After the notification card and application form for issuance of the Individual Number Card are mailed by recorded delivery to the address on your resident record, make the application by mail or through on-line application on a computer or smartphone, etc.
For further details relating to the application methods, please check the Application for issuance of the Individual Number Card page.
※If you plan to apply at the municipal office of the area in which you reside, please check their website or contact the municipality directly.

The application method will differ depending on your situation. Please carefully check the following.
If you know your Application ID(*1), you can apply online.
Apply online now

If you know your Application ID(*1), you can apply online.
Download Application Form

If you have difficulty with either of the above, please apply using the Individual Number Card application form at your local municipal office (either online or by post).

*1. The Application ID is a 23-digit number that is used as the application form ID when you apply for your Individual Number Card.

A Notification Card

Individual Number Card Application Form
(Enclosed with Individual Number Notice or issued by your local municipal office)

It is written on the top right corner of the Individual Number Card Application Form/Electronic Certificate Application Form, which is sent together with your Individual Number Notice or Notification Card. (On the Notification Card, it is written below the box addressed to municipality, which is under the first dotted line.)
With this application ID, you can apply for your Individual Number Card online from your computer or smartphone. Scan the QR code on the application form with your smartphone’s camera and you can access the application website.

Please note that you can check the status of your application through the Application Status Inquiry Service using your Application ID and date of birth.
If you do not know your Application ID, we will not be able to check the status of your application. Please keep it in safe location until the issuance notice arrives.

Note

• It takes 2 to 3 days from the date of receipt of your application form or from the date of online application to be able to check the status of your application. Please try again at a later date if you have applied recently.
• Application status can only be checked if the application was submitted within the past 6 months.
• You can check the status of your application from the time it is received to the time your card is sent out. After the card is sent to your municipality, it may take several weeks until you receive your issuance notice, as there are necessary procedures that must be completed prior to issuance. Therefore, after confirming the shipment of your card through this service, please refrain from contacting the municipality or visiting the municipality to pick up your card before you receive your issuance notice.
• If you applied using the application form sent by our organization, please check the status using the Application ID written on the address mount. （Please refer to the example of the address mount for the location.)
• If you do not know your Application ID, please contact your local municipal office to check the status of your application. (Application numbers received when applying at cell phone stores cannot be used to check the status of your application.)
• If one month has passed from the “Application Confirmation Completion Date” and the application status still does not proceed from “My Number Card Issuance in Process”, please check with your municipality for the card issuance status, as the Application ID may have been changed.

There is no deadline for applying for an Individual Number Card.

You can still apply even if the old address is listed on the application form.
When applying online, if you have recently completed the procedure for moving into new residence you can still use the application form that contains old information, as your card will be created using the updated address registered with the municipality. For mail applications, please cross out the outdated information with a double line, write the updated information in the blank space, and mail it in. If you have not yet completed the moving in procedure, please ask for an Individual Number Card application form when going through the moving in procedure at your local municipal office.

Please use the most recent application form (※).
If there is no change in the address or name listed, applications received in the past can still be used.

※Please compare the dates in the red box and use the most recent one.

We are resending the Individual Number Card application form with a QR code to those who do not yet have an Individual Number Card.
※We apologize if it was sent to who have already applied for and received an Individual Number Card by mistake.

When you apply for a My Number Card, the 23-digit number is used as the application form ID.

A Notification Card

Individual Number Card Application Form
(Enclosed with Individual Number Notice or issued by your local municipal office)

It is written on the top right corner of the Individual Number Card Application Form/Electronic Certificate Application Form, which is sent together with your Individual Number Notice or Notification Card. (On the Notification Card, it is written below the box addressed to municipality, which is under the first dotted line.)
With this application ID, you can apply for Individual Number Card online from your computer or smartphone. Scan the QR code on the application form with your smartphone’s camera and you can access the website for the application.

Please note that you can check the status of your application through the Application Status Inquiry Service using your Application ID and date of birth.
If you do not know your Application ID, we will not be able to check the status of your application. Please keep it in safe location until the issuance notice arrives.

※If you applied for your Individual Number Card online, your Application ID is also included in the email notifying you of the completion of the procedure and the errors in your application.

