In order to apply for a MobalPay card, you must have one of these forms of ID:
- Japanese Residence Card (Zairyū Card)
- Japanese Driving License
Here, we’ll walk you through the process of getting a Japanese Driving License.
First up, if you’re already driving in Japan, you should already have an IDP (International Driving Permit). However, if you’re in Japan for over a year, you’ll need a full Japanese Driving License instead.
To do this, you’ll first need an approved official translation of your existing license from the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation), which you can apply for online and via mail.
Once you have this, the next step is to make an appointment at the Japanese Driving Center, where you’ll need your IDP, your driving license from your home country alongside the official translation, your passport, your proof of residence, and your Residence Card. You’ll be asked a few questions, so if you’re not yet fluent in Japanese, it’d be helpful to bring along someone who is!
Next up, you’ll be given a second appointment. If you’re from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, or the UK, all you need is a current passport photo. You’ll pay the relevant fees, take an eye exam, and the license is yours!
If you’re not from one of those countries however, you’ll be required to take a written exam and practical Driving Test. All you need to do is pass the test, just like when you got your first license in your home country!
Applying for MobalPay Using a Japanese Driving License
Once you’ve got your License, it’s really easy to apply for MobalPay. All you need to do is upload a photo of your license to our secure system, and we do the rest. If your ID is approved, you can pay for your card, which will then be posted right to you! All you need to know is right here.