How it works: 8 simple steps to JapanETCcard

Step 1: REGISTRATION FORM

Click the "APPLY FOR ETC CARD" button on the top right. Fill in the required information. Once completed, it will automatically log you into the website and direct you to begin the user agreement.

Step 2: USER AGREEMENT

Click "Begin User Agreement." Read through the requirements. Click [X] to agree to the terms.

Step 3: ETC SETUP & VEHICLE TITLE

Instructions on how to get your ETC unit registered for your vehicle.

Please provide a copy of your ETC setup document and vehicle registration (Shaken).

We will ensure that the information on the ETC setup document matches your vehicle title. This ensures that you have properly updated the ORSE network, ensuring accurate information when you drive through toll gates.

JapanETCcard provides (4) options to provide the required documents:

1. Bring it to a local ETC office (Currently only Yokosuka ETC Office).
2. Scan & Use the Upload Button on the form online.
3. Scan & Send By Email to: [email protected]
4. Take a snapshot with your cell phone and send it to us via email.

1. Vehicle Title Registration (Shaken)
This is the standard vehicle registration document found in any vehicle. Please ensure that the vehicle title has been transferred to your name. If you have recently purchased the vehicle from a third-party, please visit a local LTO (Land Transportation Office) to update your paperwork with your information. They will use this accurate information to update your ETC setup document.

2. ETC Setup Document
If your vehicle doesn't have an ETC unit already: Then you will need to complete the entire process from scratch. Visit an automotive center like AutoBacs or YellowHat, select a unit from the shelf, and ask them to install and activate the unit for your vehicle. You will need to show them a copy of your vehicle's registration paperwork. ETC Installation and Setup estimated Costs are as follows: ETC Unit: ¥6,000 - ¥12,000 depending on the model you choose. ETC Unit Installation: ¥5,500 ETC Unit activation Setup: ¥2,700 to ¥3,500 depending on the Autobacs or YellowHat location.

If your vehicle already has the ETC unit: You will visit an automotive center like AutoBacs or YellowHat, and ask them to perform the ETC setup process for your unit. You will provide them with a copy of your vehicle's registration, and they will fill out an ETC form. The cost for a re-setup process is typically about ¥2,700 to ¥3,500, depending on the Autobacs or YellowHat location.

For Our MOFA Customers
If your vehicle doesn't have an ETC unit already: Then you will need to complete the entire process from scratch. Visit an automotive center like AutoBacs or YellowHat, select a unit from the shelf, and ask them to install and activate the unit for your vehicle. You will need to show them a copy of your vehicle's registration paperwork. ETC Installation and Setup estimated Costs are as follows: ETC Unit: ¥6,000 - ¥10,000 depending on the model you choose.

ETC Unit Installation:
Regular ETC unit (Y or Kanji Plate) ¥3,500 (Tax included)
ETC 2.0 unit (Y or Kanji Plate) ¥4,400 (Tax included)

How much for setup only for GAI or 外 plate;
Regular ETC unit ¥5,500 (Tax included)
ETC 2.0 unit ¥6,600 (Tax included)

If your vehicle already has the ETC unit: You will visit an automotive center like AutoBacs or YellowHat, and ask them to perform the ETC setup process for your unit. You will provide them with a copy of your vehicle's registration, and they will fill out an ETC form.

The cost for the re-setup process is typically about the following prices:
Regular ETC unit (Y or Kanji Plate) ¥3,500 (Tax included)
ETC 2.0 unit (Y or Kanji Plate) ¥4,400 (Tax included)

How much for setup only for GAI or 外 plate;
Regular ETC unit ¥5,500 (Tax included)
ETC 2.0 unit ¥6,600 (Tax included)

Step 4: ¥20,000/¥40,000 SECURITY DEPOSIT

We require a ¥40,000 security deposit because ETC charges are not billed automatically at the time of use. Our systems provide clients an unlimited line of credit, due to ETC usage charges being billed (2) months after usage. Billing cycles occur on the last day of each month, accounting for the previous month's toll usage.

