One of the first hurdles for new car owners in Japan is obtaining a “Parking Space Certificate.” As the name suggests, it’s a document proving that you have a legal parking space for your car. It’s mandatory when registering a vehicle, whether new or used.
In this article, we’ll explain the requirements, process, and necessary documents for acquiring a Parking Space Certificate in Japan.
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Requirements for Obtaining a Parking Space Certificate
To acquire a Parking Space Certificate, the contracted parking space must meet the following conditions:
- The parking space must be within a 2 km radius of your residence.
- It should allow the vehicle to enter and exit smoothly from the road and accommodate the entire car.
- The car owner must have the right to use the parking space.
One key point to note:
If you are storing your car on land you own, you only need to prepare the necessary documents yourself. However, if you’re using a rented parking space at an apartment or building, since it’s someone else’s property, you must obtain permission from the owner to use that space.
The document that proves this permission is called the “Parking Space Usage Consent Certificate.” You can request this certificate from the real estate company.
Steps to Issue a Parking Space Certificate
I will explain the process of obtaining a parking space certificate:
Step 1. Prepare the Application Documents
The parking space certificate is issued by the local police station. First, visit the police station that has jurisdiction over your car’s storage location to obtain the necessary application documents. If you purchase a new or used car, the dealer may provide you with all the paperwork or even apply for the certificate on your behalf. However, if the dealer is in a different prefecture, you may need to handle it yourself.
The instructions for filling out each document can be found below.
Step 2. Gather the Required Documents:
- Parking Space Certification Application Form
- Vehicle Parking Space Proof Application
- Location and layout map of the parking space
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Parking Space Usage Consent Certificate
As explained earlier, this certificate is required to obtain the parking space certificate. Contact the real estate company that manages the parking space you are renting and request a “Parking Space Usage Consent Certificate.” The cost for obtaining this certificate varies depending on the real estate company. Some may offer it for free, while others may charge a fee, typically around 3,000 yen.
These documents are necessary for submitting your application to the relevant police station.
参考：警視庁HP 「保管場所証明申請手続（窓口申請）」https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tetsuzuki/kotsu/hokan/syako_tetsuzuki/jidousha_syomei.html
Step 3. Submit Documents to the Police Station
Once all the necessary documents are prepared, take them to the police station that oversees your parking space. It’s advisable to bring a personal seal (hanko). Most stations accept applications on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., but confirm ahead. The application fee varies by prefecture but is typically around 2,000 yen.
Note: You cannot receive the certificate on the same day. Return in 3-4 business days to collect it after receiving confirmation at the station.
Step 4. Receiving the Shako Shomeisho (Parking Certificate) from the police
After a few days, return to the police station to pick up the Shako Shomeisho. Pay a 500-yen fee and receive the following documents.
- Shako Shomeisho (Parking Certificate)
- Notification of Parking Space Mark Number
- Parking Space Mark
Send these documents to the dealer, as they are required for issuing the number plate. To avoid delays, act quickly if you want to get your car soon.
How to Fill Out the Vehicle Registration Application Forms (Shako Shomei)
One of the biggest challenges for foreigners applying for the vehicle registration certificate (Shako Shomei) is that all the forms are in Japanese. Moreover, some sections of the forms can be quite complicated. I will explain the process as simply as possible to help make it easier for you to understand and fill out the forms correctly.
Here is the translated version of the instructions for filling out the vehicle registration application form:
- Manufacturer and model.
- Write the chassis number on the top, and mark the alphabet part of the number below.
- Fill in the vehicle size, aligned to the right as per the vehicle inspection certificate.
- Write the user’s home address on the top, and the parking address below.
- Name of the police station in charge.
- Application date, user’s address, name, and phone number (not the submitter).
- Choose “new” for first-time registration or “transfer/change” for replacements.
- Select the garage owner (self/other/shared). Attach relevant documents.
- Name and phone number of the contract holder.
Here’s how to fill out the map and layout diagram for the parking space location
Left Side
You can draw by hand, but printing and pasting an online map is more convenient. Clearly mark the location of your home and the parking space. Include the straight-line distance between them. Add landmarks like stations, schools, or convenience stores for better clarity.
Right Side
Indicate the size of the garage, nearby buildings, and road width.
If you’re using your own land, label the area and note the garage’s length.
ASAHI MOTORS GROUP
If you face any issues while filling out the forms, feel free to contact us. Even with all the instructions, you’ll still need to write in Japanese, which can be challenging. ASAHI MOTORS GROUP offers long-term car rentals and car sales for foreign residents in Japan. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
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