Driver's License Column│List of Articles

Buying a car

Your first garage certificate! A thorough explanation of how to fill it out and obtain it

Certification of parking space

Anyone who buys a car has to go through the process of obtaining a garage certificate. Are you worried about how to fill out the necessary documents for this garage certificate?
By following the steps introduced here, anyone can easily prepare the garage certificate documents.
Here we will explain the four documents you need to have for a garage certificate, as well as provide step-by-step instructions on how to fill them out.
In addition, we will also teach you three points to remember when writing a garage certificate. If you read to the end, you will not have any trouble with the garage certificate.

1. What is a garage certificate?

What is a garage certificate?

A garage certificate is officially called a car storage place certificate. As the name suggests, it is a document that proves that you have a place to store your car.
This is required when purchasing a car and registering it as your own (obtaining a license plate number), and is required for both new and used cars.
This page explains how to obtain a garage certificate when purchasing a car. Please note that a garage certificate may not be required depending on your local government.

2. How to obtain a garage certificate

(A) Obtain application documents

Go to the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where your garage is located and get a set of application documents. You may also be able to get the documents from the dealership.
When purchasing a car, it is necessary to sign a parking contract. Please understand that you will need to sign a parking contract before obtaining a garage certificate and purchasing a car.

(b) Preparation and submission of application documents

Prepare the application documents.
The documents required differ depending on whether you own the garage or rent it.
If you are using the condominium's on-site parking lot, please prepare the same documents as if you were renting a garage.

document Garage (land)
Self-owned
Monthly parking lot
Garage (land) belonging to parents or relatives
Borrowing
1 Application for vehicle storage location certificate
2 Location and layout of storage area
3 Letter of Acknowledgement ×
4 Storage location usage consent form ※1 ×
5 The address of the vehicle user
Something that can be verified (such as a driver's Driver's License) ※2

*1: If you are unable to provide a certificate of consent to use the parking space, a copy of the parking lot lease agreement may be acceptable.
*2: If the applicant submits the application documents themselves, only confirmation is required. If someone else submits the documents, a copy is required.

(C) Apply at the police station

Once you have prepared all the necessary documents, take them to the police station that has jurisdiction over the garage and submit the application. Just to be on the safe side, bring your personal seal with you. If any corrections are pointed out, you may need to re-stamp the document.

Reception date and time

Reception hours vary by prefecture, but are usually from around 9:00 a.m. to around 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the New Year holidays. Please check the opening hours in advance before going.

commission

An application fee is required. The amount varies depending on the prefecture, but it is around 2,000 yen. Depending on the prefecture, you may have to pay in cash or purchase a revenue stamp.
If there are no problems with the documents, you will be given a payment notice and receipt. This will be required when you receive your garage certificate, so keep it safe.
Please note that it takes about 3 to 7 days to issue the application form. You will not be able to receive the garage certificate immediately after applying, so please apply well in advance.

(D) Pick up at the police station

You will then go back to the police station at a later date to collect your certificate. Present the payment notice and receipt you received when you applied at the counter. You will also need to pay a 500 yen stamp issue fee. You may also need to purchase a revenue stamp, just like when you applied.
The following will be provided:

Vehicle storage location certificate (garage certificate)

This is a document required for vehicle registration. It is generally submitted to the local transport bureau via the dealer.

Storage location mark number notification

Keep it together with your vehicle registration.

Storage location mark

This is a sticker that you stick on the rear window of your car.

3. How to fill out a garage certificate

How to fill out a garage certificate

(A) How to fill out the application form for a vehicle storage location certificate for all residents

Sample application for vehicle storage location certificate

(a) How to draw a diagram showing the location and layout of the storage area for all items

How to write a location and layout diagram of the storage area

(c) How to fill out a self-declaration for those who own a garage (land)

How to write a letter of acknowledgement

(D) How to fill out a certificate of consent to use a garage for those renting a garage

How to write a storage location specification acceptance certificate

4. Three points to remember about garage certificates

Identifying Storage Requirements

The first thing to keep in mind is the storage space requirements. When deciding on a storage space, keep the following four points in mind.

  • The storage location is off the road
  • Located within 2km in a straight line from your home
  • No impediments to entry or exit
  • There is enough space to accommodate the entire car

To use a place where you do not own the land as a storage space, you need the landowner's permission. If the requirements are not met, you will not be allowed to use it as a storage space. Be sure to check the requirements when renting a parking space.

Misspellings

Please make sure to clearly distinguish between numbers and English. The following mistakes are often seen:

0 and O or D
1 and I
2 and Z
8 and B
Pay attention to the V and U etc.

Expiration date of the car garage certificate

The third thing to note is the expiration date of the garage certificate.
Garage certificate documents are valid for one month. The automobile storage location certificate you receive after applying for a garage certificate is used in the vehicle registration procedure, but if the garage certificate has expired, you will need to apply for a garage certificate again.
It takes time and effort, so let's proceed with the garage certification procedure as soon as possible. The place to submit the automobile storage place certificate is the Land Transport Bureau. The Land Transport Bureau has a validity period of about 40 days.

5. Conclusion

You can't drive a car right away after purchasing it, and processing a garage certificate is one of the complicated administrative procedures. There are also necessary documents that you must prepare yourself to obtain a garage certificate. Before purchasing a car, be sure to check with the dealer about what procedures are required, including the costs and necessary documents.

ZIPLUS Editorial Department Driver's License Concierge

Buying a car

Related article

What should foreigners be aware of and how should they choose a used car?

I think many foreigners who have been living in Japan for a long time are considering buying a car. Which is better, a new car or a used car? Each person has different opinions on the advantages and disadvantages.

If you are a foreigner, you are missing out if you don't check this out! The necessity of ETC cards

Buying a car is an expensive purchase. I think most foreigners want to save as much as possible when buying a car. So what do they cut back on to save money? Many people cut back on ETC setup (card issuance)...

[Must see for foreigners!] Don't worry about garage certificates! Complete guide revealed!

Everyone! Do you think that a garage certificate can be obtained with just one document? In order to obtain a garage certificate, you need to fill out several documents. Here, we will explain the documents that foreign nationals need to obtain a garage certificate.

Foreigners can also register their seals! Seal registration procedures

Can foreigners also register their personal seals? Are you worried about the procedure? In fact, if you follow the steps introduced here, foreigners with mid- to long-term visas and special permanent residents can register their personal seals just like Japanese people, and can register their personal seals in the city and ward.

Copyright© ZIPLUS (ZIPLUS Co., Ltd.) │ Supporting a happy life with a car! , 2024 All Rights Reserved Powered by STINGER.