ETC Setup Instructions for MOFA-Registered Vehicles
We've identified that you are affiliated with the Embassy and under MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) registration. Your vehicle setup requires a slightly different process than regular ETC customers. This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up ETC for GAI (外) plates and RYO (領) plates.
Why is MOFA different? MOFA-registered vehicles use different license plate systems (GAI for general diplomatic staff, RYO for embassy vehicles) and have different documentation requirements than SOFA (military) or standard Japanese registration.
Understanding GAI & RYO Plates
GAI (外) Plates
Who uses them: Diplomatic staff, embassy employees, consulate personnel, and their family members
- • Blue plates with "外" character
- • Followed by location code and numbers
- • Tax-exempt vehicle privileges
- • Requires MOFA registration documents
RYO (領) Plates
Who uses them: Embassy-owned vehicles, consulate official vehicles
- • Blue plates with "領" character
- • Used for official government vehicles
- • Different registration process
- • May require embassy authorization
Important: Not all Autobacs/YellowHat locations are equipped to handle GAI/RYO plate ETC setups. The stores must have special MOFA ETC registration forms. See authorized locations below.
Option 1: No ETC Unit Installed
If your vehicle does not yet have an ETC unit installed, visit an authorized location (listed below) and request installation with activation.
What to bring:
- • Your MOFA vehicle registration paperwork
- • 登録識別情報等通知書 (Notification of Registered Identification Information - blue form)
- • Payment (cash or card)
Estimated Costs:
Option 2: Already Have an ETC Unit
If your vehicle already has an ETC unit, visit an authorized location and request an ETC unit reset/setup.
What to bring:
- • Your MOFA registration paperwork
- • ETC unit information (model number if known)
- • Your vehicle
Estimated Costs:
Authorized Setup Locations for MOFA Vehicles
Not all Autobacs branches have the required MOFA ETC registration forms. These locations have confirmed capability to handle diplomatic vehicle setups:
Autobacs Daikanyama
Daikanyama Lions Mansion Kadan, 1-3-11 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0061
Super Autobacs Sunshine Kobe
1-2-34 Aoki, Higashi Nada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 658-0027
Super Autobacs Route 22 North Nagoya
Nakanogo Tenjin 2, Kitanagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
0568-25-9022
Autobacs New Machinato Branch
2-48-7 Makiminato, Urasoe City, Okinawa 901-2131
098-876-8000
Person in charge: Mr. Arakaki
This location has supported MOFA customers previously. Forms may need to be transferred between stores (10-14 days). We can assist with coordination.
Need a different location? We can coordinate with Autobacs to transfer MOFA forms to your nearest branch. This typically takes 10-14 days. Contact us at support@japanetccard.com.
Required Documents
1. MOFA Vehicle Registration
登録識別情報等通知書 (Notification of Registered Identification Information)
This is the blue document that replaces the regular Shaken for MOFA customers. If you also have the standard Shaken from a previously registered vehicle, bring it as it contains width, length, and height dimensions that some MOFA forms may omit.
2. ETC Setup Certificate
ETC車載器セットアップ証明書
For MOFA vehicle setups, the shop may not provide a printed certificate. We can accept a handwritten version — please ensure all numbers and vehicle information are written clearly and legibly. This document is critical for registering your ETC card to the device.
Helpful Japanese Phrases
Show these phrases to the staff if you need assistance:
For NEW Installation:
私は新しいＥＴＣユニット買って私の車に設置してほしいです。設置後、「ＥＴＣ車載器セットアップ証明書」を下さい。
"I want to purchase and install an ETC unit. Please provide the ETC setup certificate afterward."
For RE-SETUP (Existing Unit):
ＥＴＣユニットが私の車にあります。車の中にあるＥＴＣユニットをリセットアップして下さい。リセットアップ後、「ＥＴＣ車載器セットアップ証明書」を下さい。
"I already have an ETC unit in my vehicle. Please perform a reset setup and issue the ETC setup certificate."
If There Are Issues:
設置店様へ 設置に伴い何か問題がありましたら下記までご連絡お願いします。
"If any issues arise during installation, please contact JapanETCcard at TEL 046-874-7156"
Where Can MOFA Vehicles Travel?
Diplomatic vehicles with GAI/RYO plates can use all toll roads in Japan. However, there are some considerations:
✓ Full Access
- • All NEXCO expressways
- • Metropolitan expressways
- • Urban toll roads
- • Bridge and tunnel toll roads
- • Okinawa Expressway
💡 ETC Benefits
- • Same ETC discounts as all users
- • Mileage point accumulation
- • Late-night & weekend discounts
- • No cash lane waiting
Note: Some very remote toll roads operated by local prefectures may have different rules. In rare cases, diplomatic plates may receive additional scrutiny at manned toll booths in sensitive areas. Your ETC card eliminates this by allowing automatic passage.
Final Step: Submit Your Documents
Once the ETC setup is complete at the automotive center:
- 1Take clear photos of both the ETC setup certificate and your MOFA registration document
- 2Upload via your JapanETCcard dashboard OR email to support@japanetccard.com
- 3We will verify the documents and process your ETC card application
- 4Your ETC card will be shipped to your registered address (1-3 business days within Japan)
Need assistance? Our team has extensive experience with diplomatic vehicle registrations.
Email: support@japanetccard.com | Phone: 046-874-7156