All about the MyNumber card and how to get one.
- What is a MyNumber card?
- Uses for a MyNumber card
- When you visit any bank, government service, or when you sign a contract
- Use as a health insurance card
- Use as a way to confirm your identity
- Picking up documents from the convenience store
- What information is stored on the card?
- How can I get the card?
- Get a MyNumber card, and get free cash!
What is a MyNumber card?
Have you ever heard of a MyNumber card?
It is basically the essential form of identification for people living in Japan.
If you plan to live in Japan for the long-term (student, employed, etc) then the MyNumber card is essential.
There is a big push from the Japanese government to get both permanent and long-term residents to sign up for a MyNumber card. Therefore, there are a lot of campaigns recently in which you can get free cash when you sign up! For example, Rakuten offers 20,000 yen to anyone who signs up for a MyNumber card. No strings attached!
Uses for a MyNumber card
When you visit any bank, government service, or when you sign a contract
You can use your MyNumber card to sign up for banks, verify your identity at many government service buildings, or when you sign a contract.
Use as a health insurance card
The MyNumber card is beginning to replace health insurance cards. Many hospitals and clinics already accept the MyNumber card instead of a health insurance card.
Use as a way to confirm your identity
Many popular Japanese applications such as Paypay, Mercari, Online banking systems, and more accept the MyNumber card as a form of identity verification. MyNumber card verification is usually faster than other ways of identity verification, and you don’t need several documents!
Picking up documents from the convenience store
If you are comfortable with your Japanese, you can easily pick up any of these documents from the machine in the convenience store!
- Copy of the Resident Record- 住民票の写し (じゅうみんひょうのうつし, juuminhyou no utsushi)
- Seal Registration Certificate- 印鑑登録証明書 (いんかんとうろくしょうめいしょ, inkan torokushoumeisho)
- Certificate of Items Stated in the Resident Record- 住民票記載事項証明書 (じゅうみんひょうきさいじこうしょうめいしょ, juuminhyou kisai jikou shoumeisho)
- Various certificates of tax payment- 各種納税証明書 (かくしゅのうぜいしょうめいしょ, kakushu nouzei shoumeisho)
- Certificate of Family Register- 戸籍謄本 (こせきとうほん, koseki touhon)
- Copy of Supplemental Family Register- 戸籍の抄本 (こせきのしょうほん, koseki no shouhon)
What information is stored on the card?
The card has all of these uses because it is linked to a central database maintained by the government, which stores information such as the cardholder’s name, address, and date of birth. This makes it very easy to update your information! (Even online) You can easily change your residence status at city hall if you have a card, and settle long clerical matters much faster with this card.
You might be wondering how the government keeps all that personal information safe. Thankfully the MyNumber card has security features, like a hologram and an IC chip, that help prevent fraud and protect your data. So feel free to apply for one!
How can I get the card?
Because these cards are becoming essential in Japan, it has become easier than ever to apply for a card!
Check out Japan’s official English guide on how to get your card. You can even apply for one online!
https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en/
Personally, I applied for my card at a MyNumber office in one of the train stations in Japan. The staff were very helpful and kind. I got my card within 2 weeks of applying!
Get a MyNumber card, and get free cash!
In order to promote the use of MyNumber cards, the Japanese government has partnered with many different services that will provide a cash gift when you create a card!
For example, you can receive up to 20,000 yen when you register your card with Rakuten!
Don’t have a Rakuten Card? Check my page about credit cards in Japan to get one for yourself.
You can get the yen even if you create the card and decide you don’t want to use it afterward, so it is worth a shot!
