I’ve been so busy running my travel blog lately that it’s been a while since I updated this space. But for today’s long-overdue post, I want to share a painful personal experience from living in Japan—something many long-term residents might also encounter: forgetting to renew your driver’s license. Yes, this is about what happens when your Japanese driver’s license expired and the process of applying for a “reissue due to expiration.”
This was actually my third time renewing my license. If I had done it around my birthday last November, I would’ve been eligible to upgrade from a blue license to the holy grail—a Gold License. But thanks to my forgetfulness, I missed the renewal window entirely and lost my shot at that Gold License…
So in this post, I’ll walk you through the procedures, required documents, and tips on how to reapply for your Japanese driver’s license within six months of it expiring. Hopefully, it’ll help others avoid the same mistake!
(Since photography isn’t allowed at the center, this post will be mainly text-based—but I’ll keep it as clear and straightforward as possible!)
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What Is a Gold License?
A Gold License is Japan’s way of rewarding drivers with a clean record. It means you’ve had no traffic violations or accidents for over five years.
Having a Gold License comes with several perks: the renewal period is extended from the usual 3 years (for green licenses) to 5 years, some insurance companies offer discounts, and some car rental agencies treat it as a sign of trustworthiness and offer better services or deals.
When Do You Need to Renew Your Japanese Driver’s License?
The renewal period is indicated right on your license. Generally, you can renew your license from one month before to one month after your birthday. For example, my birthday is November 27, so I had from October 27 to December 27 to renew. If you fail to renew it by one month after your birthday, your license will automatically expire, and you can’t go through the usual renewal process.
But don’t panic if you miss it. If it’s within six months after expiration, or if you have a legitimate reason (like being overseas), there’s still a way to reapply for your license without having to go through driving school or take the written test again.
What to Do If Your Japanese Driver’s License Expired
If you didn’t renew your license within the allowed window (one month before and after your birthday), it will become invalid. When I first realized this, I was really stressed. I did a ton of research online, and some sources made it sound like I’d have to go back to driving school and retake all the tests. But luckily, it turned out to be much less complicated.
Once your license has expired, the reissue process depends on whether you have a “legitimate reason” and how long it has been since the expiration.
To simplify:
- If you don’t have a special reason, but your license expired within the past 6 months; OR
- f you have a valid reason (e.g., being abroad), even if it’s within 3 years of expiration, and you apply within one month of returning to Japan;
In either of these situations, you can go through a similar process as renewing from a green to a blue license: apply, pass a basic aptitude test, and attend a one-hour lecture. Then you’ll be able to get a new, valid license.
However, if it’s been more than 6 months without a valid reason, the process gets much more complicated (you might need to take the full driving test again). Since I didn’t go through that, I won’t go into details here.
Can You Still Get a Gold License After Reissuing an Expired One?
If you have a legitimate reason—like being overseas during the renewal period—you can still preserve your clean driving history as long as you apply within one month of returning to Japan, even if the license expired up to three years ago. That means if you didn’t have any violations in the previous five years, you still have a shot at getting the Gold License!
But in my case, it was just plain forgetfulness with no valid excuse… So unfortunately, I had to let go of my Gold License dream. Even though I originally held a blue license, reapplying after expiration reset my violation-free record.
Lesson learned the hard way!
Procedures for Reissuing a Japanese Driver’s License Within Six Months of Expiration
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
First, gather the necessary documents: your residence card (在留カード), certificate of residence (住民票), your old driver’s license (even if it’s expired, bring it), and a photo that meets the official specifications.
Important reminder: be sure to bring your certificate of residence—just showing your My Number Card is not enough. I only realized this at the last minute, but thankfully I was able to print my certificate of residence from a convenience store kiosk using my My Number Card. Super convenient.
If you plan to use your My Number Card as your driver’s license, you must make an online reservation in advance. I haven’t tried this option myself, so I’m not sure how convenient it actually is—in the end, I just went with the traditional physical license.
Reservation site: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Administrative Procedure Online System
Also, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, don’t forget to bring them! You’ll have to take a vision test during the aptitude check, and if you fail, they’ll reject your application on the spot.
