Whether visiting for work, friends, or family, the 18th Security Forces Squadron Pass and Registration, located at the entrance of Kadena AB Gate 1, should be the first stop for those needing access to the base. Handling everything from passes to restricted area badges, the airmen and civilians working at the Pass and Registration Office want to be of service. To save time and unnecessary trips, this page is dedicated to outlining all the appropriate paperwork needed for different types of passes, badges, and permits.
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) U.S. Forces, Japan Operator's Permit (USFJ Form 4EJ) is an agreement between the Government of Japan (GoJ) and the United States, allowing licensed military members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and their families to drive while stationed in Japan. U.S. Forces members permanently stationed in Japan must obtain a USFJ Form 4EJ before operating a privately owned or company-owned vehicle.
We issue Operator's Permits only to Air Force, Space Force, DoDEA, AAFES, and DECA personnel. Please contact the Camp Foster Base Safety Office at DSN: 645-3369 for permit issues related to Marine Corps, Army, and Navy personnel.
The initial SOFA permit will be issued after taking a class and test during the Newcomer’s Orientation held every Thursday at the Rocker Enlisted Club, Bldg. 622 / 1330-1600. Website Link: Kadena M&FRC's events
Individuals renewing a SOFA permit that has been expired for more than 30 days must take the test in person at the Pass and Registration Office (Bldg. 31). We do not administer SOFA tests after 1530.
Driver's Study Guide
Operating Hours (excluding initial permit issuance)
- Monday - Friday from 0730-1600 hrs.
- We are closed every last Friday of the month for training.
- We are closed weekends, holidays, and family days.
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for SOFA renewals.
- First time issues of SOFA driving permits will be at the newcomer's orientation only.
Initial/Reissue
To obtain an initial or reissued permit, please provide the following:
- DoD ID
- Valid stateside driver’s license
- Orders for Military Members/Dependents (DAF Form 899), Single Unit Retrieval Format (SURF), or Career Data Brief.
- For Civilians: Letter of Employment (LOE)
- For Contractors: Letter of Authorization (LOA)
- For command-sponsored SOFA personnel: Must have command sponsorship letter from MPF (if applicable)
Learner's Permit
The following items are required for new drivers, 15 years of age and older, and SOFA status dependents:
- Orders for Military Members/Dependents (DAF Form 899)
- Driver's Education Course Receipt from Schilling Community Center
- For ages 16 and 17: Kadena Disciplinary Action Program (KDAP) Letter
- You will take your test at the time of your appointment.
On Base Only Permit
The following items are required for new drivers, 16 and 17 years of age, and SOFA status dependents:
- 45-hour first time driver's education course certificate from Schilling Community Center
- You will take your test at the time of your appointment
Expired Stateside Driver's License
- Members with an expired stateside license are encouraged to contact their respective state Department of Motor Vehicles for current procedures addressing renewal of licenses for military-affiliated personnel. Many states allow licenses issued to military personnel, their family members, and DoD civilian employees to remain valid, irrespective of expiration date, while they continue to serve in an overseas assignment (or until the next return visit to the state). Others allow renewal by mail.
- For those members with an expired state license whose state does not permit extension while overseas, renewal by mail, etc., the installation commander may grant a waiver for renewal of the USFJ Form 4EJ, given the individual's driving record at the installation is acceptable. For those transferring to Japan from overseas and unable to renew their state license since their state requires them to be present for renewal, the USFJ Form 4EJ may be issued after confirming the member's acceptable driving performance with the previous command. In addition, members must attest to the fact that their expired stateside license has not been revoked, suspended, or removed for cause, and a check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Driver Register will be conducted to verify driving status.
- To request a waiver, please email: 18sfs.s5b.pass-registration@us.af.mil
TDY/Deployed
If you are TDY/Deployed to Kadena AB for 91 days or more, you are required to have the following to obtain a SOFA permit:
- Valid stateside driver's license
- CED/DTS orders
If you are TDY/Deployed to Kadena AB for 90 days or less:
- U.S. military and DoD civilians may operate a vehicle using an International Driving Permit. The U.S. Department of State has designated the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) as the only authorized distributors of U.S. IDPs. IDPs do not replace valid U.S. state licenses. A valid U.S. state license is required in addition to an IDP to drive in Japan.
