If you’re living in Japan, knowing how to get a My Number card in Japan is one of the most important administrative tasks you’ll face. The My Number card (マイナンバーカード) is a government-issued photo ID that links to your 12-digit Individual Number, and it’s becoming increasingly essential for daily life — from filing taxes and accessing healthcare to opening bank accounts and even riding trains with certain IC card integrations. The good news? The process is more straightforward than most Japanese bureaucracy, and you can complete most of it online.
What Is a My Number Card and Why Do You Need One?
The My Number card is Japan’s national identification card, issued by the Japanese government to all residents — including foreign nationals registered on the Jūminki honnin kakkunin (Basic Resident Register). It includes your photo, name, address, date of birth, and your Individual Number (My Number).
As of 2026, the card has become practically indispensable. You’ll need it to use Mynaportal (Japan’s online government portal), apply for health insurance services digitally, receive certain government benefits, and verify your identity at convenience stores using the Kōki copy service. Many municipalities now also require it to access local government services online.
Foreign residents on a valid visa are fully eligible to apply. If you have a residence card and are registered at your local city or ward office, you’re good to go.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your My Number Card
The easiest way to apply is online via the Mynaportal QR code method. Here’s exactly how it works:
Step 1: Find your My Number notification letter. When you first registered your address in Japan, your municipality mailed you a “通知カード” (Tsūchi Card) or an individual number notification letter. This contains a QR code you’ll need for the online application.
Step 2: Visit the My Number Card application website (apply.jpki.go.jp) and scan the QR code with your smartphone. You’ll be guided through the form in Japanese — use Google Translate’s camera mode if needed.
Step 3: Upload a clear, front-facing photo of yourself. Your face should take up 70–80% of the frame, with a plain white or light-colored background. A bathroom wall works perfectly in a pinch.
Step 4: Submit the application and wait. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. You’ll receive a pickup notification postcard (交付通知書) at your registered address.
Step 5: Bring the pickup notice, your residence card, and your notification letter to your local city or ward office to collect your card in person. You’ll set a 4-digit PIN at the counter — don’t forget it.
Real example: A foreigner living in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, applied online on a Monday evening, received their pickup notice 5 weeks later, and collected their card at the Shinjuku City Hall’s dedicated My Number counter in about 20 minutes with zero Japanese required at the counter.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make During the Application
One of the biggest mistakes is using an expired notification letter. If you moved or lost your original 通知カード, visit your local ward office first to get a reissue or confirmation of your number before applying.
Another common issue is submitting a non-compliant photo. Selfies with heavy filters, photos with glasses, or images taken in poor lighting are frequently rejected, adding weeks to your wait time. Use a convenience store photo booth (like those at Lawson or 7-Eleven) for ¥700–¥800 — they have a dedicated “My Number card” photo setting.
Also, don’t ignore the pickup deadline. The pickup notice expires, and if you miss it, you’ll need to contact your ward office to extend it. The window is usually about three months.
Using Your My Number Card After You Get It
Once you have your card, register it with Mynaportal to access digital government services. You’ll need an NFC-compatible smartphone or a card reader to log in.
You can also link your My Number card to your health insurance card (保険証), which Japan’s government has been actively promoting since 2024. This allows you to use it at participating hospitals and clinics instead of your physical health insurance card.
Additionally, some municipalities now allow you to use your My Number card to print official documents like your residence certificate (住民票) at convenience store kiosks — available 24/7 for around ¥200 per document, much faster than going to a ward office.
FAQ
Do foreign residents in Japan need a My Number card?
You are not legally required to carry the physical card, but having one makes daily life significantly easier. It’s the most accepted form of photo ID in Japan for foreigners, replacing the need to carry your passport everywhere.
What if I lost my My Number notification letter?
Visit your local city or ward office in person with your residence card. They can confirm your Individual Number and help you initiate the application process without the original letter.
Can I apply for a My Number card if my visa is expiring soon?
Yes, but the card’s validity period is tied to your visa status. Cards for foreign nationals are typically valid until your current period of stay expires. Renew the card after updating your visa at the ward office.
Conclusion
Getting your My Number card is one of the smartest first steps you can take as a foreign resident in Japan. It simplifies everything from taxes to hospital visits, and in 2026, its uses are only expanding. The process takes patience, but it’s genuinely manageable even with limited Japanese.
Ready to get started? Gather your notification letter and residence card today, and head to apply.jpki.go.jp to begin your application. If you have questions about other essential admin tasks in Japan, explore more guides on Japan Navigator — we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
