Koto License Center (Tokyo): Eligibility + English Test Cheat Sheet

Part of our Tokyo: Japanese Driver’s License in English (2026 Booking Guide) — Tokyo Japanese driver’s license in English guide.

Koto eligibility first (who is accepted + who gets redirected)

• Who Koto will accept for foreign-license conversion: long/medium‑term residents with a valid foreign license, proof you stayed in the issuing country ≥3 months after obtaining the license, and the required translation/certificates. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Test-exemption (no knowledge/skills check) is determined by the issuing country/region — there is a police “country-specific documents” list you must follow (many sites call this the “29 countries” group, but always check the official keishicho list for your country). If you’re NOT in the exemption group you must be prepared for knowledge + skill checks. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Who gets redirected: applicants who need provisional-license (仮免許) processing, who require specialized course driving checks that Koto doesn’t offer, or who lack country-specific documents will be told to go to Samezu or Fuchu. (Koto does NOT run 仮免許 exams.) (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Koto booking + check-in (what to show, what staff verifies immediately)

1. Before you go: check Koto hours/booking rules and download the Koto country-doc list from the Tokyo police site. Bring originals + copies. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
2. At check‑in — immediate verification (have these ready):
   • Passport (with entry/exit stamps proving 3+ months in the license‑issuing country)
   • Original foreign driver’s license (bring both sides) and an official Japanese translation (JAF, embassy/consulate, or other accepted translator listed by police)
   • Residence Card or Juminhyo if you have one (proof of address / status) — Koto may ask for proof of residence. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
   • Passport‑style photo (if required), money for application + issuance fees (see table)
3. Process note: If your documents meet the “exempt” country criteria, Koto may complete the switch same‑day; if not, expect to be scheduled for knowledge/skill checks (or redirected). (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Koto limitations + workarounds (when you must switch to Samezu/Fuchu)

Quick list of Koto limitations and fast fixes.

• No provisional (仮免許) tests at Koto. If your conversion needs a 仮免 or specialized course exam, book Samezu or Fuchu. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Limited course/practice facilities. Fuchu has the large practice course for on‑course skill checks; Samezu has broader weekend/child‑friendly facilities — use those centers if you need in‑course driving verification. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Workaround if Koto can’t process you: call Koto on arrival (03-3699-1151) and ask which center to transfer to, then check that center’s country‑documents page before leaving home. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• If you lack proof of 3+ months’ stay in the issuing country, obtain certified driving history or embassy affidavit before visiting — otherwise expect refusal. See the police country‑document PDF. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Quick checklist — don’t get turned away

• Confirm your issuing country’s required docs on the Tokyo police “国別必要書類一覧” PDF before you go. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• Bring passport with entry/exit stamps AND a certified translation of your foreign license (JAF or embassy). (jaf.or.jp)
• Bring cash/receipt stamps for ~¥5,000 (application + issuance) and a spare ¥200 per extra category. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)
• If told you need 仮免 or course checks, accept transfer to Samezu/Fuchu and reconfirm that center’s booking rules before leaving Koto. (keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp)

Need help booking or checking whether your country is exempt? LO‑PAL can verify documents and pre‑confirm the right Tokyo center for you.

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