The second reason for the deposit requirement is to ensure that if the customer's credit card on file is declined, we have a second method to retrieve past due charges. JapanETCcard provides customers an unlimited line of credit once the ¥40,000 is on file. Typical customers use approximately ¥20,000-¥60,000 monthly. For example, if a customer is (2) months behind and has used ¥60,000 with only ¥40,000 on file, it's perfectly acceptable. The deposit ensures our banking representatives have a method to retrieve charges from customers who default on payments. If a customer falls behind on their ETC monthly charges, we will STOP the customer's ETC card and attempt to settle charges from the deposit on file.

Customers can choose between (2) different options:
1. ¥40,000 (1 Payment)
2. ¥20,000 (2 Payments)
* Second payment received on month 2 of service.

Each month, we have between ¥1,600,000 - ¥2,500,000 in DECLINED payment methods via customers' credit cards or debit cards on file. When this occurs, we will work with past-due customers on their payments and figure out a new payment method. Sometimes, the customer will ask us to re-try the previously used credit card or provide a new credit card number to attempt paying their past due ETC usage fees. Our customer service billing department is always available to make exceptions if customers need a little extra time.

If we have ¥0 security deposit on file, imagine if 100 people decided not to pay their ETC usage and not to provide a good credit card number to attempt payment. We would be responsible for paying these customers' bills. The deposit is simply a backup, just in case the customer decides NOT to pay their outstanding charges.

How to proceed to deposit step:

Once your vehicle documents have been verified, you will receive a notification to log in to the website to complete the deposit step.
Each week we process a new batch of ETC cards. It takes about a week to process and generate a new ETC card.
You must complete the deposit step for us to receive the ETC card the following week.

WE RECEIVE A NEW BATCH OF ETC CARDS TWICE A WEEK (WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS).

We ask customers to complete the deposit step before Wednesday or Friday of that week. This ensures that we will have the card ready the following week to issue on every Wednesday & Friday. Once the card arrives on Wednesday & Friday at our office, we will ship your card to you the same day we receive it. The card should take approximately (1 to 3 days) to reach its destination in Japan. If you prefer to pick up the card at our local Yokosuka ETC office, that option is also available.

The complete schedule for ETC card deliveries and when we expect to receive the next batch is available here.

Step 5: SHIPPING INFORMATION

You can log onto your account and provide your physical shipping address. We receive ETC packages at our office every Wednesday & Friday. We need your shipping address ready, so we can get your card shipped out to you as soon as possible. It will take 1 to 3 days to receive your card once we send it.

** Customers should note that we utilize Japanese Shipping companies to deliver your welcome package **

There is no added cost for the customer to receive the packages. It's included in the initial setup process. To ensure timely delivery, we MUST have a physical address location either on or off the base.

You CANNOT USE a post office box on base as a delivery method. They can deliver it to a command on the base, but we will need to know the physical building number.

They can deliver it to any location on base, but we need to have the physical building numbers. If you choose to have it delivered off-base to a Japanese address, we can have it delivered anywhere throughout Japan. It will not be an issue off-base.

Please also include a good contact number if the delivery company needs to reach you. Remember, they are calling from a Japanese cell phone, so please include the Japanese prefix.

** If your address is on-base, the shipping company cannot guarantee delivery at the specified time. Specifying a time is still recommended, but cannot be guaranteed.**

Select one of the below preferred delivery time windows:
1. Before 1200 (noon)
2. 1400-1600
3. 1600-1800
4. 1800-2000
5. 1900-2100

The following list displays which bases are authorized to receive a delivery, and which cannot.

