My Number Card

This article is about smart card for ID. For national identification number, see Individual Number. not to be confused with the mandatory residency card required for foreign residents of Japan Zairyū card.
My Number Card
Front and Back of a contemporary My Number Card
Typeidentity document
Issued bymunicipalities of Japan
First issuedJanuary 2016; 8 years ago (2016-01)
Purpose
  • identification
  • digital certificate facilitates simplified access of certain government documents
Valid in Japan
EligibilityJapanese citizens or legal residents with a jūminhyō
Expiration10 years from date of issue for residents aged over 20 years old at time of issue, 5 years for digital certificates and minors under 20 years old
CostFree
Sizewww.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en/ Edit this at Wikidata

The My Number Card (Japanese: マイナンバーカード, Hepburn: mai nanbā kādo), officially called the Individual Number Card in English, is an identity document issued to citizens of Japan and foreign residents which contains a unique 12-digit Individual Number (Japanese: 個人番号, Hepburn: kojin bangō) that serves as a national identification number.[1] Unlike similar-looking identity cards in Europe, the My Number Card is an optional identity document and is not proof of nationality; however, the Individual Number shown on the card can be used when applying for bank accounts and pensions. It is the de facto Japanese equivalent to a U.S. Social Security Number.[2]

The My Number Card stores information such as personal name, photo, address, birthday, and sex. Residents who wish to obtain the card can request an application form from the municipality (via a ward office or city hall) where they reside.

  1. ^ "マイナンバーカードについて" (in Japanese). Odawara City. 2021-01-15. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
  2. ^ Tsukimori, Osamu (2020-09-30). "Japan looks to My Number cards to unlock country's digital transformation". The Japan Times. Retrieved 2022-01-11.