Can I use a Japanese Driving License after leaving Japan and coming back again?

2 comments

1. This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.

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   **Can I use a Japanese Driving License after leaving Japan and coming back again?**

   Hi everyone, I have a question…

   In 2021, I worked in Kyoto, Japan (on a work visa) and successfully passed my driving test, obtaining a Japanese driver’s license valid until 2024. However, in 2022, I had to return to my home country and leave Japan permanently.

   I now have a job offer in Hokkaido and plan to go back to Japan around August 2023. I intend to drive and buy a car. Here are my questions:

   1. Will my Japanese Driving License still be valid and usable until it expires?
   2. Since the address on the license card is the one I used to live in Kyoto, can I change the address? Where can I go to change the address (for correspondence purposes with the police) and is it possible to do it in Hokkaido?
   3. Do I need to use the starter sign on my car again? Not sure will be counted as a day-1 driver again after re-entering Japan…

   Thank you!

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2. Your licence is still good until it expires. Just update your address at the local licence center. Not sure if you will have an issue due to the dates since you left Kyoto, someone might have more info on that.