In this article, an administrative scrivener well-versed in automobile registration procedures explains how to obtain an ” Application for a Garage Certificate=Parking Certificate (shako-shomei),” which is required when purchasing a car in Japan, specifically for foreign residents staying in the country. (Written December 30, 2024)
Metropolitan Police Department (External link)
Hokkaido Prefectural Police (External link)
1.Application Form
The application form format is generally the same across all prefectures. However, some regions may only accept specific formats, so obtain the required form from the nearest local police station. You will likely receive a four-part carbon copy form. Although they look similar, two copies are for the “Vehicle Storage Certificate” (garage certificate), while the other two are for the “Vehicle Storage Sticker Issuance Application.” Be careful to distinguish between them, as the “garage certificate” is needed for vehicle registration changes.
Fill out the sections shown in the image below. You’ll need information about the vehicle requiring the certificate and your personal details. Since some letters and numbers can be confusing, write them clearly. If the form doesn’t allow checkmarks for alphabetic letters, ensure they are distinctly written.
“Location of Base of Use”: This is usually your home address but does not necessarily need to match the one on your residence record. The critical point is whether you reside at this location.
“Location of Storage”: This refers to the address of the garage.
2.Storage Usage Certification (Self-Declaration
This document proves you have the right to use the garage. If you own the garage, fill out Form No. 2. The date of creation must be before the application date.
3.Storage Usage Approval Letter
If the garage is owned by someone else (such as a family member or your company), the owner must complete Form No. 3. While a minimum usage period of one month is required, a period of three months is preferred.
4.Storage Location Map and Layout Diagram
Storage Location Map: Provide a map of the area where the garage is located. A printed map from Google Maps (with © displayed) is acceptable.
Layout Diagram: Show the layout of the garage within the area. Include the garage dimensions (in 0.5m units), which must be larger than the vehicle size. For covered garages, don’t forget to include the height. Indicate the width of the road adjacent to the garage as well.
If you’re replacing your vehicle and the old vehicle is still in the garage, include its license plate number in the layout diagram.
5.Supporting Documents
Provide evidence that you reside at the “Location of Base of Use” listed in section 1. Documents with the same address, such as a residence record or personal seal certificate, are acceptable. Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, or phone) or envelopes from mail addressed to you at this address can also be used. Photocopies are sufficient.
After submitting these documents, the police will conduct an on-site inspection within a few days. They often require a nameplate or sign to be displayed at the “Location of Base of Use.”
Once the inspection is complete, the garage certificate will be issued in a few days. As of December 31, 2024, a sticker indicating that the garage certificate was applied for will also be issued. However, this sticker is expected to be discontinued by the end of 2025. In that case, only two copies of the storage certificate application form will be needed.
６.If you find preparing the documents troublesome
You will need to visit the police station twice during business hours (9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays). If this is challenging, you can hire an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi). Note that only licensed administrative scriveners can accept payment for this service.
If you find the document preparation process difficult, our office can assist you. Please contact us through the inquiry page.
十勝の車庫証明（Garage certificate in Tokachi) (Internal link)
Good luck! Enjoy your car life in Japan!
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