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 MWR Japan Driver's Education Program 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 Local Hazards Course. Contact the CFAY Safety Driver's License Office if this option is authorized for your status. Contact 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. You can renew your USFJ Form 4EJ 90 days prior to the expiration date. It is the licensee's responsibility to initiate renewal action on their own license. A license that has expired may not be renewed. In order to renew and extend your license, proof of your SOFA sponsorship and tour extension (e.g. new order or letter of employment/extension) and one of the licenses listed above or applicable driver's education course completions listed above.

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 a copy of new orders or letter-of-employment to the CFAY Driver's License Office.

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

To operate a Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) carrying 11 or more passengers (count includes the driver) in Japan, operators must have an approved OF-346. 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 any country's, state's, or territory's driver's license. CFAY Safety Driver's License Office is only authorized to renew the USFJ Form 4EJ and OF-346. Please contact the state, territory, or country that issued your original license to learn how to renew the driver's license they issued. Personnel who cannot renew their driver's license while in Japan for whatever reason may ask the CFAY Safety Driver's License Office if they are eligible to use a Certificate of Completion from the MWR Drivers' Education Program to fulfill the requirement.

DSN: 243-9089
Commercial: 046-816-9089
International: +81 46-816-9089
license@us.navy.mil

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