Note

• It takes 2 to 3 days from the date of receipt of your application form or from the date of online application to be able to check the status of your application. Please try again at a later date if you have applied recently.
• Application status can only be checked if the application was submitted within the past 6 months.
• You can check the status of your application from the time it is received to the time your card is sent out. After the card is sent to your municipality, it may take several weeks until you receive your issuance notice, as there are necessary procedures that must be completed prior to issuance. Therefore, after confirming the shipment of your card through this service, please refrain from contacting the municipality or visiting the municipality to pick up your card before you receive your issuance notice.
• If you applied using the application form sent by our organization, please check the status using the Application ID written on the address mount. （Please refer to the example of the address mount for the location.)
• If you do not know your Application ID, please contact your local municipal office to check the status of your application. (Application numbers received when applying at cell phone stores cannot be used to check the status of your application.)
• If one month has passed from the “Application Confirmation Completion Date” and the application status still does not proceed from “My Number Card Issuance in Process”, please check with your municipality for the card issuance status, as the Application ID may have been changed.

If you do not have an Individual Number Card application form with an Application ID, you can apply with a handwritten application form (which you can download below). Fill in your Individual Number on the form and mail it to us by post.
If you wish to apply online or if you do not know your Individual Number, you can obtain an application form for an Individual Number Card with your application form ID at your local municipal office free of charge.
To download a handwritten application form, please refer to the Download Application Forms, etc. page.
※Please note that we are unable to provide your Application ID or Individual Number if you contact us by phone or chat.

Please confirm your number with your Notification Card or Individual Number Notice.
If you do not have your Notification Card or Individual Number Notice, please obtain a certificate of residence with your Individual Number printed on it at your municipal office.
※This matter is handled by individual municipal offices. We cannot answer inquiries if you contact us by phone or chat.

Please refer to the How to apply for your Individual Number Card page if you would like to apply for an Individual Number Card.

While applying for an Individual Number Card is not mandatory, we would like as many people to apply as possible as it is used to verify your Individual Number and serves as a form of (in-person and online) personal identification for certain administrative proceedings, in addition to allowing users to enjoy Convenience Store Issuance services using their electronic certificate, thereby enhancing the convenience of our residents.

You can check the status of your application through the Application Status Inquiry Service using your 23-digit Application ID and date of birth.
If you do not know your Application ID, please contact your local municipal office to check the status of your application.

Note

• It takes 2 to 3 days from the date of receipt of your application form or from the date of online application to be able to check the status of your application. Please try again at a later date if you have applied recently.
• Application status can only be checked if the application was submitted within the past 6 months.
• You can check the status of your application from the time it is received to the time your card is sent out. After the card is sent to your municipality, it may take several weeks until you receive your issuance notice, as there are necessary procedures that must be completed prior to issuance. Therefore, after confirming the shipment of your card through this service, please refrain from contacting the municipality or visiting the municipality to pick up your card before you receive your issuance notice.
• If you applied using the application form sent by our organization, please check the status using the Application ID written on the address mount. （Please refer to the example of the address mount for the location.)
• If you do not know your Application ID, please contact your local municipal office to check the status of your application. (Application numbers received when applying at cell phone stores cannot be used to check the status of your application.)
• If one month has passed from the “Application Confirmation Completion Date” and the application status still does not proceed from “My Number Card Issuance in Process”, please check with your municipality for the card issuance status, as the Application ID may have been changed.

In general, it is possible to do so. However, you may be required to bring certain items, such as your ID photograph.
We ask you to please contact the municipal office and ask in advance.

We use a 23-digit application form ID to process the application without having to directly check residents’ Individual Number.
Even if someone sees your application form ID, no third party will be able to know your Individual Number, so please rest assured.

You cannot use a re-issued notification on which the name and address are hidden with asterisks to apply.
If you wish to make an application, please use a new application form issued by your local municipal office or the Handwritten application form for issuance [English] or [Japanese].

Please refer to How to Apply Online for the infomation about applying online.

In principle, applications can be submitted via any PC or smartphone with the recommended operating environment.
We recommend the following operating systems and browsers for smooth operation of this website.
When using browsers other than the recommended ones or even when using the recommended browsers, the website may not be functional or display correctly depending on the user’s browser settings (e.g., JavaScript not enabled, etc.).
Additionally, please note that the website may not function well if you have installed certain software (e.g., browser extensions, etc.).

・Personal computers
The latest version of the following official browsers
Windows：Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome　
macOS：Safari

・Smartphones
The latest version of the following official browsers
Android：Google Chrome
iOS：Safari

An application for a person who is under 15 years old or an adult ward is required to be made by a legal representative. In addition, if there is any special reason, an agent accepted by the mayor will be able to make the application.

You can submit multiple applications with a single e-mail address. However, please note that all notifications regarding the applications will be sent to the same e-mail address.

The following are possible reasons for not receiving the e-mails.

■ The registered email address registered is incorrect
Please register again with the correct email address.

