Driving Record Certificate: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to obtain an official document detailing your driving history and accidents for employment purposes in Japan.
A Driving Record Certificate is an official document that provides a verified history of your driving conduct, including any accidents or violations.
Who it's for
This certificate is designed for any driver who needs to provide formal, verified proof of their driving history to a third party. This is most commonly required by individuals seeking employment in roles where a clean driving record is a prerequisite, such as professional driving positions or logistics work. If you need to demonstrate your history of safe driving to a potential employer, this is the document you will need.
What you get
The certificate provides a comprehensive overview of your driving behavior. Specifically, you receive an official document that details your driving history over the past five years. This record will include information regarding any accidents you have been involved in or any traffic violations recorded during that five-year period. This document serves as the official proof required to verify that you have maintained a safe record or to disclose any previous incidents.
What it costs you
There is a standard administrative fee of ¥670 to process and issue the certificate. You should be prepared to pay this amount to receive your official documentation.
The catch to know
The most important thing to keep in mind is the timing of your application. While the document itself contains data covering a five-year period, many employers have strict requirements regarding how recently the certificate was issued. It is common for employers to require a certificate that is less than three months old to ensure the information is current and reflects your most recent driving behavior. Always check with your prospective employer regarding their specific age requirements for the document before you apply.
How to apply
- Confirm with your employer exactly how old the certificate must be before you request it.
- Contact the Japan Safe Driving Center to initiate your request for a certificate covering your driving history.
- Complete the necessary steps to pay the ¥670 fee.
- Receive your official document to present to your employer or relevant authority.