Frequently Asked Questions

A JAF translation is an official Japanese-language translation of your foreign driver's license, issued exclusively by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). JAF is Japan's national automobile association and the only organization authorized under Japanese law (Road Traffic Law, Article 107-2) to produce these translations. The document translates all information on your license — including your name, date of birth, license number, vehicle categories, and validity dates — into Japanese. When presented alongside your original license and passport, it allows you to legally drive in Japan for up to one year from your date of entry.

Drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Slovenia, Estonia, and Taiwan require a JAF translation to drive legally in Japan. The reason is that these countries issue International Driving Permits (IDPs) under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which Japan does not recognize. Japan only accepts IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Since these countries are not Geneva Convention signatories (or do not issue Geneva Convention IDPs), their drivers must instead obtain an official JAF translation of their license.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a standardized multi-country driving document issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. It is recognized by over 90 countries, including Japan, and is issued by your home country's automobile association (e.g., AAA, AA, ADAC). A JAF translation, on the other hand, is a Japan-specific official translation of your driver's license, issued by the Japan Automobile Federation. It is required for drivers from countries that only participate in the 1968 Vienna Convention — such as Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan. The key difference: an IDP is a universal document recognized across many countries, while a JAF translation is specifically for driving in Japan and is only needed by drivers whose countries' IDPs Japan does not accept.

Yes. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia are all signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Drivers from these countries can obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their local automobile association — such as AAA in the US, the Post Office or AA in the UK, or NRMA/RACV in Australia — and use it to drive legally in Japan for up to one year from their date of entry. They do not need a JAF translation. The same applies to drivers from Canada, New Zealand, and most other Geneva Convention countries.

Applying through JDLTC is a straightforward 3-step process:

Step 1: Submit your application online. Upload clear photos of the front and back of your valid driver's license and fill in your personal details. The form takes about 5 minutes to complete.

Step 2: Pay securely. Complete your payment via Stripe using any major credit or debit card. Your payment information is processed directly by Stripe with 256-bit SSL encryption — your card details never touch our servers.

Step 3: Receive your translation. We process your official translation through the proper channels in Japan. Within 2–3 weeks, your completed JAF-format translation is delivered as a PDF to your email address. Print it in full color on A4 paper, and you're ready to drive in Japan.

Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Unlike applying directly through JAF, which requires visiting a JAF office in person in Japan, JDLTC allows you to complete your entire application online from anywhere in the world. We handle all the processing in Japan on your behalf. We recommend applying at least 1 month before your trip to ensure your translation arrives well before your departure date.

You need the following to apply:

✓ A valid (unexpired) driver's license from one of the eligible countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan
✓ Clear, high-resolution photos of both the front and back of your driver's license
✓ Your personal details including full name, date of birth, and contact email address

That's it. No passport copy, visa documents, or notarized translations are required for the application.

The official JAF translation process takes approximately 2–3 weeks from the date we receive your complete application and payment. This includes our review of your submitted documents, preparation and submission to the issuing authority in Japan, and delivery of your completed translation PDF by email. We strongly recommend applying at least 1 month before your trip to account for any unexpected delays and to ensure you receive your translation well in advance of your arrival in Japan.

The cost through JDLTC is €99 (approximately CHF 99 or ¥16,500), all-inclusive. This single price covers everything: the official JAF processing fee, our document handling and submission service, delivery of your completed translation as a PDF by email, and multilingual customer support in English, German, French, and Chinese. There are no additional charges, hidden fees, or recurring subscription costs.

No. The €99 price is fully all-inclusive. There are no additional shipping costs (your translation is delivered digitally as a PDF), no convenience fees, no processing surcharges, and no recurring charges. You pay once and receive your complete official translation. The price includes the JAF processing fee, our handling service, email delivery, and customer support.

We accept all major credit and debit cards through Stripe, our secure payment processor. Accepted cards include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and other major card networks. All transactions are protected by 256-bit SSL encryption, and your card information is processed directly by Stripe — it never touches our servers. Stripe is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, the highest level of payment security certification available.

Our refund policy depends on the processing stage:

Before submission: If we have not yet started processing your application with JAF, you can receive a full refund.

After submission: Once your application has been submitted to JAF for processing, refunds are not possible because the official processing fees paid to JAF are non-recoverable.

Rejected applications: If your application is rejected due to an ineligible license (e.g., your country is not on the eligible list), we will refund the full amount minus a ¥1,000 administrative processing fee.

If you have questions about your specific situation, contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Yes. The official JAF translation, combined with your original driver's license and passport, is fully valid for renting and driving cars in Japan. All major car rental companies accept it, including Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, Orix Rent-A-Car, and Budget. Simply present your original license, the printed JAF translation (in color on A4 paper), and your passport at the rental counter. The rental staff will verify your documents before handing over the vehicle.

Yes. The JAF translation permits you to drive any vehicle class that your original license covers. If your license authorizes you to drive vehicles in the campervan weight class — typically under 3,500 kg for a standard passenger vehicle license — you can legally rent and drive a campervan in Japan. Most campervans available for rental in Japan (including those from companies like VanTripJapan, Japan Campers, and Dream Drive) fall within the standard license category. Always confirm that the specific vehicle you plan to rent falls within the weight and vehicle class restrictions listed on your original license.

The JAF translation allows you to drive in Japan for up to 1 year from your date of entry into Japan. This is calculated from the date stamped in your passport when you pass through immigration — not the date the translation was issued. If you leave Japan and re-enter, the 1-year validity period resets from your new entry date. Important: your original driver's license must also remain valid (unexpired) during the entire period you intend to drive in Japan. If your license expires while you're in Japan, the translation is no longer valid even if the 1-year period hasn't ended.

While driving in Japan with a JAF translation, you must carry three documents at all times:

1. Your original driver's license — the physical license card from your home country. It must be valid (unexpired).

2. The printed JAF translation — it must be printed in full color on standard A4 paper. Digital copies on a phone or tablet are not accepted by law.

3. Your passport — this proves your date of entry into Japan and confirms your identity.

If you are stopped by police, involved in an accident, or asked to present documents at a rental car checkpoint, you will need all three. Failure to carry these documents while driving can result in fines or being unable to continue driving.