Buying a car in Japan as a foreign resident might sound complicated, but once you understand the process, it’s quite manageable. Here’s a complete step-by-step breakdown, followed by how we can help you with everything from paperwork to car selection — stress-free and affordable!

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🚗 Step-by-Step Process of Buying a Car in Japan (For Foreigners)

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✅ Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents

To legally own and register a car in Japan, you'll need the following:

• Valid Japanese driver’s license or International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Residence card (在留カード)

• Juminhyo (住民票) – Certificate of Residence from your city hall

• Personal seal (Hanko) – may be required in some offices

• Proof of parking space (for regular-sized cars)

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🔍 Step 2: Choose Your Vehicle

You can buy a car from:

• Used car dealerships

• Private sellers

• Car auctions (via an agent)

• Online platforms (e.g., Goo-net, Carsensor)

When choosing a car, consider:

• Shaken (車検) validity – mandatory inspection every 2 years

• Mileage, accident history, fuel efficiency

• Type: Kei car (軽自動車) or Regular car

💡 Tip: Kei cars are cheaper to maintain and often don’t require a parking certificate in rural areas.

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🅿️ Step 3: Get a Parking Certificate (Shako Shomei 駐車場証明書)

This is required for regular-sized cars, and issued by the local police department.

How to apply:

1. Rent a parking spot near your residence.

2. Get a written contract from the parking lot owner.

3. Submit an application at your local police station.

4. Wait for inspection and approval (3–7 days).

5. Receive your certificate.

🛠️ We can handle this process for you as your proxy (代行).

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📄 Step 4: Complete the Name Transfer (Meigi Henko 名義変更)

This step officially registers the car under your name.

For Regular Cars:

Submit the following at the 陸運局 (Land Transport Office):

• 車検証 (Shaken-sho / Vehicle inspection certificate)

• 譲渡証明書 (Joto shomeisho / Ownership transfer form)

• 印鑑証明書 (Inkan certificate) of the seller

• 住民票 (your Certificate of Residence)

• 車庫証明書 (Parking Certificate)

• Application form (OCR)

• Compulsory insurance (自賠責)

• Hanko (if needed)

For Kei Cars:

Go to the 軽自動車検査協会 with:

• 車検証

• Bill of sale

• ID (Residence Card)

• Insurance certificate

• Application form

🛠️ We handle all paperwork and submission as your proxy (代行), so you don’t need to go anywhere.

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🛡️ Step 5: Get Insurance

There are two types of car insurance in Japan:

• Jibaiseki (Compulsory Insurance) – Required by law

• Nini Hoken (Voluntary Insurance) – Covers accidents, theft, third-party damage, etc.

📌 We help you choose the right plan based on your needs and budget.

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💰 Step 6: Pay Taxes & Fees

After registration, you must pay:

• Acquisition/Environmental tax

• Annual vehicle tax (based on engine size)

• Weight tax (if shaken is renewed)

These taxes may be included in the total cost if buying from a dealer.

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✅ Step 7: Receive Your New Car!

After all documents are submitted and processed:

• You’ll receive a new 車検証 (Registration certificate)

• If needed, new number plates will be issued

• The car is now legally yours to drive in Japan!

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🌟 Our Services for Foreign Car Buyers

We offer a full support package tailored for foreigners living in Japan:

🛠️ Paperwork & Proxy Services (代行)

• Name transfer (名義変更)

• Parking certificate application (車庫証明)

• Vehicle registration & number plate issuance

• Car insurance setup

• Shaken renewal

• Export documents (if shipping out of Japan)

🚗 Vehicle Support

• Help you find a good-quality used car at affordable price

• Access to auction cars with bidding support

• Pre-purchase vehicle inspection and history check

• Delivery available within selected areas

📦 Our Packages

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📞 Contact Us

Looking for a car? Let us help you make the process easy, fast, and reliable.

📍 Based in: Fukuoka, Japan
📱 Phone: 092-518-3525
📧 Language Support: 日本語 / English / বাংলা/ हिंदी / اردو