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.
A Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) U.S. Forces, Japan Operator's Permit (USFJ Form 4EJ) stands as a contract of sorts between the Government of Japan (GoJ) and the United States allowing licensed military members, DoD civilians, and their families to drive while stationed in Japan.
We only issue Operator's Permits to Air Force, Space Force, DoDEA, AAFES, and DECA personnel. Marine Corps, Army, and Navy personnel must contact Camp Foster Base Safety Office, DSN: 645-3369 for respective permit issues.
*Individuals who are obtaining a SOFA permit for the first time or renewing a SOFA permit that has been expired for more than 30 days will be required to take the test in person. Please be advised that we will not disseminate any SOFA tests after 1530.
Initial/Reissue
Ensure you bring these required items listed below:
- DoD ID
- Valid stateside driver’s license
- Orders, 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)
- You will take your test at the time of your appointment
Learner's Permit
For new drivers, 16 years of age and older, and SOFA status dependents, ensure you bring these required items listed below:
- Orders for Military Members/Dependents
- Driver's Education Course Receipt from Schilling Community Center
- For ages 16 and 17: Kadena Disciplinary Action Program (KDAP) Letter
On Base Only Permit
For new drivers, 16, 17 years of age SOFA status dependents, ensure you bring these required items listed below:
- 45-hour first time driver's education course certificate from Schilling Community Center
Expired Stateside Driver's License
- States with military clause/extension Customers MUST provide documentation that their stateside license is automatically extended for military members serving overseas. This information must be retrieved from your local DMV website. - States with no military clause, renewal online or by mail (IAW KABI 31-218, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision), the 18 MSG/CD may grant a waiver for a renewal of the USFJ Form 4EJ. - To request a waiver, please email: 18sfs.s5b.pass-registration@us.af.mil
TDY/Deployed
If you are TDY/Deployed to Kadena AB, you are required to have the following to obtain your operator's permit:
- Valid stateside driver's license
- CED/DTS orders
Lost/Stolen
- 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
Hours of operation for SOFA Operator's Permit, Restricted Area Badge, and DBIDS Card
- Pass and Registration Office (Bldg. 31) is open 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.
Hours of operation for 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.
Visitor Pass / SOFA Operator's Permit / Restricted Area Badege
Email: 18sfs.s5b.pass-registration@us.af.mil
DSN: 634-3437
Email: 18sfs.s5b.passregpermanent@us.af.mil
DSN: 634-2604