This summer, I had what was supposed to be a smooth, unforgettable adventure traveling around Japan with my wife and two kids. It was unforgettable—but not quite in the way I expected. And it all started with a simple assumption about my driver’s license.

Children at a Japanese bullet train station.

We arrived in Nagano by bullet train on a hot July Friday afternoon. Our rental car agency was just 800 meters away, so we set off on foot. After about 200 meters, I suggested my wife and kids wait in the shade with our luggage while I handled the car pick-up.

I strolled into the agency confidently, ready with all the essentials: driver’s license, passport, credit card, and my International Driving Permit (IDP). But the agent frowned. She handed me a laminated notice and calmly explained that my IDP was not sufficient to drive in Japan—it wasn’t translated into Japanese. I needed an official translation of my French driver’s license, and not just from any sworn translator, but specifically from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).

Times Car rental agency in Nagano, Japan

I was floored, but I was hopeful. I work with sworn translators every day. I thought I’d be able to get a quick certified translation from one of my colleagues in France. But no—the JAF translation was the only acceptable version, and it could take up to a week. My reservation would be canceled if I didn’t provide it immediately.

Staying calm, I asked about the process. Thankfully, the application could be done online. In five minutes, I submitted everything. I even found a phone number and asked the rental agent to call them, explaining my situation: two kids waiting on the street, no way to get to our mountain lodging without a car. The JAF representative kindly expedited the request.

Relief washed over me—until I had to print the official translation at a nearby 7-11. That’s when things got comical.

Screenshots of the Japan Automobile Federation preview translation into Japanese and printing instructions.
Screenshot

Shortly after walking into the 7-11, I received the confirmation email with a link to generate the print code… but the site refused to load. Why? Because my phone had switched from Wi-Fi to my European eSIM—and JAF’s site blocks access from outside Japan. I had to walk back to the agency, reconnect to Wi-Fi, get the code, and walk back to 7-11.

Queue for the photocopy/printing machine at a 7-11 in Nagano, Japan.

But now, there was a queue. An elderly gentleman was using the machine to make perfect photocopies of what seemed like priceless calligraphy, one sheet at a time. The next person gave up. I waited—patiently—and finally printed the precious document.

At last, I picked up the car, my family, and we set off, laughing at the ordeal. But the lesson was clear.

Photo of the mountains North of Nagano, Japan.

What You Need to Know Before Driving Abroad

  1. Plan ahead. Your IDP might not be enough. In Japan, it wasn’t. Every country has its own rules, and you need to check translation requirements for your driver’s license before you travel.
  2. Not all translations are equal. Only certified or sworn translations from recognized bodies are accepted in most official contexts. In Japan, only the JAF can issue accepted translations. In France, only sworn translators are recognized by courts and public institutions.
  3. Certified translations can save your holiday—or your relocation. Whether you’re vacationing or moving abroad, having your license translated into English or French ahead of time can prevent last-minute stress. Learn more about how to convert your driver’s license to a French license.
  4. We’ve streamlined the process—just like JAF. At ApexTra, we offer fast, official translations of driver’s licenses between English and French, using our trusted platform Trad24.com. All sworn translations are delivered within 24 hours—often sooner.

Avoid Last-Minute Surprises – Get Your Driver’s License Translated Now

If you’re preparing a trip abroad and plan to drive—whether for a two-week holiday or a long-term move—don’t wait. A sworn, certified translation of your driver’s license into French or a sworn, certified translation of your driver’s license into English could be the document that makes or breaks your travel plans.

We’re here to help, but we always recommend calling us before placing an urgent order. We’ll walk you through the process and make sure you get what you need, when you need it—so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

🛣️ Need your driver’s license translated quickly?
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