If you live in a rental property, it is not uncommon to feel unsure about the procedures for a garage certificate (certificate of vehicle storage location). Even in a rental home, a garage certificate is required when you purchase or receive a car, and the process involves whether there is a dedicated parking space and coordination with the management company. This article explains the eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and the flow of the procedure.
What is a garage certificate, and when is it required?
A garage certificate (officially called a certificate of vehicle storage location) is a document proving that a place to store the car has been secured. It is required in the following cases.
- When purchasing a new car
- When receiving a car from another person
- When the storage location changes due to moving or other reasons
Light vehicles differ from standard cars. A garage certificate does not need to be submitted when changing ownership or address, but in some areas, a notification to the jurisdictional police station may be required.
Requirements for obtaining a garage certificate
To apply for a garage certificate, all four of the following requirements must be met.
- The storage location must be within 2 km of your home
- It must be large enough to accommodate the entire vehicle
- You must have the right to use it as a storage location (ownership or permission to use)
- The vehicle must be able to enter and exit from the road without obstruction
If all conditions are not met, the certificate will not be issued. When using a parking space at a rental property, proof of the right to use the space is especially important.
Procedure flow for rental properties
Step 1: Consult the real estate company or management company
In rental properties, the manager of the parking space may be different from the manager of the property itself. First, contact the real estate company or management company and tell them that you need to obtain a garage certificate; they may help you prepare the map and parking layout diagram for the storage location.
Step 2: Have the owner or management company complete the “certificate of consent to use the storage location”
If you use a parking space at a rental property, you need the owner of the storage location (the owner or an authorized management company) to sign and stamp the certificate of consent to use the storage location. If you ask the real estate company to prepare the documents, a fee may apply. It is best to prepare early.
Step 3: Submit the application at the counter of the jurisdictional police station
Prepare the required documents and submit them at the counter of the jurisdictional police station. It usually takes about 3 to 7 days from application to issuance of the certificate.
Documents required to apply for a garage certificate
| Document name | Details |
|---|---|
| Application for certificate of vehicle storage location | Enter the vehicle name, model, vehicle identification number, address, right of use, and other required information. It is available at the police station or on the official website. |
| Application for issuance of storage location sticker | In many cases, this can be prepared as a duplicate together with the application form. |
| Location map and layout diagram | A map showing the relationship between your home and the storage location, and a layout of the parking space. Handwritten documents are accepted. |
| Certificate of consent to use the storage location (for rentals) | The owner’s or management company’s signature and stamp are required. |
Can an agent also file the application?
If the applicant cannot complete the procedure personally, an agent (such as a dealer or a specialist service provider) may file the application. In the case of an agent application, a power of attorney and handling fee are required. It is common for the car dealer to handle this process when the vehicle is purchased.
FAQ
Q1. Do I need a garage certificate even if I live in an apartment?
Yes. Even if you live in a rental property (apartment or condominium), a garage certificate is required when you purchase or receive a car, except in some regions and for some light vehicles.
Q2. What should I do if there is no dedicated parking space at my rental property?
You can separately contract for a nearby monthly parking space and apply using that space as the storage location. There is no problem as long as it is within 2 km of your home.
Q3. If I move, do I need to obtain a new garage certificate?
Because the storage location changes, you need to reapply for a garage certificate after moving. Legally, the procedure is required within 15 days after your address change.
Q4. How many days does it take from application to issuance of a garage certificate?
Usually about 3 to 7 days. The timing may vary depending on how busy the police station is. If the dealer handles the application on your behalf, it may take additional time.
Q5. Can I prepare the certificate of consent to use the storage location myself?
The form can be downloaded from the police station website, but the owner or the authorized real estate company (management company) must complete it, sign it, and stamp it. You cannot prepare it yourself.
