The My Number card (マイナンバーカード) is Japan’s national ID and digital identity card. While not legally mandatory to carry, it has become increasingly essential for accessing government services, printing official documents at convenience stores, and online identity verification. This guide explains what it is, how to get one, and what it unlocks.
What Is My Number (マイナンバー)?
My Number (個人番号 kojin bangō) is a 12-digit individual identification number assigned to every resident in Japan — Japanese citizens and foreign residents alike. It is issued when you first register your address at a municipal office.
Your My Number is printed on:
- My Number notification card (通知カード tsūchi kādo): A simple paper card mailed to your registered address. Lists your number only — no photo, no chip. Cannot be used for identity verification.
- My Number card (マイナンバーカード): A plastic IC chip card with your photo. Used for identity verification and digital services.
The notification card will be mailed automatically after city hall registration. You must separately apply for the physical My Number card.
Why You Need the My Number Card
The My Number card is increasingly integrated into daily administrative life:
- Convenience store certificate printing: Print residence certificates, tax certificates, and other official documents 24/7 at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart multifunction machines — no city hall trip required
- Myna Portal access: Online government services platform — apply for services, check health insurance points (マイナ保険証), view pension records
- Health insurance card integration (マイナ保険証): From 2024, My Number cards are being merged with national health insurance cards — becoming the standard presentation at clinics and hospitals
- Digital identity verification: Required for some financial applications (bank accounts, credit cards, securities accounts)
- Public pension confirmation: View your pension contribution history via Myna Portal
- Electronic signature capability: The chip enables digital signatures for official documents
How to Apply for Your My Number Card
Application is free. The process takes 4–6 weeks from application to card collection.
Method 1: Online application (recommended)
- Receive your notification card by mail (mailed to your registered address after city hall registration)
- The notification includes a QR code — scan it with your smartphone
- Upload a clear face photo (selfie quality is fine; follow the guidelines)
- Submit — you’ll receive a collection notice by mail in 4–6 weeks
- Collect at your municipal office with your notification card, photo ID, and collection notice
Method 2: In-person at city hall
Fill out the application form at the city hall counter. Bring your notification card and photo ID. Some municipalities offer same-day photo services. Collection is still required later after card production.
Setting Up the PIN and Digital Functions
When collecting your card, you’ll set PINs at the city hall counter:
- 4-digit PIN: For basic uses (convenience store printing, health insurance)
- 6–16 character alphanumeric PIN: For digital signature and Myna Portal login
Keep these PINs secure — if the signature PIN is entered incorrectly 5 times, the chip locks and requires city hall to unlock.
Using My Number Card at Convenience Stores
The multifunction machines (マルチコピー機) at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart accept My Number cards for printing official documents:
- Select the government services option on the machine screen
- Insert or tap your My Number card on the reader
- Enter your 4-digit PIN
- Select the document you need: 住民票 (residence certificate), 印鑑証明 (seal certificate), 税証明 (tax certificate), etc.
- Pay ¥200 per copy and collect
Available 6:30 AM–11:00 PM (most locations). This eliminates the need to visit city hall during business hours for routine documents.
My Number for Foreign Residents
Foreign residents with a residence card are assigned a My Number and can obtain the My Number card on the same terms as Japanese citizens. The card is valid for 5 years (10 years for those 18 and over); renewal is required. The card and chip remain linked to your registered address — update the address at city hall within 14 days of moving.
My Number card functions and integrated services are expanding continuously. Check myna.go.jp or your municipal office website for current capabilities.