Motorcycle License
- Motorcycle riders who have completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC), BRC-2, or equivalent course in the United States or another overseas installation must present their motorcycle-training letter or card. If proof does not exist, the BRC or equivalent course must be taken. Motorcycle riders who have only completed the BRC or equivalent course are strongly encouraged to complete the BRC-2 upon arriving in Japan and receiving their USFJ Form 4EJ driver's license. Motorcyclists who do not possess an original completion card from an MSF rider training course must complete the MSF BRC or other course stated above prior to licensing.
Lost/Stolen
The following items are required:
- Memorandum from your unit’s first sergeant stating the permit was lost or stolen
- Orders, SURF, or Career Data Brief
DBIDS Card Procedures (MLC, IHA, and Local Contractors)
*DBIDS Cards will not be issued to personnel that already possess a base access credential. (i.e., Common Access Card or Dependent ID)
1. DBIDS Card Application:
- For MLC/IHA: KADENA AB Form 2
- For Local Contractors: KADENA AB Form 3
*Forms must only be signed by approved personnel on the delegation of authority letter from the sponsoring unit’s commander
2. Koseki Shohon (Japan Family Register) *Japanese citizens Only.
3. Copy of Identification
Japanese citizens may provide one of the following:
Non-Japanese Citizens may provide the following:
*Please include all applicant’s names and dates of birth in English above the scanned image of the provided Identification
4. Individual Information Sheet (Do not convert this Excel Sheet to PDF)
Pass requests must be submitted electronically through our org box. For the form and further information/questions, please email: 18sfs.s5b.passregpermanent@us.af.mi
Visitor passes can be issued at Gate 1 and Gate 2 Visitor Control Center (VCC).
Escort Authority
The following individuals may sponsor/escort guests onto Kadena Air Base:
*Local contractors, GOJ officials, foreign military personnel with escort authority may only escort personnel when required for official business.
Escort Ratio
Sponsor Responsibilities
Proper Identification for DBIDS Registration
One of the following is required:
Japanese Citizens
Non-Japanese Citizens
*U.S. Citizens must provide Social Security Number.
*If a minor (under the age of 18), parental permission form is required.
The Unescorted Extended Stay Visitor Pass is for residents who live in Kadena AB, Chibana housing, and O’Donnell Gardens housing area; with visitors who do not reside on the main island of Okinawa. Visitors will be issued an unescorted visitor pass for up to 90 days and will not exceed the expiration date of the Japanese landing permission stamped on their passport (for individuals who do not live in Japan). Requests for this pass will be submitted to Pass and Registration Office via email no later than 10 business days prior to the visit to allow adequate time for fitness determination and approval.
*SOFA status individuals who live off-base cannot request the Unescorted Extended Stay Visitor Pass. For the memorandum template and further questions, please email: 18sfs.s5b.pass-registration@us.af.mil
For more information regarding a Restricted Area Badge, please contact your Unit Security Manager.
To make an appointment:
SOFA Operator's Permit / Restricted Area Badge
DBIDS Card
SOFA Operator's Permit and Restricted Area Badge
- Pass and Registration Office (Bldg. 31) is open from 0730-1600 hrs.
- We are closed on weekends, holidays and wing family days.
- We are closed every Thursday for Newcomers orientation.
- Closed on weekends and holidays
Escorted Visitor Pass
- Gate 1 Visitor Control Center (Bldg. 31) is open 7 days week from 0600-2200 hrs.
- Gate 2 Visitor Control Center (Bldg. 346) is open 7 days week from 0600-0100 hrs.
SOFA Operator's Permit / Restricted Area Badge / Visitor Pass
Email: 18sfs.s5b.pass-registration@us.af.mil
DSN: 315-634-3437
Email: 18sfs.s5b.passregpermanent@us.af.mil
DSN: 315-634-2604