If you are considering moving to a rental property, you need not only to change your address but also to apply for a vehicle garage certificate. Even if you obtained one when you purchased your car, you will need to go through the process again when you move. This article explains how to obtain a vehicle garage certificate when moving to an apartment or condominium, along with the required documents, application procedure, and costs.
What Is a Vehicle Garage Certificate and Why Is It Required for Rental Properties?
A vehicle garage certificate is officially called the "Automobile Storage Location Certificate" (Jidosha Hokan Basho Shomei-sho). It is a document certifying that a storage location for the vehicle has been secured, and is required when purchasing or transferring a vehicle, or when changing your address. In Japan, vehicles must be stored at a location other than a public road, and obtaining a garage certificate is mandatory for standard (non-light) vehicles. In some regions, light vehicles may be exempt.
How to Obtain a Vehicle Garage Certificate for a Rental Property?
To obtain a vehicle garage certificate for a rental property, you need three steps: confirming the storage location conditions, preparing the required documents, and filing the application. Below is a step-by-step explanation.
Check the Storage Location Conditions
The National Police Agency sets the following requirements for vehicle storage locations, all of which must be met:
- The vehicle can enter and exit without difficulty from a road accessible to automobiles
- The space can accommodate the entire vehicle (width, length, and height)
- You have the right to use it as a storage location (for rental properties, the owner's permission is required)
- It is located somewhere other than a public road (parking lot, vacant land, garage)
- It is within 2 km from the applicant's main location
Using a public road as a garage is a violation of the Garage Law and subject to penalty. It is advisable to consult with the police station in advance.
Prepare the Required Documents
The following documents are required to obtain a vehicle garage certificate:
- Automobile Storage Location Certificate Application Form
- Storage Location Marking Application Form
- Location Map and Layout Diagram of the Storage Location
- Storage Location Use Consent Certificate (for rental properties)
For rental properties, you need a Storage Location Use Consent Certificate rather than a self-certification form. This document must be filled in, signed, and stamped by the property owner or real estate management company, so request it well in advance.
Application Involves Fees
The application fee for a vehicle garage certificate varies by prefecture. Below are the fees for standard vehicles in major regions:
| Region | Standard Vehicle Fee | Light Vehicle Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥2,600 | ¥500 |
| Osaka | ¥2,700 | ¥500 |
| Aichi | ¥2,700 | ¥500 |
| Hokkaido | ¥2,750 | ¥550 |
| Fukuoka | ¥2,750 | ¥550 |
※Information as of the end of May 2021. An additional marking issuance fee of ¥500 is required separately.
How Does the Application Process for a Vehicle Garage Certificate Work?
The vehicle garage certificate is obtained by acquiring the forms at the police station with jurisdiction, filling them in, submitting them, and then picking up the certificate.
Obtain the Forms at the Competent Police Station
The forms are available at the counter of the competent police station. They can also be downloaded from the National Police Agency website, but since they are not in duplicate-copy form, this can be more time-consuming. It is recommended to obtain them directly at the counter.
Obtain the Storage Location Use Consent Certificate
This is required when using a parking lot that is not on your own property, such as at a rental property. Request the owner or real estate management company to sign and stamp the document. Since a fee may be charged, check whether a copy of the parking lot lease agreement can be used as a substitute.
Complete and Submit the Documents
Measure the dimensions of the garage and record the layout diagram of your home and garage and the distance between them. The condition is that the garage is within 2 km in a straight line from your home. After completing the forms, submit them to the traffic division of the competent police station.
Pick Up the Vehicle Garage Certificate
The certificate is issued approximately 3 to 7 days after the application. Reception hours are 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM, excluding weekends, public holidays, and the year-end/New Year period. After issuance, submit it to the transport office within one month and affix the storage location marking to the rear window of the vehicle to complete the process.
How Do the Required Documents Differ Between Owned and Rented Properties?
The required documents differ depending on the ownership type of the garage.
| Storage Location | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Self-owned land | Automobile Storage Location Certificate Application Form, Location Map and Layout Diagram, Storage Location Ownership Proof Form (Self-Certification Form) |
| Rental / leased land | Automobile Storage Location Certificate Application Form, Location Map and Layout Diagram, Storage Location Use Consent Certificate |
In Which Regions Is a Garage Certificate Not Required for Light Vehicles?
A garage certificate for light vehicles is required in prefectural capitals, municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more, and municipalities within the 30 km zone of major metropolitan areas. In other regions, it may not be required. Note that for light vehicles, notification must be made within 15 days after obtaining the license plate, which differs from standard vehicles. It is recommended to confirm with the competent police station in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. If the new address is within the same 2 km radius as the previous parking lot, is a notification unnecessary?
Yes. If the parking lot is within 2 km from your home, there is no need to change the parking lot and no notification is required. However, a separate address change notification is still required.
Q. Is the Storage Location Use Consent Certificate free?
Some owners and management companies may charge a fee. In that case, it may be possible to use a copy of the parking lot lease agreement as a substitute, so confirm in advance.
Q. How long does it take from application to issuance of the garage certificate?
Normally, it takes approximately 3 to 7 days from application to issuance. Since applications are not accepted on weekends, public holidays, or during the year-end/New Year period, plan your schedule with plenty of time.
Q. What should I do if the rental property has no parking lot?
You can contract a monthly parking lot within 2 km of your home and obtain a Storage Location Use Consent Certificate from the manager to apply for a garage certificate.