■ Restrictions on receiving emails are turned on
If under your email settings, you have filter settings such as filters for specified domains, please enable emails sent from the following email addresses.
Please change the setting and apply again.

  * Domain refers to the section following the “@” in the email address.
@mail.net.kojinbango-card.go.jp

■ Emails are being sent to your spam folder
There is a possibility that the emails are being considered spam due to the filter settings of your email software or anti-virus software, or due to your provider’s anti-spam measures. Please check to see if the emails have been sent to your spam folder.

■ Your incoming mail folder/inbox has reached its capacity
Please check and adjust the capacity of your mailbox, and apply again.

■ You are rejecting e-mails containing URLs.
If you have a setting that does not allow you to receive e-mails containing URLs in the content, you may be unable to receive e-mails from this site.
Please change the setting and apply again.

It is required to attach an ID photograph when making an application for the Individual Number Card.
Please write your full name and date of birth on the back of your ID photograph and paste it on the application form in the specified area.
The ID photograph must be taken within the last six months and include front view without a hat with a plain background.
For examples of identification photographs, please refer to the check points for photographs.
※ Please refrain from using too much glue when pasting the photographs and ensure that they have sufficiently dried up before sending your application form.

《Application by postal mail/at the counter》
Height 4.5cm × Width 3.5cm (passport size)

《Online application》
Pixel Size: 480 – 6000 pixel (width), 480 – 6000 pixel (height)

For more information on the standards for identification photographs, please refer to the check points for photographs.

Please note the following requirements for ID photographs.

• ・Must be photographed within the last 6 months (no hat, bust up, no backdrop)
• ・Must be photographed in a well-lit environment (Black and white photographs allowed )
• ・File Type: jpeg, jpg　※heic cannot be used
• ・Color Mode: RGB Color (other modes such as CMYK not accepted)
• ・File Size: 20KB – 7MB
• ・Pixel Size: 480 – 6000 pixel width, 480 – 6000 pixel height

Please note that images that have been edited using image editing software will not be accepted.
For more information on the standards for identification photographs, please refer to the check points for photographs.

You can upload your picture on the ID photograph registration page by following the steps below.

• ①Click the red “Upload” button
• ②Select a photo from the “Photo Library”
• ③Click the light blue “Confirm” button

It depends on the resolution of the photo, the size of your face in the photo, and other factors. We cannot give you a general idea of how much error is acceptable, but if the photo can be trimmed, we will not consider it incomplete and proceed with the issuance process.

Although it is possible to trim the image to a certain extent, this does not mean that the image will be considered valid in all cases, so please apply using a photo of the specified size.

Passport size is a common size used for various certificates. In order to maintain the quality of the photograph of your face as an ID photo even after trimming, we have set the passport size as the standard size.

If for personal reasons your identification photograph does not meet the requirements, it may still be able to be used if you take one of the following steps.

• ・Explain to the municipality where your residence is registered the reason your photograph does not meet the identification photograph standards and your Application ID.
• ・Attach your identification photograph and write the reason why it does not meet the identification photograph standards in the name column on the front of the application form and submit your application.
• ・Prepare the identification photograph for your application and call the Individual Number Call Center’s toll-free number (0120-95-0178), and provide your Application ID.

* The local municipal office may enquire about your circumstances when issuing your Individual Number Card.
Please note that your application may be considered to be insufficient if the photo does not fulfill the requirements (e.g. if it is too dark, cannot be trimmed, etc.) or for reasons not relevant to the photo.

ID photos for infants should be taken in the following ways.

■ Have your child lie on a bed.
The bed sheet must be plain and without any pattern or design.
Your child must be facing the camera when you take the photo.

■ Have someone hold your child, but ensure that only your child will be visible in the photo.
You may wish to consider having the person holding your child cover his or herself with a plain white cloth.

If for personal reasons you are unable to take a photograph that meets the requirements of "Points to note when taking ID photographs", please take one of the following steps prior to submitting your application so that we make an exception and use your photograph.

• ・Specify the reason in the name field on the front side of the application form and send it.
• ・Call the municipality in which you reside or go to the municipal office and give your Application ID.
• ・Call the Individual Number Card Call Center and give them your application ID.

*Municipal offices may review your circumstances when issuing your My Number card.
Please be aware that your application may be deemed incomplete due to the photograph not conforming to standards (too dark, cannot be trimmed, etc.) or for reasons other than the photograph.

We request that you write this information on the back of your photograph for identification purposes in the event that it comes loose from your application form. Please write your name and date of birth on the back of the photograph before affixing it to your application.