Step 2: Go to the Designated Driver’s License Center or Test Site
In my case, I went to the Samezu Driver’s License Center in Tokyo, since I live in Shinagawa.
Each area is assigned to a specific center based on police jurisdiction. For those handling reissuance due to expiration, the latest you can check in is 2:00 PM, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time. (Regular renewals are accepted until 3:00 PM.)
Step 3: Start the Process at Counter 1
Once inside, head to the No.1 registration kiosk to begin the process. Even if you didn’t make a reservation, you can still go ahead with the procedure here. I didn’t make one, and the process wasn’t difficult—you just scan your expired license, input some basic info, and the system prints out your application form and related documents.
One of these forms requires a handwritten signature and asks you to select the reason your license expired. I honestly selected “I forgot.” While it’s a bit embarrassing, if you claim a special reason, you’ll need supporting documentation.
Step 4: Submit Your Documents at Counter 6
Next, bring all your documents—residence card, expired license, certificate of residence, and the printed application—to Counter 6.
The staff will confirm your identity and ask why your license expired and why you’re applying now. If you have a legitimate reason (like being abroad), you’ll need to provide proof such as passport stamps.
In my case, I just… forgot. The staff member was kind and even tried to help me come up with a reason, asking two or three times, “Are you sure it was just forgetfulness? Didn’t you travel overseas?” But I truly had nothing to offer and had to admit it was simply a mistake.
He sighed and said, “Ah, then your previous violation-free record will be reset. Is that okay?” I could only laugh awkwardly and accept the reality.
After that, he directed me to the next step in the reissuance process.
Step 5: Pay at Counter 2
The total cost was ¥5,100: ¥2,500 for the license itself, ¥800 for the one-hour lecture required for blue license holders, and ¥1,800 for the aptitude test.
Fees may vary by location—this is just my experience at Samezu.
Step 6: Take the Aptitude Test at Counter 3
I expected the aptitude test to include reaction time or health checks like my first renewal, but this time, it was only a vision test.
As long as you wear your corrective lenses, it’s nothing to worry about.
Step 7: Take a New ID Photo at Counter 9
In Japan, when you apply for or renew your license, you typically have to take a new photo on the day of the procedure. I took mine at the designated counter with the standard blue background.
Some centers allow you to use your own photo, but you must apply for this at Counter 4 before Step 4. Rules may vary by center, so always double-check the posted information on-site.
You can check the photo requirements here: [Link to license photo guidelines]
Step 8: Return to Counter 6 to Complete Your Application
Once all previous steps are done, go back to Counter 6 to check in again. They’ll confirm you’ve completed everything and send you to the lecture registration counter on the second floor.
I finished my process around 1:30 PM, which was just after the 1:20 lecture slot had begun, so I was scheduled for the 2:20 session—about a 40-minute wait.
Luckily, the Samezu center has a cafeteria and rest area where you can grab lunch or take a break. There aren’t many restaurants nearby, just convenience stores, so this was a lifesaver.
I ordered the pork cutlet curry—it was a generous portion. They also serve ramen, soba, and other meals.
Step 9: Attend the Required Lecture
The lecture at the Samezu center focused mainly on recent traffic law changes and safety tips—different from the one I took during my last renewal. Some might feel this part is a waste of time, but honestly, I found it pretty meaningful. Sitting in the classroom brought back memories of my student days, too (haha).
Still, it’s a good opportunity to refresh your knowledge and be a more responsible driver.
Step 10: Receive Your New License – You’re Done!
After the lecture, the instructor stamps your proof-of-completion slip. Bring it to the designated desk to pick up your brand-new driver’s license—and you’re officially done!
They’ll also return your expired license with a hole punched through it.
I arrived at the center around 12:45 PM and received my new license at about 3:30 PM—the whole process took around three hours. It was a bit tedious but not physically exhausting.
Honestly, I was really looking forward to upgrading to a Gold License, but due to this expiration, my previous clean record was erased. I have to start from scratch with a blue license and wait another five years. That moment of realizing I missed the Gold License really stung…
So if you have a Japanese driver’s license, make sure to keep track of your renewal date! Don’t make the same mistake I did.
Highly recommend setting a calendar reminder on your phone—take care of it early, and save yourself the headache!
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