The 'My Number' (individual number) system
The 'My Number' system
'My Number' is a personal identification number (12 digits) issued to all individuals who complete the formalities for residence registration in Japan. This number is mainly used in the fields of taxation, welfare services and disaster countermeasures.
Approximately one month after you enter Japan and complete the resident registration procedures, you will receive an "Individual Number Notice" and an "Individual Number Card Issuance Application Form" by registered mail* to your registered address.
*Registered mail: Mail that keeps a record of delivery. Therefore, the recipient's signature is required. If the recipient is not at home, an "Undeliverable Item Notice" will be left in the mailbox. There are three ways to receive the mail.
1. Go to the post office with the "Undeliverable Item Notice" and your residence card.
2. Call the English Call Center to request re-delivery
Tel 0570-046-111 (Service hours: from 9:00 to 21:00)
3. Request re-delivery by entering the tracking number on the "Undeliverable Item Notice"
via the following website.
Request for re-deliver
★You will receive an envelope like this one.
(From the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website)
★Please keep the "Individual Number Notice" in a safe place, as it is important personal information.
Individual Number Notice / Individual Number Card Issuance Application Form
(From the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website)
If you need a document that proves your My Number, please obtain a My Number card or a residence certificate listing your My Number at the city office.
★You may apply for a 'My Number' card with photo identification if you wish.
My Number Card
(From the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website)
What You Can Do with Your My Number Card
Certificates and official documents (such as residence certificates) can be obtained at convenience stores with a My Number Card.
It can be used as official identification and as proof of one's own number.
It can also be used as a health insurance card. (Prior application is required. Currently, only a limited number of medical institutions accept the card, so please be aware that not all medical institutions will accept it.)
Ways to Apply for a My Number Card
1. Using Application Support at City/Ward Offices
Higashi-Hiroshima City
Apply at application support desk at the City Hall (no reservation required)
Location: Higashi-Hiroshima City Hall 1F
Hours: 9:00-17:00 Monday through Friday (9:00-19:00 on Thursdays)
What to Prepare: Individual Number Card Issuance Application Form, Residence Card
(They will take your photo.)
Hiroshima City
My Number Card application reception desk
2. Using Application Support at Specially Set-up Venues
Higashi-Hiroshima City
Apply at specially set-up venues such as a shopping center in Higashi-Hiroshima, etc. (no reservation required)
Please refer to the following page. (only in Japanese.)
Specially set-up venues in Higashi-Hiroshima
Hiroshima City
Application support desk at post offices
3. Apply using your own smartphone/PC
1）Receive your "Individual Number Notice" and the "Individual Number Card Issuance Application Form" by registered mail.
2) Scan the QR code in the " Individual Number Notice".
(For PCs, access the online application site and enter your application form ID: 23-digit figure)
3) Register your e-mail address.
4) Register your photo and application information.
5) Wait for the results of the review.
(*You will be notified if your application is incomplete. Please follow the instructions to reapply.)
*You can inquire about your application status online. (Application ID required)
6）You will receive an Issuance Notice 1 to 2 months after application.
7) Pick up your My Number Card at the location indicated on the Issuance Notice (city hall, etc.).
Issuance Notice
(From the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website)
4. Application by mail
1）Receive your "Individual Number Notice" and the " Individual Number Card Issuance Application Form " by registered mail.
2) Fill out the application form. Attach your photo.
3) Put it in the enclosed return envelope and drop it into a post box.
4) Wait for the results of the review. (*You will be notified if your application is incomplete. Please follow the instructions to reapply.)
*You can inquire about your application status online. (Application ID required)
5) Receive an Issuance Notice (1 to 2 months after application).
6) Receive your My Number Card at the location indicated on the Issuance Notice (city hall, etc.).
Renewing Your My Number Card
When your residence card is renewed, you must also renew your My Number Card.
A fee of about 1,000 yen will be charged for the renewal procedure if your My Number Card has already expired.
[Easy-to-follow instructions]
Outline of the My Number system (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)
