1. What is My Number (Individual Number)?
The My Number System is a new social security and tax number system that was instituted in January 2016, allowing for the efficient management of social security, tax, and disaster contingency planning information. The system also aims to better determine whether or not the personal information held within different government organizations pertaining to any specific individual matches throughout those organizations. The My Number (Individual Number) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to each and every person who resides in Japan. You will need this number when you go through the administrative procedures at the municipal office for move-in and move-out, procedures related to wages of part-time jobs, etc. Even if your address changes, your Individual Number will not change so long as you remain in Japan. If you leave Japan due to a leave of absence or graduation and later return to Japan for re-enrollment or a job, your Individual Number will be the same one you used prior to your departure. For this reason, be sure to complete the necessary procedures at your municipal office before leaving the country.
2. Individual Number Notice
After registering your address at the municipal office, you will receive by mail the Individual Number Notice showing your Individual Number. Make sure that your name, address, and other information in the notice are correct.
3. My Number Card (Individual Number Card) and the Document Certifying the Number
The Individual Number Notice comes with the My Number Card Application Form. If you apply for the My Number Card by mail or online, you will be issued a My Number Card at your municipal office. The application for a My Number Card is not mandatory, although the plastic card serves as a form of official identification. If you do not have your My Number Card, you can instead present the Certificate of Residence (with your Individual Number stated) as proof of the number. You cannot use the Individual Number Notice as proof of the number.
4. If You Lose Your My Number Card
If you lose your My Number Card, please immediately call the toll-free My Number call center at 0120-95-0178 and request disabling your My Number Card. Please also visit the nearest police box (koban) or police station, and submit a Lost Property Report. To receive a replacement, contact your municipal office, bringing with you the record number of the Lost or Stolen Property Report submitted to the police.
The Individual Number Notice cannot be reissued. If you lose your Individual Number Notice and need to know your Individual Number, you must obtain your My Number Card or Certificate of Residence (with your Individual Number stated).
5. Validity Period
For foreign residents, the validity period of the My Number Card is linked to the expiration date of the residence card, if a period of stay is specified.
When the residence card expires, the My Number Card also becomes invalid.
Even if you renew your residence card, the validity of your My Number Card will not be automatically extended.
You must complete renewal procedures at your city or ward office before the My Number Card expires.
Please note that a handling fee will be charged if you reissue the card after it becomes invalid.
Individual Number Card official website: https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/