Nepal Driving License to a Japan Driving License (Full Process Guide)

Nepal Driving License to a Japan Driving License Process: If you hold a Nepal driving license and are living in Japan, you can legally convert it into a Japanese driving license through a process called Gaimen Kirikae (外免切替). This process allows foreign license holders to drive in Japan without starting from zero. तल step-by-step सबै कुरा explain गरिएको छ।

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1. Basic Eligibility (Who Can Apply)

To convert a Nepal license to a Japanese one, you must:

• Have a valid Nepal driving license
• Prove you lived in Nepal for at least 3 months after license issuance
  (यो condition धेरै important हुन्छ)
• Be a legal resident of Japan (Zairyu Card required)
• License must not be expired (or only recently expired)

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2. Documents to Prepare in Nepal (Before Coming to Japan)

Nepal बाट आउँदा नै यी documents ready गर्नुभयो भने process धेरै smooth हुन्छ।

Required Documents from Nepal:

1. Original Nepal Driving License
2. Driving License Certificate / Verification
   • Issued by Department of Transport Management (DOTM), Nepal
3. License Issue Date Proof
   • Sometimes included in certificate
4. Passport (old + new, if available)

• DOTM Driving License Certificate
  ✔ Must be verified and stamped by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Nepal
• DOTM ड्राइभिङ लाइसेन्स प्रमाणपत्र
  ✔ परराष्ट्र मन्त्रालय (MOFA), नेपाल बाट अनिवार्य प्रमाणीकरण तथा छाप लगाइएको हुनुपर्छ

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💰 Cost & Time (MOFA – Nepal)

• MOFA Verification Fee: NPR ५०० – १,०००
• Processing Time: Same day or १ कार्यदिन
• Office Location: परराष्ट्र मन्त्रालय, काठमाडौँ

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⚠️ Important Reminder

This MOFA verification is mandatory, not optional.
यो प्रक्रिया बिना जापानमा नेपाली ड्राइभिङ लाइसेन्स रूपान्तरण सम्भव हुँदैन।

👉 Important Tip (धेरैले miss गर्ने):
DOTM certificate मा license issue date clear देखिनु पर्छ, otherwise Japan ma reject huna sakchha।

Nepal-side Cost & Time:

• DOTM Certificate: NPR 1,000 – 3,000
• Processing Time: 1–3 working days
• Translation in Nepal (optional): NPR 1,500 – 3,000

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3. Documents to Prepare in Japan

Japan आएपछि तलका documents चाहिन्छ:

Required Documents in Japan:

1. Original Nepal Driving License
2. Official Japanese Translation
   • From JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) only
3. Passport (all pages showing entry/exit)
4. Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
5. Juminhyo (住民票) – address certificate (From: Local City Office)
6. Photo (3×2.4 cm) – some centers take photo there
7. Application Form (provided at center)

Japan-side Cost & Time:

• JAF Translation Fee: ¥4,400
• Translation Time: 1–7 days
• Print Certificate by Convince store
• License Center Application Fee: ¥2,550 – ¥4,000

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4. Application Process in Japan (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: JAF Translation

First, submit your Nepal license to JAF for official Japanese translation.

Step 2: Visit Driving License Center

Go to your prefectural driving license center (not police station).

Step 3: Document Screening

Officers will carefully check:

• License issue date
• Passport stamps
• 3-month stay proof in Nepal

यहाँ धेरै application fail हुन्छ, so documents must be strong.

Step 4: Written Test (If Required)

• Simple true/false test (10 questions)
• English available in many prefectures

Step 5: Practical Driving Test (Sometimes Required)

• Some prefectures waive it
• Some require a short course test

Step 6: License Issuance

If passed, you get your Japanese driving license on the same day or within a few days.

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5. Total Estimated Cost & Time (Summary)

Total Cost:

• Nepal side: NPR 3,000 – 6,000
• Japan side: ¥7,000 – ¥10,000
• Optional driving practice: ¥10,000 – ¥30,000

Total Time:

• Nepal prep: 2–4 days
• Japan process: 1–4 weeks (depends on test & appointment)

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6. Common Mistakes to Avoid (ध्यान दिनुहोस्)

• ❌ No proof of 3-month stay in Nepal
• ❌ License issue date missing
• ❌ Non-JAF translation
• ❌ Expired license without explanation

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7. Final Advice

Nepal license conversion in Japan is possible but document-sensitive.
If documents are correct, process easy हुन्छ।
If unclear, first visit license center for pre-check consultation (無料相談).

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Conclusion

By preparing the right documents in Nepal and following the correct process in Japan, you can successfully convert your Nepal driving license without starting from scratch. Proper planning ले time, paisa, ra stress तीनै बचाउँछ।