Depending on the municipality, it may or may not be possible to have your ID photograph taken at the municipal office. Please contact your local municipality.

The kana on the Individual Number Card application is only used with Braille. If you are not requesting Braille on your card, please apply as-is.
However, if you want your name written in Braille on your card, please contact your local municipal office to correct and re-issue your application form.

No corrections can be made to the application.
Please consult your local municipal office regarding the cancellation of the application and reapplying.

No corrections can be made to the application.
Please inform the municipal office that you wish to have the electronic certificate upon receiving your Individual Number Card.

The information for alternative letters on the Individual Number Card is alternative kanji (Chinese characters) for those who have names using kanji that cannot be used for the Public Certification Service for Individuals.
Alternative letters will not be displayed on your actual Individual Number Card.

Both the Gregorian and Japanese dating systems can be used.

Currently, there is no fee.
Reissuance of your card is also available free of charge. You do not need to pay a fee when the card’s reissuance has been found to be unavoidable or when the card’s validity period has expired.

The necessary documents to receive the Individual Number Card are as follows;

• Issuance Notice
• Identity Verification Documents (within the period of validity)
  One piece of official identification with a photo
  Or other 2 identity verification documents (e.g., health insurance card and pension book)

Only for those who have one

• Notification card
• Basic Resident Registration Card
• Individual Number Card

Please refer to what you should bring for details.

※For details on identity verification documents in case you do not have an official ID with an ID Photograph, please contact the municipal office in which you have registered your residence.

※Issuance Notice may arrive in an envelope.

This is a postcard sent to notify you that your Individual Number Card is ready to be issued.
Please bring your Issuance Notice, Notification Card, and identity verification documents when you come to pick up your Individual Number Card at the location detailed on your Issuance Notice.

• The Issuance Notice you received
• Identity Verification Documents

Only for those who have one

• Notification card
• Basic Resident Registration Card
• Individual Number Card

Bring the above documents and receive your Individual Number Card at the place of issuance indicated on the Issuance Notice.

Please check the location to pick up your Individual Number Card on your Issuance Notice.

Please ask your municipality in which you have registered your residence to reissue the Issuance Notice, or check the required documents for when you do not have an Issuance Notice.
※Because the required documents differ by municipality, please contact your municipal where your residence is registered to confirm.

The issuance of Individual Number cards is handled by each municipality directly, so please contact your local municipality.

As personal identification documents are absolutely necessary during issuance of Individual Number Cards, please confirm with your local municipal office what alternative forms of ID can be used if you do not possess the personal identification documents during issuance specified on the Individual Number Card website.

No, you are unable to receive your Individual Number Card. A new application is required. Please note that once an application form has been used for an application, it cannot be reused. Please visit the municipal office of your new residence to get a new application form and apply online or by mail.

While Individual Number Cards will, as a principle, be handed directly to the person in question, a legal guardian must accompany individuals below the age of 15 or those considered to be adult wards.

If you are unable to visit the location where your card will be issued to pick up the card in person due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness or physical disability, you may select a representative to pick up the card on your behalf.
For the documents required for a representative to receive your Individual Number Card on your behalf, please refer to Documents to be Brought By a Representative.

Both your Individual Number and official identification are required for applications and procedures relating to insurance, taxation, and disaster prevention. An Individual Number Card fulfills both of these requirements.
On the other hand, a notification card can only be used to provide your Individual Number. If you have an Individual Number Card, you do not need a notification card.
As a result, by law you must return your notification card upon receipt of your Individual Number Card, where it will be safely disposed of by the local municipal government.

You can use your Basic Resident Registration Card if it is still valid. However, as Basic Resident Registration Card cannot be newly issued, re-issued or renewed, please use the Individual Number Cards to apply.Although Basic Resident Registration Cards will not be newly issued, reissued nor renewed, it will be available for the remainder of their period of validity.
As of December 21st, 2018 (Heisei 30), the electronic certificates for the bearer’s signature for all Basic Resident Registration Cards have expired. If you wish to use an electronic certificate, please apply for an Individual Number Card.
In addition, by law, you are required to return your Basic Resident Registration Card upon receipt of your Individual Number Card. Note that you can request to keep your card as a memento following invalidation procedures at your local municipal office.

If you have already submitted your application, you need to cancel your application. Please contact the municipality that you submitted your application to.
If you have not yet submitted your application, please draw a double line through the incorrect portion of the application form and write the correction information.
※We are unable to cancel your application if you call us or contact us by chat/email.

