When moving into a rental property, anyone who owns a car needs to complete the garage certificate procedure. To answer questions such as "Do I need to apply again?" and "What should I ask the landlord for?", this article explains the need for a garage certificate when moving into a rental property, the application process, and key points to keep in mind.
What Is a Garage Certificate?
A garage certificate (Certificate of Vehicle Storage Location) is a document submitted to the police station to certify where a vehicle is stored. In Japan, vehicles must be kept in a place other than the road, so this procedure is required whether you are buying a new or used car.
Do You Need to Reapply for a Garage Certificate When Moving to a Rental Property?
Yes. If your address changes because of a move, you must obtain a new garage certificate within 15 days of the address change. Even if you move nearby and the parking space does not change, you still need to file an application confirming that the straight-line distance from your home to the parking space is within 2 km.
Garage Certificate Application Process
1. Pick Up the Application Forms at the Police Station
Pick up the full set of application forms at the police station that has jurisdiction over the area where the parking space is located, or from a car dealer.
2. Prepare the Application Documents
The required documents differ depending on whether you own the parking space or rent it.
- If you own the parking space: Application for Certificate of Vehicle Storage Location, location and layout map, document proving the right to use the storage location, and identification
- If you rent the parking space (including rental housing): Application for Certificate of Vehicle Storage Location, location and layout map, Certificate of Consent to Use the Storage Location, and identification
The Certificate of Consent to Use the Storage Location must be requested from the landlord or the property management company.
3. Submit the Documents to the Police Station
Reception hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays (varies by prefecture). The application fee is generally around 2,000 yen. In some areas, revenue stamps are required, so it is wise to bring extra cash.
4. Receive the Garage Certificate
It is issued 3 to 7 days after the application is submitted. When you pick it up, a 500-yen sticker issuance fee is required. The documents issued are the Certificate of Vehicle Storage Location, the Storage Location Sticker Number Notice, and the Storage Location Sticker.
Points to Note When Applying for a Garage Certificate
The only document a landlord can issue is the "Certificate of Consent to Use the Storage Location"
The garage certificate itself can only be issued by the police station. What you can request from the landlord or property management company is the issuance of the "Certificate of Consent to Use the Storage Location" required for the application. If the property management company handles the process on your behalf, a separate agency fee will apply.
Apply With Enough Time to Spare
Because issuance can take up to one week, apply early by working backward from the car purchase or delivery date.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Do I need a garage certificate even if I only moved nearby?
Yes. You must apply within 15 days of the address change. Even if the parking space remains the same, you are still required to file an application confirming that it is within 2 km of your home.
Q. What should I do if the landlord refuses to issue the Certificate of Consent to Use the Storage Location?
In some cases, a copy of the lease agreement can be used instead. Check with the police station that has jurisdiction over your area.
Q. Can someone handle the garage certificate application on my behalf?
You can ask an administrative scrivener, some real estate companies, or a car dealer to handle it for you. However, an agency fee will apply.
Q. How much is the application fee?
The standard cost is about 2,000 yen at the time of application and a 500-yen sticker fee at issuance. Because fees vary by prefecture, confirm the amount with the police station in your jurisdiction before applying.
