PHOTO: Pictured from left, Consul General Yoichi Mikami, Consul Keiko Furutani, both of the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver; Colorado Department of Revenue Executive Director Mark Ferrandino and Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles Senior Director Electra Bustle. Derek Kuhn/CDOR Photo.
The State of Colorado and Japan have agreed to simplify the process of issuing driver licenses to those who are licensed to drive on the other side of the road and planet.
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver on Monday, April 24, 2023 at its main office in Lakewood.
The agreement, effective April 24, enables those with valid Japan or Colorado driver licenses, who meet all other requirements, to obtain a driver license in the corresponding country without having to take the driving or written tests.
The DMV conducted a thorough analysis to confirm that Japan’s written and driving tests were as stringent as Colorado’s testing requirements.
The Japanese population in Colorado is estimated to be about 4,900 people, and Japan is Colorado’s 6th largest trading partner.
Colorado has similar agreements with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan.