If you love comics and cartoons, Japan is the perfect place to visit. If you want to live there longer, you should apply for my number card in Japan to make your life better in Japan. In this article, we explain a complete guide on how to obtain Japan’s My Number card.
What is My Number Card
A My Number Card, also known as an Individual Number Card, is an IC chip embedded plastic card that can be used as an official ID card to authenticate your identity. On the card, it shows your name, photo, address, date of birth, sex, your 12-digit My Number (individual number).
Difference between Japan numbers
In Japan, there are some differences in numbers. Here you can check their basic variations:
- My Number: It is the unique 12 digits assigned to each resident of Japan. It is used by the government for tax, social security, and disaster response purposes.
- My Number Card: It is a plastic ID card containing the applicant’s photo, name, address, date of birth, and place of residence.
- My Number Notification Card: This is the format in which residents receive notificationation of their assigned individual number.
- Individual Number Notice: After May 25, 2020, it is the format in which you received the assigned individual number.
What can My Number Card be used for
The My Number Card is used to show your identity and reach out to various government and financial institutions in Japan. Here you can check these benefits below:
- You can use a My Number card to easily file your taxes, claim deductions, and receive refunds.
- You can access social security and pension benefits.
- You can access health insurance and medical services.
- You can open a bank account, apply for loans, and make financial transactions.
- You can perform various administrative tasks and obtain official documents.
- You can verify your identity online for government and private services.
- You can use it as proof of residency when you need to show your identity.
How to apply for My Number Card
Since you know the benefits of obtaining a My Number Card, you can choose the most appropriate way to apply for a My Number Card. Here you can follow these methods: by mail, on smart phone, PC or registered ID photo booth.
by mail
One of the best ways for foreigners to get a My Number Card is by mail. You can follow these simple steps to obtain the My Number Card.
- Download and fill out the application form
You can download the English version of the application form from the official government website. Then you can follow the detailed information on how to fill out the form exactly.
- Take and Upload a Photo
You need to prepare a photo for your My Number Card. The size of the photo must be 3.5×4.5 cm and it must be taken in the last six months. In the photo, your face must be clearly shown from a frontal view. After you have got a photo, you need to write your name and date of birth on the backside of the photo.
- Prepare Your Envelope and Send It
Before you send the envelope, you must check that everything is okay, such as a photo,the completed application, and other application documents. Then you need to fill in your name in the box where it says 氏名 and your return address in the 住所 box and attach a stamp to the envelope. Once your envelope is ready, you can send it by post to this address.
Japan Agency for Local Authorities Information Systems
P.O.Box 2, Kawasaki-higashi, Japan Post Co., Ltd., 219-8650
on smartphone
After downloading the application form, you can use a smartphone to scan the QR code to access the application website and register your email address. You will then receive the application form ID (23-digit numeric code). You are required to enter email address and email contact name, register a photo ID and fill out other required information for the application, such as date of birth and whether or not to issue the electronic certificate. After you have completed the application by following the instructions on the phone, you will receive an email notifying you of the completion of the application at the registered email address.
on PC
The application of My Number card by PC and smartphone is similar. Here you can follow the steps to get a card on PC.
- You need to access the application form on your PC.
- Enter the correct application form ID (23-digit numeric code), email contact name and email address.
- You must complete the photo ID registration.
- Then you should complete the registration of the application information, such as date of birth, issue of the electronic certificate, and whether or not to include your name in Braille.
- Once completed, you will receive an email notifying you of the completion of the application.
Registered ID Photo Booth
You can also apply for a My Number Card at a registered photo booth near you. Here are the registered ID photo booths:
- DNP Photo Imaging Booths
- Nippon Auto Photo Booths
- FUJIFILM Booths
- MIYOSHI INDUSTRY Booth
- Hokuryo Print Technology Booths
Once you arrive at the booth, you can scan the QR code on the application form by using the booth machine at the booth. You can follow these simple instructions to complete the application :
- You can select the “My Number” option on the screen.
- Hold the QR code over the barcode reader
- Then you can take your ID photo.
- You need to check and approve the information on the screen
- Once completed, you will receive a printout confirmation of your application.
How to track the status of My Number Card application
After you have submitted your application, you can track the status of your application on the Application Status Inquiry Service website. You must use your 23-digit application ID number and date of birth to access the service. If it doesn’t work or it still shows “card issuance in progress” a month after your initial application date, you’ll need to contact your local city office to confirm the status of your application.
When it is time to get your My Number card, you need to bring these necessary documents:
- The issuance notice you’ve received in the mail
- Proof of ID (driver’s license, passport, resident card, etc.)
- Basic Resident Registration Card (if you have one)
Once the officer has checked your documents and verify your ID at the counter, you’ll get your personal identification number, pin code, and your card.
What happen if I lose My Number card
If you lose Japan My Number Card, you must call the Individual Number Card Call Center and ask them to suspend the card immediately. After that, you must file a police report to obtain the report receipt. Then you can visit your local municipal office to apply for a new card with proof of a police report.
Bonus: Get My Number card photo online
You must provide a photo that meets all the requirements when applying for a My Number card. To save money and time, you can take a photo at home and upload it to our professional My Number Card photo editor AiPassportPhotos. With one click , it can automatically remove the background and resize it to the perfect size, so you ‘ll get a compliant 3.5×4.5 cm ID photo.
FAQ
What if I don’t have a My Number Card?
It’s not mandatory to have My Number Card Japan, but you’ll have to deal with a few inconveniences if you don’t have one. For example:
- You must provide at least two forms of ID if you want to open bank accounts or access government services.
- You can’t print official government documents at your local convenience store.
- You can’t file taxes online.
- You can’t cover health insurance.
Therefore , it is better for you to get my number card in japan
How to get My Number points
My Number points refer to the government’s incentive campaign to speed up the use of plastic My Number Cards. You will earn 5,000 points (¥5,000 equivalent), if you complete these steps:
- You apply for and obtain a plastic My Number Card.
- You have connected the My Number Card to a cashless payment system.
If you use My Number Card as your health insurance card and connect a bank account to your My Number Card, you will earn 7500 points.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the My Number Card plays an important role for foreign residents in Japan, helping you access government services and enhancing your overall quality of life. Don’t forget to bring all your requirements to complete the my number card application by using the methods we mentioned above. I hope you get a My Number Card soon and have a good time in Japan.
Erin Lo