Applications can be cancelled at local Individual Number Card counters. Please contact your nearest municipal office for details.
* It is possible to submit a new application after cancelling your original application by using the new application form for issuance issued by your local municipal office or by the Handwritten application form for issuance [English] or [Japanese].
Please note that an application cannot be returned after it has been received for processing.
※This matter is handled by individual municipal offices. We cannot cancel your application if you contact us by phone or chat.

You can download the materials for an envelope valid until May 31, 2024 from the Download Application Forms, etc. page.

The brochure can be downloaded from the link below.
Brochure (Notification of My Number (Individual Number) and Guide to the Application Individual Number Card Issuance)

About one month after applying for an Individual Number Card, an issuance notice will be delivered to your home address by your local municipal office.
Please check the contents of the notice for the earliest possible date when you can receive your My Number Card, as it differs from municipality to municipality.

※Issuance Notice may arrive in an envelope.

The card will be kept at the municipal office for a certain period of time (minimum 3 months), so please contact the municipality.
After the storage period has expired, your card will be disposed of for security reasons. In that case, you must pick up a new application form at your local municipal office and reapply.

If you are coming to pick up the card in person, please write your name and address, and put your signature in the “回答書” section.

If you are having a representative(※) come to pick up the card, in addition to the above, you must write your name and address, the representative’s name and address, and your desired PIN number, and affix a privacy seal to the PIN entry field and hand it to your representative.

※If you are unable to visit the location where your card will be issued to pick up the card in person due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness or physical disability, you may select a representative to pick up the card on your behalf.
For the documents required for having a representative pick up your Individual Number Card on your behalf, please refer to documents to be brought by a representative.

If you need an electronic certificate, you do not need to check the box.
Please fill in the □ in black only if you do not need an electronic certificate.
Please note that an electronic certificate will not be issued if the □ is filled in.

※Electronic certificates are required for a variety of services, such as for use of your Individual Number Card as a health insurance card, convenience store issuance services including copies of your Certificate of Residence, electronic applications such as e-Tax, and logging in to the Mynaportal.

Even if you do not request an electronic certificate, you are required to set a PIN number for the Basic Resident Registration and Card Info Input Support applications.

For your password ,capital alphabets from A to Z, numbers from 0 to 9 can be used and and at least one of each are required.
※6 alphanumeric characters or more but not exceeding 16.

As a rule, you must input your Individual Number Card PIN by yourself, so staff at the municipal office will not typically be informed of your PIN.

Please note that in the case of applications and procedures submitted by a representative other than a legal guardian (parent, adult guardian, etc.), municipal office staff must input the PIN on the individual’s behalf. However, all staff are bound by an oath of confidentiality. Furthermore, in the case that a staff knew your Individual Number, it would be impossible for him or her to use it without your Individual Number Card, so please rest assured that it will not be misused.

Please fill in the necessary information and send the application form with your ID photograph attached.
If you use the envelope for sending the application form, you can apply without affixing a stamp.
If you are using a handwritten application form, please be sure to check that you have filled it out correctly, as it will take longer to issue your card if there are mistakes or missing items.

To download a handwritten application form and an envelope, please refer to the Download Application Forms, etc. page.

Yes, you may enclose several application forms. However, the weight should not exceed 50g. You may also enclose the application forms of non-family members.

Those who reside abroad with their resident registration in Japan are eligible to apply. However, please note that the applicant must come to the municipal office where their residence is registered to pick up their Individual Number Card.

If you plan to apply at the municipal office, please check the website of your municipality or contact them directly.

In principle, the applicant must apply for an Individual Number Card themselves.
However, for those under 15 years of age or an adult ward, an application by a legal representative is required.
A representative accepted by the mayor will be able to apply in special circumstances. Please consult the municipality in which you have registered your residence.

Please use an ID Photograph with a plain background to apply. For details, please refer to the check points for ID Photographs.

You must pick up your card at the municipality in which you have registered your residence.

＜Online application＞
The email notifying you of the error will include the details of the error and the URL to reapply. If you follow the instructions and reapply, your application will be processed for card issuance.

＜Application by mail＞
We will send you the original application form with the error, notice of incomplete/Individual Number Card reapplication form (which states the details of the error), and a return envelope.
After checking the details of the error, please reapply using the reapplication form and envelope, and it will be processed for card issuance.

In the case of a duplicate application, the first application will be used if there is no error in the contents of your application. If you wish to cancel your first application, please contact your local municipal office.

Please use the envelope available on the download page for the application form, or affix a stamp on the envelope you have and mail it to the address below.

Please request the issuance of an application form with a QR code at the municipal office where you registered your residence.

