Even for finance cars, if you have all the necessary documents, you can complete the name change (transfer registration) using the same procedure as for regular used cars.The basic procedure is to submit application documents to the Land Transport Bureau (Transportation Branch), and checking the required documents in advance will help the process go smoothly. In this article, we will organize the documents and procedures required to change the name of a finance car.
In this article, we will provide a step-by-step explanation of the entire procedure for changing the name of a finance vehicle, the required documents, and the procedure at the Land Transport Bureau.
- Basic flow of name change (transfer registration)
- List of required documents and how to obtain them
- Procedure steps at the Land Transport Bureau
- Flow when purchasing at a financial car bank
Name change is a public procedure called “transfer registration.” By rewriting the owner/user information listed on the vehicle inspection certificate to the new owner, the vehicle becomes officially yours.
What is name change?
The official name change for a car isTransfer registrationThis is a procedure that is carried out at the Transport Branch Bureau (Land Transport Bureau). By changing the owner/user on the vehicle inspection certificate, the rights of the vehicle will be officially sorted out.
In the case of a financed car, if you have all the necessary documents, you can proceed in the same way as a regular used car. The prerequisite for proceeding with the procedure is to have all the documents (transfer certificate, seal certificate, etc.) from the person listed in the “owner” column of the vehicle inspection certificate.
List of required documents
The documents required for name change must be prepared by both the seller (current owner) and buyer (new owner).
Items provided by the seller (current owner)
- Vehicle inspection certificate (vehicle inspection certificate): Documents that can confirm the current owner/user
- Transfer certificate: Document showing consent to transfer of ownership (format specified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
- Seal certificate:Document certifying that the registered seal is registered (issued within 3 months)
- registered seal:Same as the seal certificate
- power of attorney: Necessary when a representative handles the procedure.
Things to be prepared by the buyer (new owner)
- Resident record: Document proving the new owner’s address (issued within 3 months)
- Seal certificate:Document certifying that the registered seal is registered
- registered seal:Same as the seal certificate
- car tax return:Available at the point of procedure
- Application form (Form 1):Obtain from Transportation Branch Office or OSS
Vehicle documents
- Compulsory automobile liability insurance certificate: Within the validity period
- Vehicle weight tax payment slip:Required if there is a license plate change
If the “owner” column on the vehicle inspection certificate is not the seller’s name (if it is in the name of a loan company or credit company), additional documents from the owner may be required. Before purchasing, check who the owner is and whether you can obtain the necessary documents from the owner to make the process smoother.
Procedure flow (by step)
Step 1 | Prepare documents in advance
Both the seller and buyer will prepare the necessary documents. In particular, it is necessary to obtain a seal certificate at the city, ward, town, or village office, so make sure to arrange it well in advance.
Step 2｜Submit to the Transport Branch (Land Transport Bureau) counter
Bring the set of documents to the competent transportation branch office and apply for relocation registration. If you wish to change your license plate, you will need to bring it with you on the day. Fees (registration and license tax, etc.) can be confirmed at the counter.
Step 3｜Issuance of new vehicle inspection certificate
Once the application is completed, a vehicle inspection certificate with the new owner/user information will be issued. If your license plate changes, it will be replaced on the spot.
Step 4｜Automobile tax procedures
After changing the name, file a declaration for automobile tax (classified). Procedures can be completed within the same transportation branch office.
Points to keep things running smoothly
We have summarized the most important points to ensure that the name change procedure goes smoothly.
- Confirm the owner of the vehicle inspection certificate in advance: Check whether the seller and the owner of the vehicle inspection certificate are the same or whether documents from the owner can be obtained.
- Check the expiry date of the document:Seal certificate/residence certificate must be issued within 3 months.
- Check the competent transportation branch office:The transportation branch office that has jurisdiction over the new location of use (home or business address) will be the place to apply.
- Utilization of OSS (one-stop service): Some procedures can also be applied online (Vehicle inspection registration comprehensive portal)
If purchased at a financial car bank
For vehicles listed on Financial Car Bank, the person posting the vehicle (seller) lists the vehicle information and the presence or absence of required documents. You can directly check with the poster to see if you have all the necessary documents to change the name of the vehicle you are interested in. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
See currently listed financial vehicles and vehicles with translations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the name myself?
If you have all the necessary documents, you can complete the procedure yourself.You can apply by bringing the documents to the transportation branch counter. If you are unsure about preparing the documents, one option is to ask an administrative scrivener. The estimated cost is from a few thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen (including agency fees), including handling fees. If the documents are complete, the procedure itself can often be completed on the same day.
How much does it cost to change the name?
The main costs are registration and license tax (500 yen) and document acquisition fees (residence card, seal certificate, etc., each starting from a few hundred yen).If you change your license plate, a separate plate fee (approximately 1,500 yen) will be charged. If you request an administrative scrivener, agency fees will be added. We recommend that you check with your local transportation branch office or administrative scrivener’s office for specific costs.
What should I do if the owner of the vehicle registration certificate is a loan company?
If the owner is a loan company or credit company, documents from the loan company (transfer certificate, seal certificate, etc.) will be required.The general process is for the seller (current user) to release the ownership and obtain the documents after paying off the remaining debt. Checking the status of outstanding debt and prospects for release of ownership before purchasing will make the process smoother.
Summary
Changing the name of a financial car isAs long as you have all the necessary documents, the procedure is the same as for a regular used car.It is. By knowing in advance the process of confirming the owner of the vehicle registration certificate, preparing documents, and applying to the transportation branch office, you can proceed smoothly.
If you are unsure about document preparation or procedures, consulting with an administrative scrivener is an effective option.
For those who want to search for listed financial vehicles
At Financial Car Bank, we list financial cars and other vehicles from all over the country. Please feel free to contact us if there is a vehicle you are interested in.
View a list of currently listed financial vehicles and vehicles with translations.
