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 12Ͳdigit 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 moveͲin and moveͲout, procedures related to wages of partͲtime 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 reͲenrollment 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. Individual Number Card and the Document Certifying the Number
The Individual Number Notice comes with the Individual Number Card Application Form. If you apply for the Individual Number Card by mail or online, you will be issued an Individual Number Card at your municipal office. The application for an Individual Number Card is not mandatory, although the plastic card serves as a form of official identification. If you do not have your Individual 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 Individual Number Card
If you lose your Individual Number Card, please immediately call the toll-free My Number call center at 0120-95-0178 and request disabling your Individual 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 Individual Number Card or Certificate of Residence (with your Individual Number stated).
Individual Number Card official website: https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/