Question 1

Is my JAF translation valid for police checks in Japan?

Accepted Answer

During a roadside check, Japanese police normally verify your original driving licence, your JAF-format translation or IDP, and the entry date in your passport. As long as the information matches and your stay is within the legal one-year limit, a JAF translation is generally accepted.

Question 2

How long does it take to get my JAF translation?

Accepted Answer

Most orders are ready within 24 hours (business days). We’ll email you as soon as your code is ready.

Question 3

Is this accepted by car rental companies?

Accepted Answer

Our translations follow the JAF format commonly used by major rental agencies in Japan.

Question 4

How do I print my translation at 7-Eleven?

Accepted Answer

Use the Multi-Copy Machine, enter the code we send, and print. We include a simple step-by-step guide with pictures.

Question 5

Can I print my translation in a convenience store other than 7-Eleven?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you prefer to print your document at FamilyMart or Lawson, just mention it in the 'Additional comments' box when placing your order.

Question 6

What if my country isn’t listed?

Accepted Answer

If your license is not from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Taiwan, or Monaco, you probably need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Please confirm the latest rules for your situation.

Question 7

How can I check if my JAF translation is compliant with Japanese regulations?

Accepted Answer

A compliant JAF translation follows the official layout, includes Japanese text referring to the Road Traffic Act, shows your driving categories and clearly matches the information printed on your licence. If the format looks like a simple home-made translation, rental companies may refuse it.

Question 8

What is the difference between a JAF Translation and an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

Accepted Answer

A JAF Translation is used for licences issued in specific countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Taiwan and Monaco, whereas an International Driving Permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is required for other countries like the US, UK, Australia or Canada. They are different documents and cannot replace each other.

Question 9

Does the JAF accept temporary, learner or paper licences?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, only full, valid, plastic-format licences are accepted for translation and for car rental in Japan. Temporary, learner or heavily damaged paper licences are often rejected by rental agencies and may not be converted into a standard JAF translation.

Question 10

Why do I need to upload both the front and back of my licence?

Accepted Answer

The back of the licence can contain important details such as issue dates, endorsements or official codes. Even if it looks almost empty, the JAF and car rental companies generally require both sides to be visible and readable on the document.

Question 11

Which file formats are compatible with 7-Eleven Netprint for my translation?

Accepted Answer

7-Eleven Netprint usually accepts JPG, PNG and PDF files. Some HEIC images from smartphones may not be recognised by all copiers, so converting the document to JPG or PDF is recommended if an unsupported format error appears.

Question 12

My 7-Eleven Netprint code does not work. What could be the reason?

Accepted Answer

If a Netprint code does not work, it is often due to an expired code, a typo when entering the characters, selecting the wrong menu on the machine or a temporary network issue in the store. Trying another 7-Eleven location and entering the code exactly as provided usually solves the problem.

Question 13

How long is a 7-Eleven Netprint code valid in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Netprint codes are only valid for a limited period and normally remain active until 23:59 on the expiration day shown in the confirmation. After this time, the file is automatically removed from the Netprint system and the code can no longer be used.

Question 14

Can I legally drive in Japan if my licence expires during my trip?

Accepted Answer

No. You must hold a valid foreign licence at all times while driving in Japan. If your licence expires during your stay, your right to drive ends immediately even if your JAF translation or IDP is still within its own validity period.

Question 15

Why did a car rental company refuse my JAF translation even though it looks correct?

Accepted Answer

A rental company may refuse a JAF translation if the personal data on the document does not exactly match your licence or passport, if the licence category is not compatible with the rented vehicle, or if parts of the translation are blurred, cropped or difficult to read. Some agencies may also apply stricter internal policies.

Question 16

Can I drive for more than one year in Japan with a JAF translation?

Accepted Answer

No. The usual rule is that you may drive with a foreign licence plus JAF translation or IDP for up to one year from the date of your most recent entry into Japan. After that, you are expected to obtain a Japanese driving licence if you wish to continue driving.

Question 17

Can I reuse the same JAF translation for a future trip to Japan?

Accepted Answer

You may reuse it if your licence has not changed and the translation still matches all information within a year. It will be fine with rental companies and local authorities if your licence has not been renewed.

Question 18

Why is my HEIC photo file rejected by the upload form or printer?

Accepted Answer

HEIC is a modern image format used by some smartphones and is not supported everywhere. Certain web forms and Japanese copy machines cannot handle HEIC files, so converting the image to a more standard format such as JPG or PNG before uploading or printing is recommended.

Question 19

What is the minimum recommended resolution for licence photos used for JAF translation?

Accepted Answer

A width of around 1000 to 1500 pixels is recommended so that all characters remain sharp after compression and printing. Very low-resolution or blurry photos can delay the process or lead to the translation being rejected.

Question 20

Will Japanese rental agencies accept a PDF on my phone instead of a printed translation?

Accepted Answer

Most Japanese rental agencies expect customers to present a physical print of the JAF translation or IDP at the counter. A PDF displayed only on a smartphone screen is usually not considered enough, so printing the document before picking up the car is strongly recommended.

Question 21

Why is a translation required if my licence is already bilingual?

Accepted Answer

Even if your licence contains multiple languages, Japan requires that the driving categories and legal references be presented in Japanese according to a specific format. For this reason, a JAF translation or properly issued IDP is still necessary in many situations.

Question 22

Why do car rental companies check the entry stamp in my passport?

Accepted Answer

Rental companies check the date of your last entry into Japan to ensure that you are still within the one-year period during which you are allowed to drive with a foreign licence plus JAF translation or IDP. If more than one year has passed, they may not be able to rent you a vehicle.

Question 23

Can I drive in Japan with a digital-only driving licence app?

Accepted Answer

At present, digital-only licences stored in smartphone apps are not recognised as valid driving documents in Japan. You must carry your physical plastic licence from your home country and, when required, a JAF translation or an appropriate IDP.

Question 24

Why are some International Driving Permits (IDPs) refused in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Japan recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Some travellers accidentally obtain an IDP based on the 1968 Vienna Convention, which is not accepted in Japan. In such cases, police or rental agencies may refuse the document even if it looks official.

Question 25

Can someone else print my JAF translation using my Netprint code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Netprint system does not link the code to your personal identity, so any trusted person with access to the code can print the document at a 7-Eleven store, provided they use it before the expiration date.

Drive in Japan with your Official JAF Translation 🇯🇵

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Renting a Car in Japan: What You Need to Know

How to print my translation in 7-Eleven

1- Find the multi-function photocopier in 7-Eleven stores

2- Enter the 8 alphanumeric characters we emailed you

3- Print the image which appears on the print settings screen

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