed driver’s license. If you wish to use a photograph of your choice, please make sure to read the following notes.

*If you fall under either of the following conditions, you need to bring one identification photograph (please read the following notes for the details of the photograph):

・Those who apply for the reissuance and renewal of their driver’s license at the same time at the Driver’s License Center.

・Those who apply for the renewal of their driver’s license while their driver’s license is suspended.

Police Stations (Excluding Same-Day Renewal Police Stations)

Driver’s License
* If your license is suspended, you need to bring your Notification of Driver’s License Suspension (免許停止処分書: menkyo teishi shobunsho).
Renewal Notice (a post card)
*It is possible to apply for the renewal without a Renewal Notice.
Application form for renewal and questionnaire
Resident Card(在留カード:zairyu-card), Certificate for Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者証明書: tokubetu-eijusha shomeisho), etc. (for foreign applicants only)
A Certificate of Attendance for the Senior Driver’s Lecture (those who need to attend the Senior Driver’s Lecture)
Glasses, hearing aids, etc.
*You need to take an aptitude test. You are advised to bring glasses, hearing aids, etc., if you feel you need them for the aptitude test even if conditions on your driver’s license do not state that you need to use them.
One identification photograph taken within the last 6 months (3.0 in height ×2.4cm in width). The photos should show a close up of your face and the top of your shoulders with your head uncovered and with a solid color background.

Notes:

*For those who wish to use a photograph of their choice for their renewal at the Driver’s License Center.

You need to apply for the renewal on weekdays.
The renewed license is not issued on the same day that you apply for it but it takes about two weeks for the issuance. You need to collect your renewed driver’s license at the Driver’s License Center on and after the designated date (weekday). You cannot receive it by mail.
Details of an identification photograph for the renewal: Please bring one identification photograph taken within the last 6 months (3.0 in height ×2.4cm in width). The photos should show a close up of your face and the top of your shoulders with your head uncovered and with a solid color background.

*For those who wish to apply for the reissuance and renewal of their driver’s license at the same time.

You need to present your identification
You cannot apply for the reissuance and renewal at the same time at the Driver’s License Center on Sundays.

*For those who are temporarily staying in Japan (applicable to only those who are temporarily staying in Kanagawa Prefecture) and those who do not have registered residence in Japan.

You need to bring a written proof of stay (滞在証明書: taizai shoumei sho), which states the information such as your temporary place to stay and the length of your stay (e.g., if you are staying at your parent’s house, please ask a resident of the house to create the proof), and also a document which proves the name and address of the person who created the proof of stay such as a certificate of residence (住民票: juminhyo) of that person. For further information on a written proof of stay, please access here . (The website is written in Japanese).

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Fee

The fees vary depending on the type of lecture.

Types of lecture

Good Driver’s Lecture (優良運転者講習)

Renewal Fee; 2,500 yen

Lecture Fee; 500 yen

Total 3,000 yen

General Driver’s Lecture (一般運転者講習)

Renewal Fee; 2,500 yen

Lecture Fee; 800 yen

Total 3,300 yen

Traffic Offender’s Lecture (違反運転者講習)
First-time Renewal Driver’s Lecture (初回更新者講習)

Renewal Fee; 2,500 yen

Lecture Fee; 1,350 yen

Total 3,850 yen

*Those who have already attended the Senior Driver’s Lecture only need to pay the renewal fee (2,500 yen).

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Procedure