Yes, it can be used for an application. For details, please refer to the check points for ID Photographs.

Please refresh the page or try again later.

If the enclosed application form contains an application ID, you can apply via a computer or a smartphone, via a public ID photo booth or via post.

If the enclosed application form does not contain an application ID, the application can only be submitted by post.
Please fill out the form with necessary information including your 12-digit Individual Number, attach your ID photograph and send only the application form back using the enclosed return envelope.

If the validity period of your card has lapsed, you can no longer use it as an identity document or use an electronic certificate.
You will need to bring your expired Individual Number Card when receiving the new card. Please keep it in a safe place until you can receive your new card.

To renew your card, please bring the validation period notification and your Individual Number Card to your local municipal office before the expiration date.
(It is possible to renew the card even if the expiration date has passed. For further information regarding the procedure, please contact your local municipality.)
Some municipalities accept advance reservations for the process, so please check the website of your local municipal office or call them for details. (You can renew your card even if you do not have a validation period notification.)

We are sorry, but online renewal is not available. In order to ensure the security of electronic certificates, your identity must be verified in person before your certificate can be issued. Therefore, we ask that you go to your municipal office to renew your certificate.

Yes, it is optional, but you will not be able to use services such as e-tax or Convenience Store Issuance.
However, you may still use the card as a form of identity verification until the expiration date.

You may renew 3 months in advance. Some municipalities accept advance reservations for this process, so please check the website of your local municipal office or call them for details.

Yes. The applicant is required to fill out the “照会書兼回答書” (inquiry and response form), seal it in the enclosed envelop, and give it to the representative. The representative needs to bring the applicant’s Individual Number Card, the envelope, the notification of validation period and the representative’s identity verification documents (that include a photograph of their face) to the local municipal office for the renewal procedure.
Some municipalities accept advance reservations for the process, so please check the website of your local municipal office or call them for details.

Even if you missed the deadline, the application process for obtaining electronic certificates is free of charge.
Some municipalities accept advance reservations for this procedure, so please check the website of your local municipal office or call them for details.

You may proceed with the renewal process without the notification.
Some municipalities accept advance reservations for the process, so please check the website of your local municipal office or call them for details.

We apologize. It seems that the notification was sent to you again by mistake.
If you have already renewed your electronic certificate, please discard the notification.

The mayor of your municipality.
The Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems (J-LIS) handles all issue and delivery of Individual Number Notices on behalf of all municipalities.
*The Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems (J-LIS) operates in cooperation with municipal governments.

Please contact your local municipal office to correct the information on your certificate of residence.

Those without a certificate of residence in Japan, including those residing outside Japan, are not issued Individual Numbers (My Numbers), and therefore do not receive Individual Number Notices. If you move to Japan and register your residence, you will be issued an Individual Number Notice.

Even residents of other countries receive Individual Number Notices if they move to Japan and register their residence.

Once you register the birth and your baby’s residence, an Individual Number Notice will be generated and an Individual Number Notice provided, so there is no need to apply for one separately.

Unless your Individual Number is divulged and there is a risk of misuse, it will never be changed, and you will continue to use the same number throughout your life.

An Individual Number Notice serves only to inform an individual of their Individual Number and cannot be used as identification.

An Individual Number Notice cannot be reissued.
In order to confirm or verify your Individual Number (My Number), you will need to obtain an Individual Number Card, a copy of your certificate of residence with your Individual Number listed, or a Certificate of Items Stated in Resident Register.

If you are unable to have your Individual Number Notice and Individual Number Card issue notice delivered to the address where your certificate of residence is registered due to special circumstances, you may register your current address at that municipal office and have the documents delivered there.
Please consult the municipal office where your residence is registered about the process for registering your current address.

The mayor of a municipality that has the person’s resident record.
In addition, the Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems (J-LIS) will issue notification cards with the authority from mayors throughout Japan.

*The Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems (J-LIS) is an organization jointly operated by municipalities.

Notification Cards already issued can be used to confirm the holder’s Individual Number, so please keep it.
If you have lost your Notification Card, please report it to your local municipal office.
Please note that if a Notification Card holder receives an Individual Number Card, they are required to return the Notification Card to their local municipal office.

This change was necessary as residents and municipal offices who found the procedures for changing the address on the Notification Card when moving to be an inconvenience, and was also motivated by a desire to hasten the switch from paper cards to Individual Number Cards with electronic certificates serving as official verification of the holder’s identity.
Even after Notification Cards are discontinued, you will still be able to use them to apply for an Individual Number Card. Please check here for details.