Shipping Info Below: Last Updated: 11/2/2023

Mainland Japan

YES:
1. Atsugi
2. Camp Zama
3. Ikego
4. Iwakuni - Can be delivered only between 1200-1500 (or request to pick up from the shipping company's office or request to leave it at the door)
5. Misawa - Can be delivered only between 1200-1500 (or request to pick up from the shipping company's office or request to leave it at the door)
6. Sasebo Main Base
7. Yokosuka (If you would like to pick it up from our office, please inform us.)

NO: - But will meet you at Main Gate
8. Camp Fuji (Work address)
9. Negishi
10. Sagamihara
11. Sasebo Hario Housing
12. Yokohama North Dock
13. Atago Hills

NO: - Please stop by at the closest Shipping company's office
14. Camp Fuji (On base house address/Black Cat office)
15. Yokota - Sagawa Main office Outside Gate2 of Yokota base
 
----------------------

Okinawa

YES:
1. Kadena (Normally between 1300-1700 every day except Sundays)
2. Camp Kinser (Work address / Normally before noon on Mon, Wed, Fri)
3. MCAS Futenma
4. Camp Foster (Mon, Wed, Fri Normally 1400-1600)  
 
YES: - But highly recommended to pick up
5. Customers on Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab will receive the packages 48-72 hours later than others due to the shipping company's schedule. We recommend requesting to pick up from the closest Yamato Black Cat office to receive it quicker. 
 
NO: - But will meet you at Main Gate
6. Camp Kinser (House address / Please specify the time frame)
7. Camp McTureous
8. Camp Courtney (Main gate or Gate 3 / Normally after 1600)
9. Camp Shields
  
NO: Close to the base, so please stop by at the closest Yamato Black Cat office
10. Camp Lester
  
Base access confirmation required upon request:
11. Fort Buckner
12. Naha
13. White Beach
14. Torii Station
15. Camp Gonsalves
16. Camp S.D. Butler
 
NOTE: For customers
    Who need to meet the delivery company at the gate but don't have a Japanese phone number
    Who cannot meet the delivery person due to work
    Those who live on base and do not have a Japanese phone number
    Who are not available for signature upon delivery

    Mainland Japan (Companies We Use):  YAMATO BLACK CAT or SAGAWA Shipping company
    Request to pick up your ETC card at the closest location, or they will deliver it to your destination.
    Note: We will provide a map upon request for picking up at their locations.
   
    Okinawa Customers (Companies We Use):  YAMATO BLACK CAT (Only) - We do not use SAGAWA in Okinawa.
    Request to pick up your ETC card at the closest location, or they will deliver it to your destination.
    Note: We will provide a map upon request for picking up at their locations.

Step 6: RECEIVE & INSERT ETC CARD..DRIVE..

Once you receive your ETC card, simply insert it into your ETC unit. Ensure the black arrow on the card is pointing away from you. The card should turn BLUE or GREEN when inserted correctly. If it turns red, it's in the wrong direction, so remove it and re-insert it.

When you drive through the tolls, please keep your initial trip under 20KM. We will mark you off the list. You will never want to return to toll tickets after using the ETC card.

Step 7: AUTOMATICALLY BILLED MONTHLY

Every month on the last day, you will be billed for the monthly service fee and any ETC usage accumulated for the previous month of driving. Billing is always (2) months behind. For example, March ETC driving will be billed on April 30th, and April ETC driving will be billed on May 31st.
You can log in to your account at any time and update the credit card on file.

Please visit our Pricing & Fees page for our most updated services.

Step 8: CANCEL ANYTIME & RECEIVE DEPOSIT

Login to your account at any time. Under MY ACCOUNT, select "Cancel ETC Service". You can specify the date you would like to cancel your ETC card.
You do not need to return your ETC card. However, you will need to complete all outstanding charges before the deposit can be refunded to the refund methods available on the pricing and fees page.
For example, if you canceled the ETC card service on July 22nd, you would still need to pay for the month of July ETC usage, with the last billing cycle being on August 31st. Once your final bill has been paid in full, the security deposit will be refunded through the available refund methods on the pricing and fees page.