To convert your SOFA and U.S. driver's license to a Japanese driver's license without having to take a written or practical driving test, you'll generally need to prove 3 things:

1. You currently possess a valid and current U.S. driver's license
2. You drove in the U.S. for at least 3 months (ideally 1 year to avoid beginner status)
3. You recently converted from SOFA status to a Japanese visa

To prove these 3 elements you'll need the following documents:

1. Your current physical U.S. driver's license (if you don't have that in possession, you might try an official driving record from your state showing your license is still valid)
2. Current Passport
3. Proof you drove in the U.S. for at least 90 days (again, ideally 1 year to avoid beginner status)
   • To prove you drove in the U.S. for 90 days or more you need 2 things:
     • *Proof you were in the U.S.: school transcripts, utility bills, employment letters, W-2, orders, old passport, etc.
     • *Proof you held a valid driver's license during the same period of time: Current physical license, expired physical license, official driving record
4. SOFA cancellation paperwork
   • "Cancellation of SOFA Recognition Letter" - you can't obtain this until you are officially no longer SOFA
   • "Statement of Drivers License History" - you can't obtain this until you forfeit your SOFA license to base safety
5. Residence card
   • This is the card that will be issued to you by Japanese immigration after you're successfully issued a Japanese visa
6. Certificate of Residence ("Juminhyo")
   • This you will obtain from your city office after you obtain your residence card from Japanese immigration

*It's important to note that the driving office requires you to prove that the documents you use to prove you drove in the U.S. are official. They will ask that you provide original, postmarked envelopes, or screenshots of emails with the document attached. The document by itself will likely be challenged and you will be asked to show proof it's official. The only exception is for old or current physical driver's licenses. Copies alone will not be accepted. 

This step is not mandatory, but it's highly recommend.

Everyone's situation is unique and rules can change. It's very likely there will be additional paperwork not mentioned here and it's best to know what paperwork is required, in advance of losing SOFA status. This gives you plenty of time to obtain all the necessary documents.

• If you don't speak fluent Japanese, it's recommended to bring a Japanese speaker with you or have a translator on the phone
• Go to the Okinawa Prefectural Police Driver's Center, just South of the Naha airport (Location here) 
• Bring all of your documents with you:
  • Current physical driver's license
  • Passport
  • Current SOFA license
  • Proof you drove in the U.S. for 90 days or longer
• The police officer will let you know if the following paperwork will work or inform you of other documents they will require.

Visit the Japan Automobile Federation to obtain official translation of your current driver's license. Okinawa Branch Location

You can do this by mail (takes 2 to 4 weeks to obtain) or in-person (takes 1 to 2 weeks to obtain).

The cost is 3,000 yen at the time of writing this article. Only cash accepted. 

The translation may expire. It's best to double check this to make sure you're not getting it too early, and expiring before you apply to get your Japanese license.

Obtain the following SOFA cancellation paperwork:

• 1. "Cancellation of SOFA Recognition Letter" - Get this from the Staff Judge Advocate Office (SJA). It's best to talk with SJA before you need this. Sometimes it can take awhile to get as it can requires coordination with your chain of command. You can pick it up in-person or sent to you via email. Once this letter is issued, you are no longer SOFA status. So you cannot obtain until you're done with SOFA.
  2. "Statement of Drivers License History" - Go to the base safety office on Camp Foster and let them know that you need a letter to turn into the Japanese Driving Office. You'll be required to turn in your SOFA license in exchange for this letter. This is usually a quick, walk-in process, but it's best you call before hand.

Important note: Before losing or ending SOFA status, make sure that you have an understanding of the Japanese immigration process. At the time of this writing, you have 30 days from the day you lose SOFA status to turn in a visa application to Japanese immigration. It's best to plan well ahead of losing SOFA status. 

The author of this article asked Japanese officers at the driving office if he could drive using an International Driving Permit (IDP) after forfeiting SOFA status and while waiting for a Japanese visa and driver's license. The officers informed him that it's illegal and that he cannot drive at all.

Many people will tell you that you can drive on a IDP as long as it's valid and as long as it's issued from a U.S. address. Though this is true in some situations, it's not true for all situations and likely not true when transitioning from SOFA to a Japanese visa.

Even if you get verbal permission from a Japanese officer, the U.S. Embassy reports on their website that the laws are unclear, that they have seen foreigners get charged with driving without a license (even while possessing a current IDP), and that it's probably illegal in the following situations:

• Using an IDP for more than one year in Japan
• Using an IDP after exiting and then returning to Japan
• Using an IDP while residing in Japan
• Using an IDP after obtaining a Residence Card
• Using an IDP after 90 days in Japan
• Using an IDP obtained by mail while in Japan

One last thing to consider; when applying for a Japanese license, you are required to answer certain questions, one being if you currently have an IDP. There have been some stories of officers questioning applicants if they have been driving on an IDP, putting applicants in very difficult position if in fact they had been driving on an IDP up until that point.

The legality of driving on an IDP while transitioning from SOFA seems unclear and is definitely a risk.

No matter what type of Japanese visa you obtain, once issued, immigration will issue you a "Residence Card." You cannot get your driver's license before you have this.

Once you get your "Residence Card" from immigration, go to your local city office to register your address. After you register with the city office, request a "Residence Certificate" ("Juminyho" "住民票"). According to one website, the driving office requires that your "personal number" ("my number") IS NOT printed on it. 

This is a fairly quick process and you can't do this step until you have your "Residence Card" from immigration. You can expect anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to complete this process. It's best to bring a Japanese speaker with you.

OIST has helpful information on obtaining your "Juminyho"

Again, it's best to bring a Japanese translator with you. The driving office takes appointments, however it's possible to go there without an appointment. It's recommended to call there before you drive down; the officers will let you know if it's too busy or not.

Plan for at least 1 hour to complete everything. It can easily take 2 to 3 hours or even more.

Bring all the paperwork the driving office requested. This will likely be the following:

1. Current and valid U.S. driver's license (physical, not a copy)
2. Official translation of U.S. license by Japan Automobile Federation (original with postmarked envelope)
3. Proof you drove in the U.S. for at least 3 months
   • Likely any of the following: official driving record, W-2 forms, official orders, utility bills, school transcripts, passport, official college transcripts, etc. (again, copies alone won't be accepted. You must have proof these are official documents)
4. Current passport
5. Residence Card (issued by immigration)
6. Juminhyo ("Residence Certificate" from city office)

After you turn in your paperwork and are approved, the officer will guide you to the next steps, which will likely be:

1. Take a photo for your application
2. Pay for your application (cash only, around 3,000 yen)
3. Pass a brief vision exam
   • The test involves looking a "C" that changes direction and size. You must report if the opening of the "C" is pointing up, down, left, or right.
4. Visit 2 other windows in the building for signatures
5. Have another photo taken for your license
6. Return to the initial window and receive your license

All steps above are completed in the same building.