Regarding the discontinuation of Notification Cards (external link, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

Unless the number is leaked and there is a risk of illegal use, the Number will never be changed because the same Number will continue to be used throughout the bearer’s lifetime.

Notification Cards are only to be used as confirmation and proof of the holder’s Individual Number, and cannot be used as a form of identification.

Notification Cards cannot be reissued.
Beginning May 25, 2020, residents are issued Individual Number Notices as notification of their Individual Numbers in place of Notification Cards.
In order to confirm or verify your Individual Number (My Number), you will need to obtain an Individual Number Card, a copy of your certificate of residence with your Individual Number listed, or a Certificate of Items Stated in Resident Register.

After May 25th, 2020 (Reiwa 2), the procedure for changing items on the notification card cannot be performed, including the name, address, etc. written on the card.

As your Notification Card is required to confirm your Individual Number when applying for an Individual Number Card by mail (handwritten application), please keep it.
When you receive an Individual Number Card, you will need to return your Notification Card, so please bring it to the counter at your local municipal office.
If you have lost your Notification Card, please report it to your local municipal office.

If any of the information on your Individual Number Card such as your address has changed (for example if you have moved), please visit your local municipal office and have them record the new information on the back of the card.

*If there are any changes to the information on your Individual Number Card, you are required to visit your local municipal office and have it updated within 14 days.

The validity periods of Individual Number Cards are as follows.

＜The validity periods of Individual Number Cards＞

• The validity period will be printed on the card.(valid up to year month day)
• ・Until the cardholder’s 10th birthday following card issuance, for those 18 years of age and older
• ・Until the cardholder’s 5th birthday following card issuance, for those under 18 years old
• If the cardholder is 18 years of age or older at the time the card is issued, the card shall be valid until his or her 10th birthday following card issuance.
• ※ The card shall be valid for 5 years for those under 20 years of age who applied for the card by March 31, 2022.

＜Validity period of electronic certificates＞

• Not printed on the validity section on the electronic certificate card.
• Please ask the relevant department at your local municipal office to fill it in or get it done yourself upon confirming the validity period.
• ・Until the owner’s 5th birthday following card issuance, regardless of age.

Please see here for information on how to renew your Individual Number Card.
Please see here for information on how to renew your electronic certificate.

The information about IC card reader/writer that is compatible with Individual Number Cards and used for e-Tax and so on is available at the portal site of "public personal identification service".

Please contact our Call Center for the Social Security and Tax Number System (Press 3 Voice Guidance) regarding the handling of Individual Numbers.
Please check the telephone inquiry page for inquiries to the Individual Number Call Center (Press 3 following the Voice Guidance).

If the municipality of your residence provides Convenience Store Issuance services, you can obtain documents such as the certificate of residence at convenience stores.
You can check which municipalities provide this service on the Convenience Store Issuance service page. A 4-digit PIN for the electronic certificate for user certification is required to use this service.

An electronic certificate is a digital certificate in which a reliable third party (certificate authority) proves the identity of the holder, and can replace the use of a personal seal in paper-based transactions.

There are two types of electronic certificates that can be used with an Individual Number Card.
For details on use, please refer to the Electronic Certificate for Individual Number Card page.

This is the 4-digit PIN code that you set when you set up the electronic certificate for user identification. It is a certificate and PIN that you can use to prove that you are the user when using the internet, such as when using the public personal identification service.
In some cases, it may be provided to you with the Request for PIN Setup form (Example 1), however the format may be different depending on the municipality.
If you have forgotten your pin or have locked your card by accidentally entering the wrong PIN three times, you need to reset your PIN at the municipal office that you registered your residency with.

It is the PIN that you set when your Individual Number Card was issued. It is a 4-digit number configured to read the data of your Individual Number and 4 items of personal information (name, address, birthday, and sex).
In some cases, you may be given a PIN Setting Slip (Example 1) or Request for PIN Setup form (Example 2), however the format may be different depending on the municipality.
If you have forgotten your pin or have locked your card by accidentally entering the wrong PIN three times, you need to reset your PIN at the municipal office that you registered your residency with.

Please perform a validity check of your electronic certificate and test if your Individual Number Card can be read correctly.
If it is valid, please contact the e-Tax service office as the problem is not related to the reading of your electronic certificate or Individual Number Card.

■How to check the validity of your electronic certificate

• For Windows
• For Mac
• For Android
• For iPhone

Please contact your local municipal office if you forget your PIN for the following items. You will need to initialize and reset it at the local municipal office.

