How It Works: 8 Simple Steps to Your JapanETCcard

Enrolling in our service is a straightforward and transparent process. Simply submit the required documentation, complete the security deposit, and receive your ETC card within a few business days. Once received, insert the card into your ETC unit and enjoy seamless, worry-free driving throughout Japan. Our fully automated billing system ensures accurate monthly invoicing, and should you choose to cancel, the process is simple and hassle-free.


Step 1: Application Submission

Click the “APPLY FOR ETC CARD” button at the top-right of our website and complete all required fields in the registration form.

After submission, you will be logged in automatically and redirected to review and accept the User Agreement.

Step 2: Agreement Acceptance

Click “Begin User Agreement” to review our service terms. To proceed, accept the agreement by clicking the confirmation button.

Step 3: Vehicle Registration & ETC Unit Setup

Please submit your ETC setup document and the vehicle’s official white registration form (Shaken). Our staff will verify the documents and register your vehicle with the ETC Mileage Service.

Why legal registration matters in Japan

⚠️ Important Warning: Beware of Same-Day ETC Card Services

Some providers advertise same-day ETC cards by lending cards through non-compliant or unauthorized processes. This practice violates NEXCO’s Terms of Use and is comparable to using someone else’s credit card. It may appear to work temporarily, but it is not legal or secure.

Improper registration can result in lost discounts, toll record mismatches, and suspension of service.

✅ Our Process is 100% Compliant

  • Your name is registered to the card, and your customer ID appears directly on the ETC card.
  • Your ETC unit, license plate, name, and ETC card are registered with the official ETC Mileage Service.
    Ensures the best discounts while driving. If you are not registered legally, you will not earn mileage-based discounts.
  • We verify the ETC unit and license plate match the submitted documents.
  • We strictly follow NEXCO compliance and public policy guidelines.

View full ETC compliance requirements

Submission Methods

  1. Hand-delivery at our Yokosuka Office
  2. Secure online upload
  3. Email scanned documents to [email protected]
  4. Email high-resolution mobile photos

Vehicle must be registered in your name. For recent purchases, update the ownership at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Where to Get an ETC Unit Installed

  • New Unit: ¥6,000–¥12,000
  • Installation: ¥5,500
  • Setup/Re-setup: ¥2,700–¥3,500

View compatible ETC devices

If You Already Have an ETC Unit

  • Re-setup Fee: ¥2,700–¥3,500

MOFA Customer Pricing

Instructions for MOFA Customers

  • Unit: ¥6,000–¥10,000
  • Installation: ¥3,500–¥6,600
  • Re-setup: ¥2,700–¥6,600

Step 4: Security Deposit

A ¥40,000 refundable deposit is required to establish your toll credit line. This deposit is not used to pay tolls unless an invoice becomes overdue.

Important: Enter your friend’s referral code before submitting your deposit so they receive the ¥3,000 credit. Refer-A-Friend Program

Payment Options

  • Credit Card: ¥40,000 one-time OR ¥20,000 × 2 payments
  • Bank Transfer: ¥40,000 one-time

See full pricing details

Step 5: Shipping Information

ETC cards are shipped every Wednesday and Friday. After completing your security deposit, you will be prompted to enter your shipping address for delivery.

Delivery Requirements

  • A valid physical address is required. We do not ship to PO Boxes or FPO/APO addresses.
  • For on-base deliveries, you must provide your building number.
  • If your base requires gate delivery, you must provide a valid Japanese phone number so the courier can coordinate delivery at the time of arrival.
  • International phone numbers are not accepted for delivery coordination.

Preferred Delivery Time Slots (Optional)

  • Before 12:00 PM
  • 14:00–16:00
  • 16:00–18:00
  • 18:00–20:00
  • 19:00–21:00

Shipping Providers

  • Mainland Japan: Yamato (Kuroneko/Black Cat) or Sagawa
  • Okinawa: Yamato (Kuroneko/Black Cat) only

Last Updated: June 16, 2025

Mainland Japan

✅ Direct Delivery Available

  • Atsugi
  • Camp Zama
  • Ikego
  • Iwakuni – Delivery only between 12:00–15:00 (or request pickup from the shipping company’s office, or request door delivery when available)
  • Misawa – Delivery only between 12:00–15:00 (or request pickup from the shipping company’s office, or request door delivery when available)
  • Sasebo Main Base (Hirase-cho)
  • Sasebo Kaigun Jyuutaku (Tategami-cho)
  • Yokosuka – In-office pickup available upon request

