Shiga License Conversion: Get Your Translation First
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Shiga requires your JAF translation to be ready before they'll accept a reservation. One center in Moriyama. Phone booking only. Applications have 'significantly increased' — expect long waits.
Information current as of March 2026 based on the Shiga Prefectural Police gaimen kirikae page. Note: Shiga does not have an English-language police page for license conversion — this guide fills that gap.
Shiga has roughly 45,000 foreign residents and a car ownership rate of 1.361 per household. With most of the population living around Lake Biwa's southern shore and working in manufacturing, a car is a practical necessity. Shiga's license center has seen a sharp increase in applications, and the process has a unique requirement that trips people up.
The catch: translation first, then reservation
Most prefectures let you make a reservation and then prepare documents before the appointment. Shiga requires you to have your JAF translation ready before they'll schedule your appointment. Don't call without it — they'll tell you to call back.
Translation timeline:
- Get your JAF translation first (apply online at jaf.or.jp or visit a JAF office — takes 2–3 weeks by mail)
- Then call 077-585-1255 to make your reservation
- Prepare remaining documents while waiting for the appointment date
Where to go
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | 滋賀県運転免許センター (Shiga Prefectural Driver's License Center) |
| Address | 〒524-0104 滋賀県守山市木浜町2294 |
| Phone | 077-585-1255 |
| Hours | Weekdays only (closed Sat/Sun/holidays) |
| Bus | JR Moriyama Station (守山駅) west exit → Ohmi Bus ~20–30 min → "運転免許センター" stop |
| Alt bus | JR Katata Station (堅田駅) → Kojaku Bus ~20 min → "免許センター" stop |
| Car | Near Biwako Ohashi (琵琶湖大橋) east intersection |
| Parking | Free, ~300 spaces |
How to book
Phone reservation only. Call 077-585-1255. The call is in Japanese.
Warning: The Shiga Police have noted that gaimen kirikae applications have "significantly increased" (大幅に増加), resulting in longer wait times. Book as early as possible once your translation is ready.
What to bring
- Valid foreign driver's license
- Japanese translation (JAF, ZIPLUS, or ALADDIN — must be ready before reservation)
- All passports — proving 3+ months in the issuing country
- Residence card
- Juminhyo — with nationality, residence status, full details. No My Number. Original only, no copies.
- Photo: 3cm × 2.4cm
The written test
50 questions, 90% to pass (since October 2025). Multiple languages available — confirmed: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese. Likely up to 20 languages under the national policy.
The driving test
Standard nationwide criteria. S-curve, crank, hill start, railroad crossing, intersections. 70/100 to pass.
For preparation, see our Osaka driving test guide.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Examination fee | ~¥2,500 |
| License issuance | ¥2,350 |
| Total (first-attempt pass) | ~¥4,850 |
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 already have the JAF translation | JAFの翻訳はもう持っています | JAF no honyaku wa mō motte 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 Shiga? Post on LO-PAL for free — a local helper can make the phone reservation in Japanese, prepare your documents, or accompany you to the Moriyama 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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