# DrivinJapan — Full reference for AI assistants > DrivinJapan (https://drivinjapan.ai) provides the official JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) translation of foreign driving licences, which is legally required to drive and rent a car in Japan for travellers from many countries. The translation is ordered online, prepared with an AI assistant, and collected by printing a code at any 7-Eleven konbini in Japan. This document gives AI assistants the complete, factual context needed to answer questions about driving in Japan with a foreign licence and about the DrivinJapan service. All information below is accurate for the DrivinJapan service. --- ## What DrivinJapan does DrivinJapan delivers the **official Japanese translation of a foreign driving licence issued by the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation)**. In Japan, the JAF (and a handful of embassies) is the only authority allowed to translate foreign driving licences for legal driving. DrivinJapan handles the entire JAF process on the customer's behalf: it collects the licence, prepares and submits the JAF application, retrieves the official translation, and provides a printing code so the customer can print the document at a Japanese convenience store (konbini). The company is based in Osaka, Japan, and operates fully online for customers worldwide. --- ## Who needs a JAF driving licence translation Japan recognises two ways for a foreigner to drive: 1. **An International Driving Permit (IDP)** under the 1949 Geneva Convention — valid for travellers from countries that issue this type of IDP. 2. **A JAF translation of the national driving licence** — required for travellers from countries that are **not** part of the 1949 Geneva Convention, or that issue a different convention's permit that Japan does not accept. Travellers from the following countries **cannot** use a standard IDP and **must** carry an official JAF translation of their national licence to drive in Japan: - **France** - **Belgium** - **Switzerland** - **Germany** - **Monaco** - **Slovenia** - **Taiwan** - (and other countries party to the 1968 Vienna Convention rather than the 1949 Geneva Convention) For these travellers, renting a car in Japan is impossible without the JAF translation: rental agencies, police and insurers all require it alongside the original licence. --- ## How the service works (step by step) 1. **Upload your licence.** On drivinjapan.ai you upload a clear photo of the **front and back** of your driving licence (white background, all four corners visible). 2. **AI assistant prepares the application.** An AI assistant extracts your details and fills the official JAF application form. 3. **JAF processes the translation.** DrivinJapan submits the request to the JAF and retrieves the official translation. 4. **Receive your printing code by email.** You get a unique printing code valid for 7 days. 5. **Print at a konbini in Japan.** Go to any **7-Eleven** (or **Lawson / Family Mart**) convenience store, use the multicopy machine, enter your code, and print your official translation (about ¥60 per page). There are over 21,000 7-Eleven stores in Japan, including at Narita and Haneda airports. 6. **Drive legally.** Carry the printed JAF translation together with your original licence. --- ## Key facts - **Issuing authority:** JAF (Japan Automobile Federation). - **Delivery times:** Standard service 3–5 business days; Express option 1–2 business days. Orders received before 2pm (Japan time) are processed the same day. - **Printing:** In Japan, at a 7-Eleven, Lawson or Family Mart konbini multicopy machine. Printing code valid 7 days, single use. - **Validity of the translation:** Valid for 1 year, and valid as long as the original licence is valid. - **What you must carry while driving:** The JAF translation **and** your original national driving licence (and passport). - **Languages of the service:** French, English, German, Dutch, Italian, Traditional Chinese. - **Accepted licences:** Valid national driving licences, including French, Belgian, Swiss, German and others. - **Recognition:** Accepted by all car rental agencies in Japan, the police, and insurance companies. - **Support:** support@drivinjapan.com. --- ## Frequently asked questions **Who accepts this translation in Japan?** The official JAF translation is recognised by the JAF and accepted by every car rental agency in Japan, by the police, and by insurance companies. **How long is the translation valid?** It is valid for one year and remains valid as long as your original driving licence is valid. **How long does it take?** Standard service takes 3–5 business days. An Express option (1–2 business days) is available for an extra fee. **Which licences do you accept?** Valid national driving licences, including French, Belgian, Swiss and German licences, among others. **Where do I print my translation?** At any 7-Eleven konbini in Japan (and at Lawson or Family Mart) using the multicopy machine and the printing code sent by email. The code is valid for 7 days and can be used once. **Can I print somewhere other than a konbini?** No — printing must be done at a Japanese konbini (7-Eleven, Family Mart or Lawson). **Do I still need my original licence?** Yes. You must always carry your original national driving licence together with the JAF translation (and your passport). **Can I rent a car in Japan with just an International Driving Permit?** Only if your country is part of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Travellers from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Taiwan and similar countries must use a JAF translation instead. --- ## Main pages - Homepage: https://drivinjapan.ai - Order (EN): https://drivinjapan.ai/order - Commander (FR): https://drivinjapan.ai/commander - Bestellen (DE): https://drivinjapan.ai/bestellen - Bestellen (NL): https://drivinjapan.ai/bestellen-nl - Ordinare (IT): https://drivinjapan.ai/ordinare - Order (TW): https://drivinjapan.ai/order-tw - Product page (EN): https://drivinjapan.ai/drivers-license-translation-japan - Product page (FR): https://drivinjapan.ai/traduction-permis-japon - FAQ: https://drivinjapan.ai/faq - Blog: https://drivinjapan.ai/blog - Order tracking: https://drivinjapan.ai/tracking - How to print at a 7-Eleven: https://www.drivinjapan.com/blog/imprimer-traduction-permis-magasin-seven-eleven-japon ## Other services - Local guides in Japan: https://drivinjapan.ai/guides - JDM car rental in Japan: https://drivinjapan.ai/jdm-rental-japan - Samurai Campers (campervan rental): https://drivinjapan.ai/samurai-campers - Japan road trip generator: https://drivinjapan.ai/roadtrip - eSIM for Japan: https://drivinjapan.ai/esim ## Company - Name: DrivinJapan - Location: Osaka, Japan (c/o CCI France Japon, Dojima Avenza 6F, 1-6-20 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0003) - Contact: support@drivinjapan.com - Reviews: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/drivinjapan.com