Background:The AAA-ATPase VCP/p97 and the deubiquitinase YOD1 are required in the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) of misfolded proteins. Results: Three ERAD substrates (NHK-␣1〈⌻, NS1-kLC, and Tetherin) become cytosolically exposed independently of p97 and YOD1, whereas MHC-I␣-and CD4-induced retro-translocation requires them. Conclusion: VCP/p97 and YOD1 have distinct substrate-dependent activities in ERAD. Significance: We demonstrate two different levels of p97 and YOD1 requirements in ERAD.