Japan's vehicle transfer system is bureaucratically precise but well-organised. Having all documents prepared in advance makes the process at the Land Transport Office (陸運局) straightforward.
Essential Documents
- Certificate of automobile inspection (車検証, Shaken-shō): The primary vehicle document. Must be valid (or the buyer must arrange new shaken).
- Seller's personal seal (実印, jitsu-in) and seal certificate (印鑑証明書): The seal certificate must be issued within three months. Available at your local municipal office.
- Automobile acquisition tax and weight tax documents: Relevant if there is remaining tax credit or obligation.
- Seller's power of attorney (委任状, inin-jō): If the buyer will handle the transfer without the seller present, a notarised power of attorney is required.
- Certificate of automobile liability insurance (自動車損害賠償責任保険証明書): Must be current.
- Vehicle inspection receipt (自動車検査証明書): Receipt proving the shaken fee has been paid.
Loan Settlement (残ローン)
If the vehicle is under a loan, obtain a loan settlement certificate and removal of collateral before selling. The vehicle registration cannot be transferred with an outstanding lien.
Shaken Status
Shaken (車検) validity is the most important factor for Japanese buyers. If shaken is near expiry, either renew before selling or price accordingly — buyers will deduct the shaken cost from their offer.
Registration Plate Return
When transferring to a buyer in a different prefecture, the current registration plates must be returned to the Land Transport Office and new plates issued. Plan for this if selling across prefectural boundaries.
