Have you ever found yourself in a situation in Japan where you needed an ID, but weren't sure which one to use? Or perhaps you've heard whispers about this "My Number Card" thing that seems increasingly important, but no one's quite explained what it is or why you might need one?
Don't worry—you're not alone! The My Number system can be a bit confusing for foreign-residents, but this guide will break everything down into simple, practical terms. By the end, you'll understand what this card is, how to get one, and all the ways it can make your life in Japan easier.
What Exactly Is This "My Number" Thing?
Let's start with the basics. The "My Number" system (マイナンバー制度 - maina-nbā seido) is Japan's national identification system, introduced in 2015 to streamline administrative procedures and improve efficiency in three main areas
- Social security
- Taxation
- Disaster response
When you register as a resident in Japan (by submitting your Moving-In Notification at your local city hall), you're assigned a unique 12-digit identification number. This is your personal "My Number."
But here's where people often get confused
My Number vs. My Number Card: They're Not the Same Thing
There's an important distinction to understand
My Number (マイナンバー): The 12-digit number itself, which you first receive on a paper notification card in the mail.
My Number Card (マイナンバーカード): A plastic ID card containing your My Number, photo, name, address, date of birth, and gender. It has an IC chip embedded in it with electronic certificates for online verification.
Think of it this way: Your My Number is like your Social Security Number in the US, while the My Number Card is like having a Social Security Card that also functions as a government-issued photo ID.
✔️ Important to know: Just having the paper notification with your number is not enough for most purposes. The plastic My Number Card is what gives you access to various services.
Why Should You Care? The Benefits for Foreign Residents
You might be wondering if it's worth the hassle to apply for the My Number Card. As a foreign-resident, here are some compelling reasons to get one
Official Photo ID That's Widely Accepted
The My Number Card is a government-issued photo ID that's widely recognized throughout Japan. This can be extremely useful for
- Opening bank accounts
- Signing up for phone contracts
- Age verification for purchasing alcohol or cigarettes
- Any situation where you need to prove your identity
While your residence card (在留カード - zairyū kādo) serves many of these purposes too, having a backup ID is always convenient.
It's Becoming Your Health Insurance Card
One of the biggest changes happening right now is the integration of health insurance with the My Number Card.
❗ Important update: Traditional health insurance cards are being phased out
- New paper insurance cards are no longer being issued (as of December 2024)
- Existing cards will remain valid only until December 1, 2025
- After that, you'll need either a My Number Card or a special certificate from your municipal office
By registering your My Number Card for health insurance use, you can
- Use it at hospitals and clinics instead of your health insurance card
- Access your medical history (with your consent) for better continuity of care
- Simplify the procedure for applying for high-cost medical care benefits
Access to Online Government Services (Mynaportal)
Through the "Mynaportal" (マイナポータル) website and app, your My Number Card allows you to
- Check your tax payment records
- View your pension and insurance information
- Submit certain applications online instead of visiting government offices
- Receive notifications about various administrative procedures
Convenience Store Certificate Services
Need official documents in a hurry? With your My Number Card, you can obtain various certificates at convenience store kiosks, including
- Resident Record (住民票 - jūminhyō)
- Seal Registration Certificate (印鑑証明書 - inkan shōmeisho)
- Tax Certificates (課税証明書 - kazei shōmeisho)
This service is typically available from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, even on weekends and holidays—much more convenient than city hall hours!
Myna Points: Getting Rewarded for Having the Card
The Japanese government has introduced a point system called "Myna Points" (マイナポイント) to encourage My Number Card adoption. By linking your card to certain payment methods, you can receive points worth up to ¥20,000.
How to Apply for Your My Number Card: Step by Step
Ready to get your card? Let's break down the application process
Option 1: Apply by Mail (Most Straightforward for Many Foreigners)
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Get the Application Form: This should have come with your My Number notification. If you've lost it, you can download it from the official My Number Card website.
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Prepare Your Photo: You'll need a passport-style photo (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm) taken within the last 6 months. Make sure it
- Shows your full face from the front
- Has no hat or head covering (unless worn for religious reasons)
- Has a plain background
- Is clear and in color
📌 Pro tip: Write your name and date of birth on the back of the photo before attaching it.
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Fill Out the Form: Complete all required fields. The downloaded form often includes English guidance.
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Send It Off: Place everything in the provided return envelope (or use a regular envelope addressed to your municipal office). Check the boxes confirming you've attached the photo correctly and completed the form. Don't forget a stamp if one isn't already provided!
Option 2: Apply Online (via Smartphone or Computer)
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Scan the QR Code: Use the QR code on your My Number notification.
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Take a Photo: Follow the on-screen instructions to take a suitable ID photo using your smartphone camera.
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Enter Required Information: Fill out the online form with your details.
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Submit Your Application: Confirm and send your application electronically.
Option 3: Use a Special Photo Booth
Some ID photo booths in Japan offer My Number Card application services. Look for machines with the My Number Card logo, then
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Scan Your QR Code: From your notification card at the booth.
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Take Your Photo: The booth will take your ID photo.
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Follow the Instructions: Complete the application process on-screen.
What Happens Next?
After applying (regardless of which method you choose)
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Wait for the Notification: In about 1 month, you'll receive a postcard (交付通知書 - kōfu tsūchisho) informing you that your card is ready.
