- What is My Number?
- Notification Cards
- What is on the My Number Card?
- How to apply for My Number Card
- Receiving Your My Number Card (Individual Number Card)
I. What is My Number?
The My Number system is part of a new social infrastructure development in Japan. It was created to improve administrative efficiency, enhance public convenience, and help create a fairer and more just society. A My Number Card (or Individual Number Card,) is issued to all those who reside (i.e., those who have a certificate of residence) in Japan.
Your My Number will be required for administrative procedures related to social security, taxation, and disaster response.
II. Notification Card
The Notification Card is a paper card that notifies its recipient of his/her individual My Numbers. It includes your name which is registered at city office, date of birth, gender and My Number (Individual number). However, it does not include your picture so it cannot be use as your ID.
NOTE: The Notification Card can only be used to confirm your My Number. For identity verification, you need to have your passport, driver’s license, etc., alongside your Notification Card.
Front and back of the Notification Card
Photo credit: https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/tsuchicard/
III. What is on the My Number Card?
The My Number Card is a plastic card with an IC chip installed onto it. It includes your name, address, date of birth, gender, My Number (Individual Number) and your picture on it. Other than using your My Number Card as your ID, you can also use it for municipal services, electronic application for e-tax and other various services.
Front and back of the My Number Card
Photo credit: https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/kojinbango/
IV. How To Apply For a My Number Card
There are many ways you can apply for a My Number Card: by smart phone, PC, ID photograph booths (not all photograph booths accept My Number applications!), and by mail.
Each method and the flow are different. Make sure you understand the procedures and choose a method which suits you best. Please click here for those methods.
V. Receiving Your My Number Card (Individual Number Card)
It takes about one month for you to receive a Notice of Issuance (postcard) which is a notification from your ward that they are ready to issue your My Number Card (Individual Number Card). This Notice of Issuance will be delivered to your home. You should then take all documentation you need (listed on the Notice of Issuance) and pick up your readied My Number Card by the deadline listed on your Notice of Issuance. The place you can pick up your card will also be listed on the Notice of Issuance.
What you should bring:
- Notice of Issuance (postcard)
- Notification Card
- Your ID
- Basic Resident Registration Card (only for those who own one)
For more information about My Number, please click here.
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