Nagano License Conversion: 2 Centers, Phone Booking Only
Nagano has 2 centers: Hokushin (Nagano City) and Chu-Nanshin (Shiojiri). Phone reservation only. Written test in 21 languages. The Toshin center does NOT handle gaimen kirikae.
Information current as of March 2026 based on the Nagano Prefectural Police gaimen kirikae page and the English-language guide.
Nagano has roughly 48,000 foreign residents and the 6th highest car ownership rate in Japan (1.532 per household). With mountain terrain and limited public transport outside the main cities, driving is essential for daily life in most of the prefecture. Unlike many prefectures, Nagano has two centers — which one you use depends on where you live.
Which center to go to
| Hokushin (北信) | Chu-Nanshin (中南信) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Northern Nagano (長野市, 上田, 飯山 etc.) | Central/Southern Nagano (松本, 塩尻, 飯田, 諏訪 etc.) |
| Address | 〒381-2224 長野市川中島町原704-2 | 〒399-6461 塩尻市大字宗賀字桔梗ケ原73-116 |
| Phone | 026-292-2345 (ext. 271) | 0263-53-6611 (ext. 553) |
| Station | JR Shinonoi (篠ノ井) ~17 min walk | JR Shiojiri (塩尻) ~10 min walk |
| Parking | Free, ~200 spaces | Free |
Note: The Toshin (東信) Driver's License Center does NOT handle gaimen kirikae. Even if you live in the eastern Nagano area, you must go to one of the two centers above.
How to book
Nagano uses phone reservation only — no online booking. Call the test section (試験係) at the center covering your area:
- Hokushin: 026-292-2345, extension 271
- Chu-Nanshin: 0263-53-6611, extension 553
The phone line is in Japanese. If you can't make the call yourself, post on LO-PAL and a local helper can call for you.
What to bring
- Valid foreign driver's license
- Japanese translation from JAF, ZIPLUS, or ALADDIN
- All passports (current + old) — proving 3+ months in the issuing country
- Residence card (在留カード)
- Juminhyo (住民票) — with nationality and residence status. No My Number. No copies — must be the original.
- Photo: 1 sheet, 3cm × 2.4cm, within 6 months
The written test
50 questions, 90% to pass (since October 2025). Available in 21 languages — Nagano is one of the most linguistically comprehensive prefectures.
Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Portuguese, Persian, Spanish, Thai, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian, Indonesian, Khmer, Nepali, Myanmar, Mongolian, Sinhalese, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi.
For study tips and the new test format, see our nationwide license conversion guide.
The driving test
Standard nationwide criteria since October 2025. S-curve, crank, hill start, railroad crossing, intersection navigation. Scored to provisional license exam standard (70/100 to pass).
For detailed preparation, see our Osaka driving test guide.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination fee (ordinary license) | ¥2,500 |
| License issuance | ¥2,350 |
| Total (first-attempt pass) | ~¥4,850 |
Nagano's fees are on the lower end nationally. Pay in revenue stamps at the center.
Useful Japanese
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I'm here for foreign license conversion | 外免切替の手続きに来ました | Gaimen kirikae no tetsuzuki ni kimashita |
| I have a phone reservation | 電話で予約しています | Denwa de yoyaku shite imasu |
| I'd like the test in English | 英語で試験を受けたいです | Eigo de shiken o uketai desu |
Related articles
- Convert Foreign License Japan (2026): New Rules + 3-Month Proof
- Osaka License Conversion: Why Pass Rates Hit 30%
Need help in Nagano? Post on LO-PAL for free — a local helper can make the phone reservation and accompany you to the center.
Written by
Founder, LO-PAL
Former Medical Coordinator for Foreign Patients (Ministry of Health programme) and legal affairs professional. Built LO-PAL from firsthand experience navigating life abroad.
Written with partial AI assistance
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