Visiting Japan

If you wish or need to exchange your Japanese driving licence for an Irish driving licence at the NDLS (National Driver Licence Service), your Japanese licence must be accompanied by an official translation which is available from the Embassy of Japan in Ireland. Please contact the  NDLS if you have any queries about exchanging your driving licence.

Application
In order to obtain a Certified Translation of a Japanese Driving Licence for the purpose of exchanging a Japanese driving licence for an Irish driving licence at the NDLS, you should submit the following documents.
A Certified Translation will be issued in approximately 3 working days.
 
If you are applying in person:

1. One completed  application form* Sample

2. Your valid full Japanese driving licence (within date)

3. Your valid passport

 
If you are applying by post, you should send the following documents:

1. One completed  application form* Sample

2. A photocopy of your valid full Japanese driving licence (both sides)

3. A photocopy of your valid passport (photo page only)

Collection (in person only) *Please note that we cannot return items by post.

When you collect the Certified Translation of Japanese Driving Licence, please bring the following: 

1. Your valid passport

2. Your valid full Japanese driving licence

3. Fee: €14.00 (cash only)

If you would like to authorise someone to pick it up, please ensure he/she brings the following additional documents.

4. Photo ID of the authorised person collecting on behalf of the applicant

5. An authorised letter signed by the applicant

Please ensure that the Certified Translation of Japanese Driving Licence are collected as soon as possible. If you have any further queries, please contact us. 

Office Hours and Contact
09.30-13.00 and 14.00-16.30, Monday-Friday (excluding Embassy Holidays)
 
Consular Section, Embassy of Japan in Ireland
Nutley Building, Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4, D04 RP73
Tel: 01-202-8300
Fax: 01-260-1285
E-mail:  consular@ir.mofa.go.jp
 
Please note that certificates as well as the original documents submitted will be disposed of if they remain uncollected for three years. Therefore, please ensure that they are collected as soon as possible.
 
Return of your Japanese Driving Licence
Your Japanese driving licence is likely to be returned to us by the NDLS after exchange. When your Japanese driving licence has been returned to us from the NDLS, we will contact you by e-mail.

If you come to collect it in person, please bring your valid passport or Irish driving licence.

If you would prefer to receive your licence by post, please send us the following:

1. €9.50 stamp and self-addressed return envelope (to avoid loss in the post) 

2. A photocopy of your valid passport (photo page only)

Important Information

1. The Embassy cannot be held responsible if your Japanese driving licence submitted to the NDLS is not returned to us.

2. Please note that we will not be responsible for any loss or damages resulting from the posting of your driving licence.

3. Please be advised that fees are subject to review and are liable to change from 1st April every year.