Im stationed on Camp Schwab and want to get a driving license before I go back to the States in July. I heard theres a way to do it on Okinawa but cant find out how. I dont have any state side license. If anyone has info please let me know! 

You have to get your stateside license first before you can get one out here, but I can't remember where you'd need to go to start those classes. Maybe try the Personal Services Center since they help with relocation assistance...Go to the MCCS Okinawa website and see if they have a number then call them. 

any drivers license from another country can be able to change.. but you have to pass the requirements, written and real driving exam! you have to be atleast resident of japan to be able to get a japanese drivers license. 

Ok, you all are kind of correct. I just got mine done. I just retired here, and I'm married to a Japanese national. I crack up of all the mis-information I have have been told before. You cannot get one just to get one. Just like in the US you have to be a resident of Japan to get one.

1st, you can only get one if you no longer have SOFA status and have residency in Japan, i.e. a Japanese "green card". You will need a proof of residency certificate from your local city hall where you are registered.

2nd, you have to get your VALID stateside license translated through the JAF here on Okinawa ( in Nishihara). Cost is ¥4000. Also for ¥1000 extra, pick up the rules of the road handbook from the JAF. Nice handbook, tells you really how to drive in Japan, not the lack of mis-information 2 hour joke of a class the military gives you when you first PSC here. (Take note of what you do at a train crossing on mainland in the handbook, something the military does not cover for starters.)

3rd, need a printout of your complete driving history from your home state DMV on your driving history, most states its available online.. Also proof you lived in the US for 90 days after you were first issued your drivers license, not sure why but it's their requirement. Along with that you will also need a copy of your DD Form 214.

4th. Visit Japan's equivalent of the DMV near the airport in Naha to process the paperwork, window 11, Mon-Fri 9-12. YOU DO NOT NEED TO TAKE THE WRITTEN OR DRIVING TEST IF YOU HAVE A VALID SOFA DRIVERS LICENSE WHEN YOU APPLY FOR YOUR JAPANESE LICENSE! The only test you have to take is the eye test, its very easy. The cost is approx ¥4780 to do the transfer. Also you will need 2 visa size photos of yourself. Start first at the DMV for all requirements to do the transfer. Side note: If your SOFA license expires on your separation date you can talk to your drivers license office on base to get it extended out 60 days past your ETS date.

It's not a very hard process, took me a about a week to get everthing I needed for the transfer. Most people speak at the DMV some English but you will need a proficient Japnese speaking person on the day of transfer. Have fun..... 

1. Not a resident, but still got the license.

2. No trains in Okinawa, probably why it's not covered in the driving class here.

3. Didn't need printout of my driving history or my DD214.


...but everyone's situation varies. 

Also not a resident but still got a license. Didn't need my DD214 and would not know why they would need it. Just showed my Hawaii state driver’s license filled out some paper work, took the eye test, had a picture taken and sat through a class. When the class was over got in line and got my license. 

Chuck and Suoirafen,

Did you separate or retired here? When did you get your license?

I retired from Kadena in March and I just got mine last month. This was I had to do to transfer my SOFA license over to a local Japanese license through the drivers license place in Naha. They gave me a long list of things needed to transfer mine over. No tests other than the eye test, along with no briefing. Little bit of work to do, but was easy. 

Did not separate on island. Left and came back on tourist visa then applied. 

Chuck,

Ahhh, Makes more sence why we had different requirements to get a Japanese drivers license. The local DMV asked for the extra paperwork to make sure I no longer had SOFA status. I could not have both SOFA and residency at the same time. 

Never been in the military. Came here as a tourist. Ended up getting a job with NTT back in 93 and stayed. Immigration has asked me several times why I don’t just apply for residency but I see no reason to as I don’t mind showing up every three years to renew my Visa. Every time I show up at immigration I tell them I’m planning on leaving but for some reason even though I hate this place a lot of times, I just keep on staying. I guess I’m just a glutton for punishment. 

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