Registering a used car at Camp Zama sounds simple—until you’re standing in line at the Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) without the right documents or you’re turned away because your parking certificate isn’t updated. For military personnel, contractors, and expats living near Camp Zama, Japan’s vehicle registration process can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time.
At Direct Cars, we’ve helped hundreds of customers navigate base vehicle registration smoothly, and in this guide, we’re breaking down the most common mistakes people make when registering their car—and how to avoid them.
1. Not Having a Valid Parking Certificate with Your Current Address
This is probably the #1 mistake. To register your vehicle at Camp Zama, you must show proof of a registered parking spot, and it must match your current residence address. If you’ve moved recently—even within the same city—you need to update this certificate at the LTO before registering.
✅ Pro Tip: Direct Cars can help ensure your parking certificate is updated and LTO-compliant before registration day.
2. Missing Required Documents for Base Decal Issuance
To get your USFJ decal (which allows you to drive on base), you’ll need more than just the car title. Forgetting even one document can delay your registration.
What you’ll need:
- Valid military ID or SOFA status proof
- 2025 Road Tax Receipt
- Japanese Vehicle Title
- JCI & Liability Insurance
- Parking Certificate
- Base inspection sheet (if applicable)
- Valid driver’s license (for all owners)
- LOE for Civilians/Contractors (if recently changed commands)
🚫 Common mistake: Not bringing the Letter of Employment (LOE) if you’ve transferred or renewed your contract. This catches a lot of people off guard.
3. Not Paying the 2025 Road Tax on Time
Every vehicle in Japan is subject to an annual road tax, which is required to receive your USFJ base decal. At Camp Zama, you can usually pay this on-base during scheduled events, but if you miss those dates, you’ll have to handle it off-base at the Kanagawa Prefecture Tax Office.
2025 Road Tax Fees:
- 400, 500/501/529 plates: ¥7,500
- 300/301/329 (under 4.5L): ¥19,000
- 300/301/329 (4.6L+): ¥22,000
- 100 plate: ¥32,000
- CASH ONLY
✅ Tip: Direct Cars ensures your 2025 Road Tax is already paid and included in your purchase — no last-minute scrambling required.
4. Trying to Register Multiple Cars Separately
If you own more than one vehicle, you must register them at the same time to receive decals. Trying to do them one-by-one on separate days will get you turned away.
✅ Save time by getting all paperwork in order before you head to VRO. Our staff will guide you if you’re registering more than one car with us.
5. Not Having a Power of Attorney (POA) for Representatives
Sending a friend or roommate to register your car? Without a Power of Attorney, they won’t be able to complete the process.
Only a spouse can register the vehicle on your behalf without a POA. Everyone else—sponsor, friend, coworker—needs a signed POA to proceed.
6. Buying from a Private Seller Without Proper Transfer Support
When you buy a car from a private seller, it’s your responsibility to handle the LTO run, transfer of ownership, and confirm that the car meets JCI, insurance, and road tax compliance.
🚫 Many people get stuck here, especially if the car is missing documents or fails inspection.
With Direct Cars, all this is handled for you. We include:
- Free LTO registration run
- Transfer to your name
- Up-to-date JCI and inspection (2 years)
- 2025 road tax & weight tax paid
- Vehicle is ready for decal issue at Camp Zama
Drive with Peace of Mind — Direct Cars Has You Covered
Registering your used car at Camp Zama doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right support, complete paperwork, and guidance through each step, you can get your car base-ready without the stress.
At Direct Cars, we go beyond just selling cars — we help you drive legally, safely, and stress-free from day one. From parking certificates to decal prep, everything is included in your vehicle purchase so there are no surprises during registration.
Ready to Get a Vehicle That’s Base-Approved?
If you’re stationed at Camp Zama or moving there soon, check out our full inventory of reliable, JCI-ready used cars perfect for Kanagawa roads. Contact us anytime — we’ll walk you through the process or handle the legwork for you.
👉 Visit Direct Cars Japan or message us to start your Camp Zama car search today.