Complete step-by-step guide for transferring from Kanji (Japanese Plate) to Y-Plate (SOFA Registration) in Okinawa
This guide covers the complete process of transferring a vehicle from Japanese registration (Kanji plates) to SOFA Y-plate registration in Okinawa. Choose the appropriate guide based on whether Speedyo is handling the LTO inspection or if you're doing the full process yourself.
LTO First → JSVRO Second — Speedyo handles the Government of Japan inspection, then you complete SOFA registration at JSVRO.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| PDI Insurance (Liability Insurance) | Must be purchased before final JSVRO visit. Buyer provides name + policy number. |
| Military ID & Driver's License | Required for SOFA registration. |
| Military Orders (or LOI) | Mandatory for first-time SOFA registration. |
| Road Tax Receipt (納税証明書) | Speedyo provides if needed. |
| If Buyer Not Present: POA or permission letter | Only if someone performs JSVRO steps for them. |
Speedyo will prepare all Japanese-side documents before inspection:
| Provided by Speedyo | Description |
|---|---|
| Japanese Title (車検証) | In Speedyo's name before sale. |
| Recycled Vehicle Certificate (リサイクル券) | Required for inspection. |
| Valid JCI (自賠責) | New JCI purchased before LTO inspection. |
| Bill of Sale (譲渡証明書) | Required to transfer ownership. |
| Stamp Certificate (印鑑証明書) | Issued within 3 months. |
| Power of Attorney (委任状) | Allows Speedyo to complete the LTO inspection. |
This is Step 0 before JSVRO. Buyer must buy PDI in their name at:
Speedyo takes the vehicle to:
This is the official GOJ inspection center.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Weight Tax | ¥6,600–¥8,200 |
| Inspection Fee | ¥1,400–¥1,800 |
| Stamp Fees | ¥1,500–¥2,000 |
| JCI (12–25 months) | ¥17,540–¥18,000 |
| Total | ¥25,000–¥30,000 |
After inspection, the car is road legal, and the Buyer can proceed to JSVRO.
Return to JSVRO with:
JSVRO will issue:
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JCI Insurance | ¥10,000 | From insurance provider |
| Temporary Plates (if needed) | ¥1,500 | JSVRO |
| Weight Tax | ¥11,900–¥25,000 | ALPA |
| Inspection (GOJ) | $50 / ¥8,000 | Lane #5 |
| Initial Registration | ¥1,500 | ALPA |
| Y-Plates | ¥2,280 | ALPA Window D |
| Estimated Total | ¥33,000 – ¥49,000 | Typical total range |
Note:Costs may vary depending on vehicle type, weight, and current exchange rates. It's recommended to budget for the higher end of the estimate.