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Vehicle Registration


Vehicle registration and regular inspections are necessary for owning vehicles in Japan.

Learn more:

Changes in Registration


Procedure for Regular Vehicles

  1. Go to the local Bureau of Transportation
  2. Apply and provide documents
  3. Purchase revenue stamps
  4. Get an updated vehicle inspection certificate (shakensho 車検証)
  5. Go to the automobile tax desk (jidoushazei jimusho 自動車税事務所)
  6. Fill out and receive the appropriate forms at the tax desk

Documents to Prepare or Purchase

  1. Family registry (jyuminhyo 住民票)
  2. Personal seals of owner (and representative) (inkan 印鑑)
  3. Power of attorney document (if represented) (ininjyo 委任状)
  4. Vehicle parking registration (shako shoumeisho 車庫証明書)
  5. Application (moushikoumisho 申込書) (about 100円)
  6. Revenue stamps (about 350円)
  7. Automobile tax declaration forms (jidoushazei shinkokusho 自動車税申告書) (at the tax desk)

Procedure for Light (Kei) Vehicles

  1. Go to the local Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Bureau
  2. Apply and provide documents
  3. Purchase revenue stamps if necessary
  4. Get an updated vehicle inspection certificate (shakensho 車検証)
  5. Fill out and receive the appropriate tax forms

Documents to Prepare or Purchase

  1. Family registry (jyuminhyo 住民票) or other proof of identity and address
  2. Personal seals of owner (and representative) (inkan 印鑑)
  3. Power of attorney document (if represented) (ininjyo 委任状)
  4. Application (moushikoumisho 申込書)
  5. Automobile tax declaration forms (jidoushazei shinkokusho 自動車税申告書)