When you buy a car or change your address after moving, you need to complete the parking certificate procedure. Living in an apartment does not make you an exception. It is best to understand the process and required documents in advance.
What is a parking certificate?
A parking certificate (Certificate of Vehicle Storage Location) is a document that proves you have a place to keep your car.Under the Act on Securing Parking Spaces for Vehicles and related rules, vehicle owners are generally required to obtain one regardless of whether they live in an owner-occupied home or an apartment.
Some areas do not require a parking certificate
Because this law was created to address on-street parking problems associated with population growth in urban areas, there are cases where a parking certificate is not required in less populated areas.Please check with the police station in your area.
Is a parking certificate required for an apartment?
Even for rental properties, including apartments, you must obtain a parking certificate if you live in an area where it is required.This applies whether you rent a parking space at the apartment or use a nearby monthly parking lot.
When applying for a parking certificate for an apartment, you need to have the landlord or management company issue a "Consent to Use Storage Location" form (in some cases, a copy of the parking lease agreement may be accepted instead).
Four requirements for a parking certificate to be issued
1. There is enough space to accommodate the entire vehicle
The vehicle size listed in the application must fit within the dimensions of the storage location.If the vehicle is too large, the application will not be approved.
2. Within 2 km in a straight line from the principal place of use
The storage location must be within 2 km in a straight line from your address. If you plan to rent a parking space farther away, be sure to check the distance.
3. You have the legal right to use the storage location
You cannot apply unless the parking space is one you have actually contracted to use.False applications may be subject to penalties if discovered.
4. Access is possible and the location is not on a road
Using a road as a storage location is prohibited under the law. You may apply if the location is on private premises or vacant land and the owner has authorized its use.
Required documents to obtain a parking certificate for an apartment
- Application for Certificate of Vehicle Storage Location (enter the information shown on the vehicle inspection certificate)
- Application for Issuance of Storage Location Sticker (because it is a multipart form, obtaining it at the police counter is often easiest)
- Layout map and location map of the storage location (show the relationship between your home and the parking space)
- Certificate of Consent to Use Storage Location or a copy of the lease agreement (issued by the management company)
By when should you change your parking certificate after moving?
After moving, if your storage location changes by 2 km or more, you need to obtain a new parking certificate. You generally must apply within about 15 days after changing the storage location, and delays may be treated as a violation.Along with your other moving procedures, it is best to handle this early.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How much does it cost to obtain a parking certificate?
A. The amount varies by prefecture, but certificate issuance fees are generally around 2,000 to 2,500 yen, and the storage location sticker fee is typically around 500 to 600 yen.
Q. What should I do if the management company refuses to issue the Consent to Use Storage Location form?
A. In some cases, a copy of the lease agreement may be accepted as a substitute. If an alternative is not accepted, please consult the police station.
Q. If I use a mechanical parking system, do I need to write the height in the application?
A. Yes. For mechanical parking systems with height restrictions, you need to include the height limit in the layout map.
Q. How many days after application does it take to receive the parking certificate?
A. It is generally issued 3 to 7 days after the application is accepted. During busy periods, it may take longer.