-
Collect Your Card: Visit your municipal office with
- The notification postcard
- Your residence card
- Your My Number notification (if you still have it)
-
Set Up Your PIN: At the office, you'll set up several PINs for different functions of the card. Make sure to remember these!
📌 Important tip for foreign-residents: If your period of stay in Japan is limited (based on your visa/residence status), your My Number Card's validity period will match the expiration date of your residence card.
Cultural Note: Why Japan Introduced the My Number System
You might wonder why Japan, which traditionally valued privacy, introduced this nationwide identification system. The answer reflects Japan's approach to social organization and administrative efficiency.
Prior to the My Number system, different government agencies maintained separate records, making it difficult to coordinate services and detect fraud. The system aims to
- Ensure everyone receives proper social benefits
- Improve tax compliance
- Streamline administrative procedures
- Facilitate quick support during natural disasters
Unlike some countries where national ID systems have existed for decades, Japan was relatively late to implement one, partly due to privacy concerns. The system was designed with these concerns in mind, which is why your My Number information is carefully protected by law.
Things to Keep in Mind: My Number Card Maintenance
Your My Number Card requires some ongoing attention
It Has an Expiration Date
- For Japanese nationals over 20: Valid for 10 years
- For those under 20 or foreign-residents: Typically valid until your residence card expiration date
- The electronic certificates on the card: Valid for 5 years
Keep Your Information Updated
If you move or change your name, you must update your My Number Card within 14 days. Visit your new local municipal office with
- Your My Number Card
- Your residence card
- Moving-in notification (if you've moved)
Lost or Stolen Card?
If your card goes missing
- Report it to the police immediately
- Call the My Number Card helpline (0120-95-0178) to have it suspended
- Visit your municipal office to apply for a replacement (fees may apply)
Protect Your PINs
You'll set up several PINs when you receive your card
- A 4-digit PIN for identity verification
- A 6-8 digit PIN for electronic certificates
If you forget these or enter them incorrectly too many times, you'll need to visit your municipal office to have them reset.
Real-Life Experiences: How the My Number Card Helps Foreign Residents
Emma, a British teacher living in Nagoya, shares: "My Number Card has been such a time-saver! Last month I needed a copy of my resident record on a Sunday for a job application due Monday. I just went to the convenience store around the corner, used the kiosk with my card, and had the document in minutes. Before getting the card, I would have had to wait until Monday and take time off work to visit city hall."
Carlos, a Brazilian engineer in Shizuoka, notes: "When I first arrived in Japan, I was skeptical about getting 'another card' to keep track of. But since registering my My Number Card for health insurance, hospital visits have become noticeably smoother. The staff can pull up my information quickly, and I don't have to fill out as many forms. Plus, it's one less card to carry around!"
Common Questions About the My Number Card
Q: Is it mandatory to get a My Number Card?
A: Technically, no—it's not currently mandatory to have the physical card. However, with health insurance cards being phased out and more services being linked to the My Number Card, it's becoming increasingly important to have one.
Q: Does the My Number Card replace my residence card?
A: No, your residence card (在留カード) is still required for foreign-residents as proof of your status of residence. The My Number Card complements it but doesn't replace it.
Q: What happens to my My Number Card if I leave Japan temporarily?
A: You can keep your My Number Card if you're temporarily leaving Japan. However, if you complete the moving-out procedures (転出届 - tenshutsu todoke) at your municipal office, your card will be invalidated.
Q: Can I use my My Number Card as ID when traveling outside Japan?
A: No, the My Number Card is not valid as international identification or as a travel document. You'll still need your passport for international travel.
Q: Is there a fee for the My Number Card?
A: The initial issuance is free. However, if you need to replace a lost card or renew electronic certificates, fees may apply.
Useful Japanese Phrases for My Number Card Matters
Here are some helpful phrases when dealing with My Number Card procedures
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I would like to apply for a My Number Card | マイナンバーカードを申請したいです | Mainanbā kādo o shinsei shitai desu |
| I received a notification that my card is ready | カード交付の通知が届きました | Kādo kōfu no tsūchi ga todokimashita |
| I need to update my address on my card | カードの住所変更が必要です | Kādo no jūsho henkō ga hitsuyō desu |
| I forgot my PIN | 暗証番号を忘れました | Anshō bangō o wasuremashita |
| I would like to use my card for health insurance | 健康保険証として利用したいです | Kenkō hokenshō to shite riyō shitai desu |
| My card is damaged/broken | カードが壊れています | Kādo ga kowarete imasu |
Conclusion: Embracing Japan's Digital Future
The My Number Card represents Japan's gradual shift toward digitalization of government services. While it might initially seem like just another piece of bureaucracy to navigate, it's actually a useful tool that can simplify many aspects of life in Japan.
As a foreign-resident, having a My Number Card can help you
- Establish your identity more easily
- Access healthcare more smoothly
- Obtain official documents more conveniently
- Navigate Japan's administrative procedures with less stress
With the ongoing transition away from paper health insurance cards and toward more digital services, now is an excellent time to apply for your My Number Card if you haven't already.
Remember, the card is designed to make life easier—not more complicated. And once you have it, you'll likely find yourself wondering how you managed without it!
Meta Info
Title: What Is the My Number Card? A Complete Guide for Foreign Residents
Meta Description: Confused about Japan's My Number Card? Learn what it is, why it's becoming essential, and how to apply—specifically written for foreigners in Japan.
Category: Paperwork
Tags: my number card, identification, health insurance, foreign-residents, government procedures, japan bureaucracy