Quick Answer: When receiving a bicycle, you need both cancellation and re-registration of the bicycle crime prevention registration (自転車防犯登録 / jitensha bouhan touroku). Procedures vary by region, so start by confirming the correct office. In my area, the koban (交番 / local police box) couldn't handle it, but a bicycle shop accommodated us. Re-registration was completed about a week later (¥700).
When receiving a bicycle from someone, you need to complete both cancellation and re-registration of the bicycle crime prevention registration. Here, "cancellation" means removing the previous owner's registration, and "re-registration" means registering it under the new owner. However, the process and where to go varies by region.
This article shares my actual experience of receiving a bicycle and going through the transfer process. I'll explain how it differed from common online information and what you should confirm beforehand.
⚠️ Important: This article separates "the recommended approach (easiest to follow)" from "my actual experience where guidance was inconsistent." Since procedures vary by region, we recommend confirming details beforehand.
What's the Recommended Approach?
The process for cancellation and re-registration varies by region and office. To avoid confusion, first contact or visit the police station's relevant department (生活安全課 / seikatsu anzen-ka / community safety division) to confirm the procedure.
You May Be Able to Complete Everything at the Police Station
According to a friend's experience, providing the previous owner's registration number, address, and name at the police station allowed them to complete both cancellation and re-registration in one visit. This is the smoothest method if available, but procedures vary by region, so confirming with the police station first is essential.
📌 Regional Differences Note: Procedures and offices vary by municipality and jurisdiction. Confirming with the police station beforehand is recommended.
What Should You Prepare?
The following information will help the process go smoothly (requirements vary by shop and region)
- Registration number (if available)
- Frame number (can be checked on the bicycle; may also be on the purchase receipt)
- ID documents (residence card, passport, etc.)
- The bicycle itself (may be required)
My Experience: When Guidance Was Inconsistent
※What follows is not the recommended route, but my actual experience after following information from GPT and web searches, which led to inconsistent guidance.
Step 1: Visiting the Koban
I visited the koban (交番 / local police box), where I was told, "We can't handle bicycle registration cancellation here. Please go to a bicycle shop." However, I later learned from the bicycle shop owner that in my case, the proper procedure would have been to confirm with the police station first.
Step 2: The Bicycle Shop Accommodated Us
I went with a foreign friend, and communication was challenging at times. When I explained that the koban had told us to go to a bicycle shop, the owner thought for a moment, then offered an alternative solution and completed the cancellation-side paperwork.
The owner later explained that their shop normally doesn't handle formal cancellation procedures. In this case, the shop handled it by purchasing and reselling the bicycle, which satisfied the same requirements as cancellation and re-registration.
Thanks to the shop owner's flexibility, we avoided being sent back to the police station. We were told to return in about a week for re-registration.
Step 3: Re-registration (About One Week Later)
About a week later, re-registration was completed at the same bicycle shop. The fee was ¥700.
I found online that the typical re-registration fee is around ¥500, so the ¥700 fee was likely due to the special purchase-and-resale arrangement.
Why Was the Guidance Inconsistent?
It seemed like there was a mismatch between what the koban and the bicycle shop told us. According to the bicycle shop owner, the information given by the police officer at the koban may have been incorrect.
We should have gone to the police station, but the koban directed us to a bicycle shop—which, as the owner explained, isn't where these procedures are normally handled.
In the end, the bicycle shop owner's flexible approach of purchasing and reselling the bicycle allowed us to complete our goal.
What People Often Assume (May Vary by Region)
| Aspect | What People Often Assume | My Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation location | A koban can handle it, or any bicycle shop can | Koban said no → bicycle shop made special accommodation (purchase-and-resale arrangement) |
| Re-registration location & timing | Any bicycle shop can re-register it, completed the same day | Went to a bicycle shop by mistake, so re-registration was about one week later (same shop) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete cancellation at a koban?
In my area, the koban couldn't handle it. The safest first step is to check with the police station.
Can I re-register at any bicycle shop?
The owner I visited said their shop doesn't usually handle re-registration as a standard service. In my case, they made a special accommodation using a purchase-and-resale arrangement, which allowed us to complete the process.
Do I need to bring the bicycle itself?
It depends on the shop and region. In my case, it wasn't necessary. However, if you don't know the frame number or registration number, bringing the bicycle is safer.
Can foreigners complete the same procedure?
Yes, the procedure is the same. However, since many technical terms are used in conversation, misunderstandings can occur. Preparing a memo with required documents and the procedure flow will help. In my experience, when I went with a foreign friend, communication was challenging at times. Even as someone who speaks Japanese, I found parts of the process confusing at first.
Why Does This Registration System Exist?
Japan's bicycle crime prevention registration system was introduced to prevent theft and identify owners. When transferring ownership, a name change (cancellation → re-registration) is required, which clarifies the new owner.
However, procedures and offices vary by region, and the division of roles between koban and police stations may not be clearly shared at the local level.
What to Do Next?
Questions to Confirm Beforehand
Preparing these questions will help the process go smoothly
- "Where can I complete cancellation and re-registration of bicycle registration?"
- "What documents are required? (ID / registration number / frame number, etc.)"
- "Do I need to bring the bicycle itself?"
Timeline
- Before transfer: Confirm with the police station (community safety division) and understand the procedure flow
- During procedure: Prepare ID documents and confirm the timing and location for re-registration
- At re-registration: Bring ID documents and the registration fee
In my case, the bicycle itself wasn't required, but if you're missing required documents or information, bringing it is safer.
Related Procedures
- Bicycle Registration Guide for Japan - How to register a newly purchased bicycle
- Blue Ticket System for Bicycles (Starting April 2026) - Fine system for bicycle traffic violations
- Reporting bicycle theft
- Bicycle insurance enrollment
Editor's Note: This article is based on procedures I actually experienced in my area in December 2025. Procedures vary by region, shop, and staff, so we recommend confirming details beforehand.