• Electronic certificate for the bearer’s signature
• Electronic certificate for user identification
• Basic Resident Registration Card
• To support entering items on the card

The PIN code for your electronic certificate for the bearer’s signature can be reset at convenience store if you know the 4-digit PIN for your electronic certificate for user identification.
Please refer to the “initializing and resetting the signature password at a convenience store, etc. page” by the Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems.

Please apply to use your Individual Number Card as a health insurance card via the Mynaportal. For further details, please refer to the “using Individual Number Card as health insurance card” explanation page on the Mynaportal.
For more information on how to use this service and eligible medical institutions and pharmacies, please visit the “using Individual Number Card as health insurance card”explanation page on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

Registration of accounts for receiving public funds can be done via the Mynaportal.
For further information about how to register a public funds receiving account using Mynaportal, please refer to the “how to register a public funds receiving account” using Mynaportal page on the Digital Agency’s website.

You are able to issue an electronic vaccination certificate if you scan your Individual Number Card using the dedicated smartphone app.
For more information about the app, please refer to the explanation on the “COVID-19 vaccination certificate app” page on the Digital Agency’s website.

If your Individual Number Card is damaged, it needs to be reissued. Please consult with the municipal office in which you have registered your residence regarding reissue.

For errors related to e-Tax, please refer to the National Tax Agency website’s “Contact Us” explanation page.

<Loss or theft of Individual Number Cards>

You will need to suspend your Individual Number Card. Please call the Individual Number Card Call Center (0120-95-0178 ※press 2 when prompted) to do so.
Please file a report with the police and receive a Receipt Number. Afterward, please notify your local municipal office and complete the Individual Number Card re-issuance procedures there.

<Loss or theft of Individual Number Notices>

Please file a report with the police if it is necessary.

<Loss or theft of Notification Cards>

Please report loss or theft to the police, make a note of the Receipt Number, and inform your local municipal office.

*Notification Cards cannot be reissued. Even if you lost your Notification Card, you can still apply for an Individual Number Card.

In addition, if you have lost your Notification Card and wish to confirm or verify your Individual Number (My Number), you will need to obtain an Individual Number Card, a copy of your certificate of residence with your Individual Number listed, or a Certificate of Items Stated in Resident Register.

Please also see below.
What should I do if I want to change my Individual Number?

If you find your lost Individual Number Card, you can continue to use it by canceling the temporary suspension at the municipal office.
※You do not need to contact the Individual Number Call Center.

You card can be temporarily suspended by the call center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Calls are free of charge and support is available in several foreign languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese).
Individual Number Call Center: 0120-95-0178 (Press 2 following the Voice Guidance.)
A fax number is also available for those with hearing impairment.
For more information, please refer to the Fax inquiry page.

*The case of dialing the wrong number is increasing. Please check the phone number before dialing.
Please also see below.
After suspending functions of my Individual Number Card, if the Card is found, should I just report it to my municipality again?

If you found an Individual Number Card, please take the following actions.

• ①Please report it as a lost item to the nearest police box or police station.
• ②The Individual Number Card needs to be suspended, so please contact the Individual Number Call Center toll-free number (0120-95-0178 ※press 2 when prompted).

This is a great system where you can earn up to 20,000 yen worth of points that can be used with your choice of cashless payment service.
For further information about businesses that support My Number Points please refer to the explanation on the “My Number Points” program page on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ website.

Please refer to the explanation on the “how to apply for My Number Points” page on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ website.

For more information about receiving My Number Points, please refer to the explanation on the “Easy to follow! My Number Points guide” page on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ website.
When contacting by phone, please call the Individual Number Call Center (0120-95-0178) and press “5” following the voice prompts for My Number Points inquiries.

Additionally, you may also refer to the explanation on the “My Number Points Tricky Things to Note” page on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ website for more information on the receiving of My Number Points.
※The timing of when points will be awarded depends on the payment service. Please consult with your payment service.

The deadline for applying for the second My Number Points campaign is the end of September 2023 (Reiwa 5).
Please note that the application for Individual Number Cards eligible to receive My Number Points has ended.
For further details about receiving My Number Points, please refer to the explanation on the “Easy to follow! My Number Points guide” page on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ website.

The timing for granting My Number Points differs by each service. Please check the explanation on the “search for eligible cashless payment services” page on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ website.

For more information about cashless payment services that you can receive My Number Points , please refer to the explanation on the “search for eligible cashless payment services” page on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ website.

Please refer to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website’s explanation page for the “My Number Points Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)” for more information on the error when applying for My Number Points.

Individual Numbers can be changed when it has been deemed that there is a possibility the number may have been leaked and used without authorization. Please consult your local municipality.