Driver's License

CFAY SAFETY DEPARTMENT DRIVER'S LICENSE OFFICE

The U.S. Forces of Japan Operator's Permit USFJ Form 4EJ, informally known as the SOFA License, is required for all personnel to operate any vehicle in Japan. Completion of the AOB/ICR hosted by CFA Yokosuka Fleet & Family Support Center and CFAY Safety's Local Hazard Course are pre-requisites to obtain the USFJ Form 4EJ in addition to one of the following:

A valid and current driver's license issued by any U.S. state, territory or by the District of Columbia
An international driver's permit (IDP)
A valid Government of Japan driver's license
A valid and current driver's license issued by a country specified in USFJ Instruction 31-205
Certificate of Completion from a formal driving course*

After completion of Local Hazard Course and successfully passed a written examination, you may schedule a road test appointment. Study materials are available below:

CFAY Driving Instruction Manual (PDF)
Navy Driver's Handbook (PDF)

For Vehicle Registration Information, please contact CFAY Vehicle Registration Office at DSN 243-5011.

*Personnel who have never had a driver's license or have an expired U.S. driver's license may be eligible to enroll in the CFAY MWR Japan Driver's Education Program. This program is certified using the curriculum from Texas Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. Once complete, bring the class certificate and the AOB/ICR certificate to the CFAY Safety Driver's License Office to register for the CFAY Safety Local Hazards Course. Contact the CFAY Safety Driver's License Office to learn if this option is authorized for your status. Please contact CFAY MWR for more information on the course.

SOFA license expiration and license renewal

USFJ Form 4EJ may only be issued for a maximum of four years based on each individual's need and eligibility for a license. This will generally cover a person's initial tour of duty. The USFJ Form 4EJ may be renewed by the CFAY Safety Driver's License Office as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date.

Personnel who have transferred activities or commands within the Yokosuka area-of-responsibility, or had a change in status, must update their license information. Please bring copies of any updates (e.g. PCS orders, letter of employment, dependency status, etc.) to the CFAY Driver's License Office.

It is the licensee's responsibility to initiate renewal.

A USFJ Form 4EJ that has already expired may not be renewed. Expired USFJ Form 4EJ licenses must be reissued. Please bring all supporting documents to the CFAY Safety Driver's License Office. Personnel requesting a USFJ Form 4EJ reissue may be required to attend the CFAY Safety Local Hazards Course again.

Motorcycle Safety Information

The CFAY Safety Department offers the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic, Experienced and Military Sport Rider Courses. These courses are mandatory in order to become properly licensed while riding in Japan. Rider coaches are volunteers for the community and offer their knowledge of riding and the special conditions that are encountered while in Japan. Call 243-7354/2471 for more information on motorcycle training or tap here to learn how to register.

Motorcycle licensing and shipment requirements click here.

Mini-busses and 15-pax vans

Operators must have an approved OF-346 to drive a Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) in Japan carrying 11 or more occupants (count includes the driver). Contact the CFAY Driver's License for more information.

U.S. Driver's License Renewal

The CFAY Safety Driver's License Office is not authorized to renew a government-issued driver's license from any country, state, or territory. CFAY Safety Driver's License Office is only authorized to issue and renew the USFJ Form 4EJ and OF-346.

To update a government-issued driver's license, please contact the state, territory, or country that issued your original license.

Personnel who cannot renew their driver's license while in Japan for whatever reason may contact the CFAY Safety Driver's License Office to learn if they are eligible to use a Certificate of Completion from the CFAY MWR Drivers' Education Program as an alternative to fulfill the requirement. The CFAY MWR Drivers' Education Program requires enrollment fees and class reservation. Please contact CFAY MWR for class information.

Located in Building J196

Next to the NEX Gas Station and Mini-Mart; near Navy Lodge
Open Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closed for authorized holidays

DSN: 243-9089
Commercial: 046-816-9089
International: +81 46-816-9089

license@us.navy.mil

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