How To Register An Imported Vehicle In Japan
If a vehicle is imported into Japan and remains in the country for less than a year, local duties and taxes do not have to be paid. To qualify for this, however, you will need a Carnet de Passage en Douane, which must be certified by the Japan Automobile Federation. (See the links at the bottom of this page for more information about the Carnet de Passage en Douane and the required steps for obtaining it.)
Registration
You have three months to get the auto registered after the first inspection. Registration is done through the Road Bureau (see link at the bottom of the page for more information). Taxes and registration are paid at this point and you’ll need to following:
- Proof of registration payment
- Registration form
- Customs clearance
- Inspection & emissions certificates
- Parking space certificate
You must have a parking space certificate to own a car. A parking certificate can also be obtained at the Bureau.
If you’re considering moving, you can learn more about the details by viewing our international hauling page for the country. There, you’ll find information about the process, as well as the specifics of delivery.
Driving Permits & Rules Of The Road
The legal driving age is 18 and cars drive on the left side of the road. You will notice that locally manufactured motorcars also have the steering wheel on the right side, but there are still imported one that will have the steering wheel on the left. Both are acceptable and legal.
International Driving Permit
If you are not a citizen (or do not plan on becoming one), you will need to apply for an international driving permit to legally operate a vehicle in the country. An international permit is good for one year in Japan and you can, and should, get it in the U.S. before moving. To learn more about the international driving permit, see this resource from the U.S. Embassy there.
Getting A License
As mentioned above, the international permit is only good for one year. If you become a citizen or remain in the country longer than one year, you will be expected to acquire a driver’s license, which involves taking the full exam for U.S. residents. The test is more difficult than the U.S. version and it’s not uncommon to have to take it more than once, paying each time.
Resources
Carnet de Passages en Douane - For the temporary import, the CDP is good for one year. This link provides more information, including the CDP submission procedure.
Japan Road Transport Bureau - The Road Bureau of Japan is one of the main organizations you’ll have to work with when it comes to the inspection and registration.
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