Use for short term (within one year): driving license and its translation
Based on the equality and mutual benefit for Taiwan and Japan, both countries agree their nationals can driving in the other country with the official and valid driving license and its translation within one year after entry from September 21st, 2007. Please refer to the explanation in the website of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.( https://www.koryu.or.jp/en/)
Q&A for driving in Japan for a short time with Taiwan driving license:
Q1: What documents are required to drive in Japan for a short period time with Taiwan driving license?
A1: Taiwan driving license, its translation in Japanese, and passport. (International driving permit issued in Taiwan is not applicable.)
Q2: How can I apply for “translation of Taiwan driving license in Japanese” in Taiwan? Translation done one your own will not be valid.
A2: Please bring original driving license and original I.D. card and apply it to the highway supervision authority (cross-regional application is acceptable). Fee for each copy is NT$100. Driving license must be within the expiration; if not, please apply for license renewal first (documents for renewal: national I.D. card, the obtained driving license, and one 1-inch photo).
Q3: Where can I apply for “translation of Taiwan driving license in Japanese” in Japan?
A3：Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, Yokohama Branch, and Naha Branch.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Osaka, and Fukuoka Branch.
Japan Automobile Federation (application counters are set up at branch offices in each prefecture).
Q4: What is the type of vehicle I can drive?
A4: The type of vehicle that the applicant can drive (size, passenger vehicle or truck, whether trailer is allowed) is the same as the vehicle type remarked on the Taiwan driving license and it will be remarked in the Japanese translation. This is not applicable to taxi or large passenger vehicle that is with commercial purpose.
Q&A for driving in Taiwan for a short time with Japanese driving license:
Q1: What documents are required to drive in Taiwan for a short period time with Japanese driving license?
A1: Japanese driving license, its translation in Chinese, and passport.
Q2: Where can I apply for “translation of Japanese driving license in Chinese”?
A2: For short-term use: Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (including Taipei Office and Kaohsiung Office).
For long-term use: Exchanging driving license with reciprocal countries with test exemption.
Based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit as well as the regulations of relevant road traffic rules, we agree the Japanese in Taiwan who hold official and valid Japanese driving license and its translation in Chinese as well as have obtained the residence permit in our country for more than 6 months can apply for exchanging to the equivalent general driving license with test exemption from October 1st, 2008.
Q&A for exchanging Japanese driving license for Taiwan driving license:
Q1: What is the limitation on the residence permit and duration of entry on applying for Taiwan driving license with Japanese driving license?
A1: The duration on the residence permit must be more than 6 months. However, for those who have entered our country before the implementation on October 1st, 2008, they are applicable to exchange for equivalent general driving license in the same type of vehicle in Taiwan with test exemption according to the principle of mutual benefit within one year after the effective date of the announcement.
Q2: What is the application procedure of applying for Taiwan driving license with Japanese driving license?
A2：
- Health examination and physical fitness test:
- Required documents: original residence permit, two 1-inch photos taken within two years, and a fee of NT$150.
- Place for examination: Public hospitals or private hospitals, clinics, or groups entrusted by highway supervision authority. Please check it with your local highway supervision authority.
- Submitting the application for driving license exchange to the local supervision authority after passing health examination and physical fitness:
- Required documents: residence permit (original copy), one 1-inch photo taken within two years, passport (original copy), official and valid Japanese driving license (original copy), Chinese translation of Japanese driving license, and vehicle driving license registration form with qualified health examination result.
- Fees: Driving license fee: NT$200.
Q3: What is the validity of the Taiwan driving license applied for with Japanese driving license?
A3: The automobile and motorcycle driving licenses in our country shall be renewed every 6 years. From July 1st, 2013, license renewal on newly issued or issued general driving license is exempted after the expiration and the license can continue being used domestically. It is applicable to the foreigners who have obtained permanent alien residence permit. However, drivers with specific ages who are required to follow separate regulations will not be applicable to the rules above.
Q4: Where can I apply for Taiwan driving license with Japanese driving license?
A4: Please go to highway supervision authority, branch office, office, station and sub-station.