Converting a Japanese Driver's License to a Philippine License
Last updated: 2026-09-13
The basic steps for long-term residents to obtain an embassy translation certificate and convert their license at the LTO.
A Japanese driver's license alone is not enough to keep driving in the Philippines long term. International driving permits have validity periods and vary in how they're treated locally, so most long-term residents get a translation certificate from the embassy and then convert to a Philippine license at the LTO (Land Transportation Office).
Overview
Comparison table
| Item | Details | Approximate cost | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation certificate application | Apply for a translation certificate (Confirmation) for your Japanese driver's license at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines | Fee is paid in cash; check the consular fee schedule for the exact amount | Usually 2 business days (issued the next business day after applying; afternoon applications are issued the following afternoon) |
| Medical certificate | Obtained at an LTO-affiliated clinic, etc. | About ₱500 | Usually issued same day |
| Physical exam / drug test | Eye test, etc. A drug test may also be required for professional licenses | About ₱500–₱800 (including a drug test) | Same day |
| Non-Professional License application fee | LTO license issuance fee (including the computerized license fee) | About ₱585 + roughly ₱67.5 processing fee | Often issued same day (varies by branch) |
Steps
- Confirm in advance with the LTO whether your valid Japanese driver's license and current immigration status (typically a long-term stay visa of 120 days or more) qualify.
- Apply for a translation certificate (Confirmation) for your driver's license at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. Required documents are the application form, your original Japanese license, and your passport. Processing usually takes 2 business days, and the fee is paid in cash at issuance.
- Prepare the full set of documents: passport, visa, proof of stay, translation certificate, and others.
- Get a Medical Certificate (about ₱500) and take the required physical exam (such as an eye test) at your local LTO branch.
- Apply for a Non-Professional License at the LTO counter (the application fee is roughly ₱585 plus about a ₱67.5 processing fee). Depending on the branch and how busy it is, this can take anywhere from the same day to a few days.
- For a long-term stay, don't rely on an international driving permit alone — consider getting a local license. Amounts and required documents change, so check the embassy and LTO official sites for the latest information before applying.
Preparation checklist
- A valid Japanese driver's license (original)
- Your passport and documents showing your current immigration status
- ID photos
- The application fee for the translation certificate (cash; confirm the amount with the embassy)
- The Medical Certificate fee (about ₱500)
- LTO exam and application fees (roughly ₱585 plus about a ₱67.5 processing fee)
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive long term on just an international driving permit?
The validity period and local treatment of an international driving permit vary by issuing country, and it may not be sufficient for a long-term stay. If you plan to drive long term, consider converting to a local license.
Where do I get the translation certificate?
You can apply for a translation certificate (Confirmation) for your Japanese driver's license at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. Required documents and fees can change, so check the embassy's latest information.
How long does the process at the LTO take?
Processing time varies significantly depending on the LTO branch and how busy it is. You may also need to take exams (such as an eye test), so allow plenty of time when you visit.
About how much does the whole conversion process cost?
As a rough guide, on top of the embassy's translation certificate fee (cash; confirm the amount), expect around ₱500 for the LTO Medical Certificate, ₱500–₱800 for the physical exam, and about ₱585 plus a ₱67.5 processing fee for the Non-Professional License application. The total is roughly a few thousand yen plus just under ₱2,000, but this varies by branch and current practice, so always confirm with the latest official information.
Eligible visa types, required documents, and fees are subject to change. Confirm with the embassy and your local LTO branch (the amounts below are approximate figures as of 2026).