⚠️ Meet at Main Gate Required

  • Camp Fuji
  • Negishi
  • Sagamihara
  • Sasebo Hario Housing (Egami-cho)
  • Yokohama North Dock
  • Atago Hills

🚫 Pickup from Shipping Company Required

  • Yokota – Pickup at the Sagawa main office outside Gate 2 of Yokota base

Okinawa

✅ Direct Delivery Available

  • Kadena – Normally between 13:00–17:00 every day except Sundays
  • Camp Kinser (work address) – Normally before noon on Mon, Wed, Fri
  • MCAS Futenma
  • Camp Foster – Mon, Wed, Fri normally between 14:00–16:00

⚠️ Pickup Highly Recommended

  • Camp Hansen & Camp Schwab – Packages delivered 48–72 hours later; we recommend pickup from the nearest Yamato Black Cat office

⚠️ Meet at Main Gate Required

  • Camp Kinser (house address) – Please specify time frame
  • Camp McTureous
  • Camp Courtney – Main Gate or Gate 3; delivery normally after 16:00
  • Camp Shields

🚫 Pickup from Yamato Required

  • Camp Lester – Pickup at nearest Yamato (Black Cat) office

🔐 Base Access Confirmation Required (upon request)

  • Fort Buckner
  • Naha
  • White Beach
  • Torii Station
  • Camp Gonsalves
  • Camp S.D. Butler

Step 6: Card Activation

Insert your ETC card into the ETC unit with the black arrow facing forward. A blue or green light indicates the card is inserted correctly. If you see a red light, remove the card and reinsert it.

For your first toll usage, we recommend limiting your driving distance to under 20 km.

Step 7: Monthly Billing

Billing operates on a two-month delay. Invoices are issued on the last day of each month. When your invoice is posted, the card on file is automatically charged for the full amount due.

Billing Timeline Example

  • July 31, 2025 Invoice: Covers June ETC usage
  • August 31, 2025 Invoice: Covers July ETC usage
  • September 30, 2025 Invoice: Covers August ETC usage
  • October 31, 2025 Invoice: Covers September ETC usage
  • November 30, 2025 Invoice: Covers October ETC usage

Important Payment Policy

  • Customers have 7 days from the invoice date to complete payment.
  • If payment is not completed within this period, the invoice will be marked as past due.
  • Once past due, your ETC card may be temporarily disabled until all outstanding invoices are paid in full.
  • You can update your billing details anytime through your online account.

Review all fees and billing policies

Step 8: Cancellation & Deposit Refund

Log in to your account and navigate to “My Account → Cancel ETC Service”. Select your cancellation date. You are not required to return the card.

Final Billing Example: If you cancel on July 22, your July toll usage will be billed on August 31. Your deposit is refunded approximately one week after your final payment is completed.

Learn more about refunds

100% Risk-Free Trial – 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

At JapanETCcard, we proudly offer a 60-day risk-free trial. If you're not completely satisfied within the first 60 days, we will issue a full refund of your deposit and waive both the initial setup and monthly service fees—no questions asked.

Please note: Any expenses related to ETC unit installation or activation at AUTOBACS, YELLOW HAT, or similar service centers are non-refundable. A one-month waiting period is required after your last ETC toll usage to ensure there are no outstanding charges. Refunds are processed according to the options listed on our Pricing and Fees page.

While monthly service and setup fees will be waived during the trial, customers are still responsible for toll charges incurred during the usage period. Toll charges are not eligible for refund.

This guarantee is limited to one claim per customer. If you cancel and register again in the future, this offer may no longer apply.

Know Someone Driving in Japan?

Get ¥3,000 ETC Credit

For Every Friend You Refer

Share your Referral ID and earn rewards. There’s no limit—every successful signup gives you ¥3,000 after 90 days of usage.

Learn More

Free 60 Day Trial
🏆   REFERRAL LEADERS

Driving in Japan can be stressful.
Save Money & Time, Getting an ETC card today!

 

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