How To Renew Your Japanese Driver's License

Japanese driver's licenses are generally good for 2 to 3 years (I got my first license in August and it expired in December 2.3 years later.  My newly renewed license is good for 3 years).  If you're driving in Japan for long enough, you'll have to renew.  Here's the skinny on how to do that:

Where?

You can do it at either the Menkyo Center (免許センター Licensing Center) or a Police Station (keisatsu sho 警察署).  The Menkyo Center is open Sunday - Friday, and the Police Stations are open Monday - Friday.  NOTE: You can renew at any Police Station in the prefecture (not small koban) except for North Kumamoto, South Kumamoto, East Kumamoto, Ozu, and Mifune Stations.  I assume the reasoning is that those stations are close to the Menkyo Center, so you may as well go there.    

When?

You can begin the process up to 1 month before the expiration date printed on your license, and as late as 1 month after your license expires.  Keep in mind, however, that if you allow your license to expire, you cannot drive (obviously), and if you wait too long (more than 1 month after expiry) you'll have to go through the whole licensing process again.  If you cannot renew your license within that time frame, you must go to the Menkyo Center with proof that you were either out of the country, or too sick to do so (i.e. hospitalized).  At both the Menkyo Center and the Police Stations, there are two chances per day to renew.  

Menkyo Center:

Mon - Fri = 09:40 a.m. and 14:10 p.m.

Sunday = 09:50 a.m. and 14:10 p.m.

Police Station:

Mon - Fri = 08:30～11:30 and 13:00～16:30

At both locations you'll need to show up and register for renewal early.  The Menkyo Center allows for registration between 08:30～09:30 and 13:00～14:00.  If you are late and don't make it through registration in time, they'll make you come back another day.  At some Police Stations you may need to go in twice.  One JET reported that they went in for the paperwork one day, and was asked to return for the 2-hour lecture in 2 weeks time.  So, please be sure to start the process early enough so that your license doesn't expire before you get the chance to renew it. 

What do I need to bring?

1) Your current driver's license.

2) The postcard you received in the mail reminding you to renew (you should get one, but if you don't or you loose it, you can get around it).

3) A 3cm x 2.4cm color photo.  This is only applicable if you go to a Police Station.  You DO NOT need to bring a photo if you renew at the Menkyo Center.

4) Your inkan.

5) If you need glasses, bring them.

How much does it cost?

Roughly ￥6000

How does it all work?

1) Go to the Menkyo Center or the Police Station during the times outlined above.  I suggest getting there as early as possible.  I showed up at 08:00 (registration starts at 08:30) and there was already a sizable line.

2) Bring with you the items outlined above.  I forgot my postcard, but was able to get past it with a small fee and some extra paperwork.

3) You'll go through registration which requires filling out some paperwork, paying the fees, and an eye exam.

4) Being that you are renewing your license for the first time you have to go through the long lecture.  It's about 2 hours of instructional lecture, slide show, some videos (containing a few graphic scenes of car crashes), and some lighthearted admonishment.  

5) At the end of the lecture you'll be given your new license.  The whole process took roughly 4 hours.

For everyone, a few friendly reminders:

-Please, oh please, do not drive without a license.  If you get caught doing so, you will have to pay a large fine and could face jail time.  If you cause an accident while driving without a license, there will be very bad consequences (huge fines, jail time and lightning strikes.  Yes, lightning strikes).

-Please, oh please, do not drive without insurance.  You should have two types of automobile insurance: Compulsory Liability Insurance and Optional (but also compulsory) Automobile Insurance.

-Please, oh please (I'm on my knees for this one), do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has drunk!!!