How to Apply for and Obtain My Number Card? What Are Its Uses?

My Number CardGovernment Servicesidentification documentsApplication ProcessSocial WelfareRelocating to Japan
Created At: 8/11/2025Updated At: 8/18/2025

Hey! Just arrived in Japan, right? The My Number Card is definitely something you can't avoid. It might seem a bit troublesome at first, but once you get it, you'll find it super convenient. Don't worry, I'll walk you through the whole process and its uses. I promise it'll be crystal clear!

How to Apply for and Get Your My Number Card?

Simply put, the process has three steps: Receive the Notification -> Apply -> Go Pick It Up.

Step 1: Receive the "My Number Notification"

About 2-3 weeks after you register your address (住民登録) at your city/ward office, you'll receive a letter from the government called the "My Number Notification" (個人番号通知書).

  • What does it look like? It's an A4 sheet with your name, address, date of birth, gender, and most importantly – your 12-digit My Number.
  • Crucial! This paper itself is NOT the My Number Card; it's just a notification. However, it includes a QR code and an Application ID needed to apply for the card. This is your first key! Please keep it safe!

Pro Tip: This used to be called the "Notification Card" (通知カード), a small green paper card. If you registered before May 2020, you might have received that. Now, it's uniformly replaced by the A4 "My Number Notification".

Step 2: Choose a Method to Apply

Once you have the notification and Application ID, you can officially apply. There are four methods – pick the one most convenient for you:

  1. Apply by Smartphone (My personal recommendation!)

    • Simply scan the QR code on the "My Number Notification" with your phone.
    • The website will open automatically with your Application ID pre-filled.
    • Fill in basic information like your email address and name as required.
    • The most crucial step: Upload a photo of yourself for the card.
    • Photo Tip: Take a selfie against a plain white wall – front-facing, bareheaded, no background needed. No need to go to a photo studio. As long as it's clear and shows your face properly, it usually gets approved.
    • Confirm the information is correct and submit. Done! This is the fastest and easiest method.

  2. Apply by Computer

    • The process is similar to the smartphone method, but you need to visit the application website and manually enter the 23-digit Application ID from your notification.
    • You'll need to prepare a digital photo file in advance and upload it from your computer.

  3. Apply by Mail

    • If your notification included a paper application form (交付申請書), you can fill it out by hand.
    • Attach a passport-style photo taken within the last 6 months.
    • Put it in the included prepaid return envelope and drop it in a mailbox.
    • If you lost the form, you can get a new one at the counter of your city/ward office.

  4. Apply at a Photo Booth

    • Some street photo booths (証明写真機) in Japan support My Number Card applications.
    • Just bring your QR code, follow the machine's instructions, take your photo on the spot, and submit your application right there – all in one step.

Step 3: Wait and Go Pick It Up

After submitting your application, it's time to wait. In about 1 month, you'll receive a postcard called the "Delivery Notification" (交付通知書).

  • Receiving this postcard means your card is ready!

  • You need to go in person to the city/ward office counter specified on the postcard within the given timeframe, bringing the following:

    1. Delivery Notification (that postcard)
    2. Your ID (for foreigners, this is usually your Residence Card. Bring your passport too, just in case)
    3. My Number Notification (the original A4 sheet) or your Basic Resident Register Card (if you have one)

  • Setting PINs: When you pick up the card, staff will help you set several PINs. Usually 2-4 sets.

    • Two 4-digit Numeric PINs: Used for simpler verifications, like printing documents at convenience stores or logging into Mynaportal. Recommend setting them the same for easier remembering.
    • One 6-16 character Alphanumeric PIN: This is the most important "digital signature" PIN, used for things like online tax filing (e-Tax). You MUST remember this one!

Once all steps are complete, you'll get your My Number Card on the spot!

What Can You Actually Use This Card For?

This card is becoming increasingly essential – it's like a "master key" for life in Japan. Main uses include:

1. Powerful Proof of Identity This is an official Japanese government-issued photo ID with very high legal validity. For situations requiring identity verification like opening a bank account, getting a phone plan, renting an apartment, or taking a driver's license test, simply showing this card is sufficient and highly authoritative.

2. Use as a Health Insurance Card (マイナ保険証) You can link the card to your health insurance. After that, at hospitals or pharmacies, just swipe the card on a dedicated machine instead of using your traditional insurance card – super convenient. Plus, the facility can immediately access your past medication history and exam results, helping doctors understand your situation better.

3. Print Official Documents at Convenience Stores This is my favorite feature! Before, to print documents like a "Residence Record" (住民票, similar to a family register) or a "Seal Registration Certificate," you had to go to the ward office during weekdays and wait in line. Now, just take your My Number Card to a multifunction copier at 7-11, FamilyMart, LAWSON, etc., follow the prompts, enter your 4-digit PIN, and print anytime – even on weekends or evenings!

4. Handle Government Procedures Online (Mynaportal) Through a website called "Mynaportal," you can log in using this card to check your pension records, tax information, apply for childcare-related benefits, and more – saving you trips to government offices.

5. File Taxes Online (e-Tax) For those who need to file their own taxes (確定申告), with this card and a card reader (or an NFC-enabled smartphone), you can complete the entire tax filing process online from home, avoiding the crowds at the tax office during tax season.

6. Identity Verification for Various Services Now, opening securities accounts or applying for certain financial services often supports online identity verification (eKYC) using the My Number Card, making the process much faster.

To summarize:

This card combines proof of identity + health insurance + access to government services into one. While the application process requires a little patience, once you have it, it brings tremendous convenience to both daily life and handling various procedures.

In short, this card is becoming more and more important – it's central to Japan's digital society. Getting one is definitely worth it! Hope my explanation helps!

Created At: 08-11 12:27:52Updated At: 08-12 02:33:43