A “garage certificate” is a document that is always required when purchasing a car, and serves as proof of where the car is stored. In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner, even for beginners, everything from the necessity of a garage certificate to how to obtain one. While it may seem complicated at first glance, the required documents and application process are actually surprisingly simple. We will clear up all your questions about garage certificates and ensure a smooth car registration process. It will also cost less if you don’t use a proxy. We hope you will find this information useful when purchasing a car.
What is a garage certificate?
A garage certificate is a document that certifies that a car’s storage location meets the standards set forth in the Road Traffic Act. It is necessary to reduce illegal parking on roads and maintain traffic safety. The official name of a garage certificate is “Automobile Storage Location Certificate,” and it must be obtained when purchasing a car. Without a garage certificate, you cannot register a new car or undergo a vehicle inspection. A garage certificate is an important document, on par with a “Vehicle Inspection Certificate,” which certifies that you are the owner of the car.
- A garage certificate is a document that proves that you have a place to store your car.
- It is required by the Road Traffic Act.
- Without a garage certificate, you will not be able to register a new car or have your car inspected.
- There are cases where a garage certificate is not required, so please check the website of the National Police Agency or each prefectural police department for details.
Why you need a garage certificate
There are two reasons why you need a parking permit:
- Reduce illegal parking on the road
- Maintaining road safety
Cars without a parking permit are more likely to be illegally parked on the road. This causes road congestion and traffic jams, threatening road safety. By ensuring that cars are properly stored, a parking permit can reduce illegal parking and maintain road safety.
Cases where a garage certificate is not required
A garage certificate is required in principle, but is not required in the following cases.
- Light vehicles (* Please note that notification of storage location may be required depending on your area and location, so please check.)
- For motorcycles and motorized bicycles
- By rental car
In these cases, you can register your car and have it inspected even without a garage certificate.
Required documents when obtaining a garage certificate
- Application for Vehicle Storage Location Certificate
- Application form for issuance of storage location mark
- Storage location map and layout diagram
- Document proving right to use storage location (if owned by the owner)
- Certificate of consent to use of storage space (if renting a parking space)
- Identification card such as a driver’s license
- commission
How to apply for a garage certificate Application process
Rent a parking space or make sure your car can be parked on your own property
This is often necessary when purchasing a new car. First, make sure you have a place to park it.
One thing to note is that when signing a parking contract, make sure you check whether you can get a garage certificate and if so, whether there is an additional fee. Some parking lots do. (From personal experience)
- Application for a vehicle storage location certificate (format varies by region)
- Application form for issuance of storage location mark
- Storage location map and layout diagram
- Document proving right to use storage location (if owned by the owner)
- Certificate of consent to use of storage space (if renting a parking space)
Obtained at the police station
Go to the police station in your jurisdiction and get a set of application documents. The police station staff will explain everything to you in detail, so you can rest assured.
Download from the National Police Agency website
The documents are available online, but it is safer to get them at the police station, including having the contents confirmed.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department ” Storage Location Certificate Application Procedure “
Fill out the relevant documents listed above. For details on how to fill out each document, please check the websites of the National Police Agency and each prefectural police department. Sample forms are also posted, so please use them as a reference.
If you are renting a parking space on a monthly basis, please note that it may take some time to request a storage space usage consent certificate from the owner or management company. (From personal experience)
Bring the necessary documents to the counter
Reception hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays (varies by region). It is best to check with the police station in your area or their website in advance.
Vehicle storage location certificate issuance fee: 2,100 yen (varies by prefecture)
Storage location emblem issuance fee: 500 yen
Receive it via the method you specified when applying
Give the certificate to the dealer
Submit it to the Transport Bureau to complete the car registration procedure. If you are having a dealer handle the procedure for you, hand it over to the person in charge. The certificate is valid for one month from the certificate date (the expected date of issue) , so please process it as soon as possible.
What if I find it difficult to apply on my own?
Applying for the license yourself is cheaper, but it takes time and knowledge, such as going to the police station. It is possible to use the services of an administrative scrivener or dealer to apply for the license on your behalf. In that case, you will need to prepare a power of attorney.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/faq/tetuduki/syako.html
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tetsuzuki/kotsu/hokan/syako_tetsuzuki/jidousha_syomei.html
