Three ways to hold your licence
| Option | What you carry | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional licence only | Conventional driving-licence card | You prefer a visible licence card or travel where a physical Japanese licence is easier to explain. |
| My Number licence only | My Number Card containing licence data | You want lower renewal fees and eligible online-course features. |
| Both | Traditional licence and My Number licence | You want redundancy and flexibility, accepting the higher fee and need to manage two documents. |
Main benefits
- Eligible excellent and general drivers under 70 can take the renewal course online.
- My Number-only renewal has a lower base fee in Tokyo.
- Drivers who complete the relevant linkage and one-stop settings may simplify certain address-change procedures.
- You can choose one card or retain both.
The online course does not eliminate the in-person eyesight check and administrative renewal step.
Tokyo fee examples
| After renewal | Base fee |
|---|---|
| Traditional only | ¥2,850 |
| My Number only | ¥2,100 |
| Both | ¥2,950 |
Course fees are separate. The fee schedule can change and other prefectures administer their own counters, so confirm the current amount before attending.
International travel considerations
A My Number Card does not display licence classes in the same way as the traditional card. Some overseas procedures, rental companies or foreign authorities may require or work more smoothly with a conventional Japanese driving licence. Tokyo specifically warns that an ordinary licence may be needed depending on the destination when obtaining or using an International Driving Permit.
Loss and replacement
If the My Number Card is lost, contact the municipality for card suspension and replacement. The police cannot reissue the My Number Card itself. After receiving a replacement card, attend the appropriate police procedure to record the licence information again.
Which option is best?
Choose My Number only when you understand the app/card-reading process, rarely need a visible licence abroad and value the online-course and fee benefits. Keep the traditional card—or both—when you travel frequently, rent abroad, or want an immediately readable physical licence.
Frequently asked questions
Is the My Number licence mandatory?
No. Integration is optional; the traditional driving licence remains available.
Can police see my My Number personal number?
The system records licence information on the card. Official FAQs explain that the personal number itself is not simply handed to police as part of ordinary roadside licence checking.
Can I complete renewal fully online?
No. Eligible people can complete the course online but must attend for eyesight and administrative steps.
What happens when my My Number Card expires?
Card and electronic-certificate validity need careful management. Review the current official instructions before either expiry date.
Official and supporting sources
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police: My Number licence overview
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police: fees after integration
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police: online renewal course
- Tokyo Metropolitan Police: My Number licence FAQs
Information was reviewed on July 17, 2026. Procedures, fees, languages and booking systems can vary by prefecture. Confirm details with the police authority responsible for your registered address before travelling.