How to Renew My Number Card in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a long-term resident in Japan, you may be wondering how to renew your My Number Card (※) when it’s about to expire. The process may seem simple at first, but it often comes with confusing details — especially if your Residence Card expiration doesn’t match your My Number Card’s date.

※ What is My Number Card?

The My Number Card (個人番号カード、also called Individual Number Card/Kojin Bango Card) is a government-issued photo ID that contains your 12-digit social security number in Japan. It’s optional, but having one can make many administrative tasks easier — from online tax filing and opening bank accounts to using it as your health insurance card.

Having renewed my ‘My Number Card’ multiple times while living in Japan for 8 years, I know how overwhelming it can be without clear guidance. This post will walk you through everything you need to know, whether your card is still valid or already expired.

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🕒 My Number Card Expiration for Foreign Residents

Unlike Japanese citizens, foreign residents’ My Number Cards expire when their Residence Cards expire. This often leads to confusion, since you might assume the card is valid for 10 years, as it is for Japanese nationals — but that’s not the case for us.

⚠️Please Note…

When you first apply for your My Number Card, the expiration date is automatically set based on your Residence Card’s expiration at that time. Even if you later extend your visa or change your status of residence, the expiration date of your My Number Card will not update automatically. You must go to your local city or ward office to renew it manually. This is a key point many people miss — your Residence Card might be valid for another few years, but your My Number Card can still expire earlier, based on your previous status.

In addition to the card itself, there’s also a digital certificate (電子証明書) embedded in the card, which is used for online services such as e-Tax. This certificate expires every 5 years, regardless of your visa status.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Type	Validity	Applies to
🪪 Physical My Number Card	Until your Residence Card expires	Foreign residents
💻 Digital Certificate (for online use)	5 years from issue date	All cardholders

Roughly 3 months before either expiration, you should receive a notice from your city or ward office reminding you to renew.

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I will guide you how to renew My Number Card in case of ① it’s still valid (before expiry) or ② it’s already expired. The renew procedure is quite different so follow the steps below based on your situation!

🔁 How to Renew My Number Card in Japan ① Before Expiry

If your card is still valid, the renewal process is pretty straightforward.

📍 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Go to your local city or ward office (区役所 or 市役所). It’s usually the same office where you registered your residence.
2. Bring the following:
   • Current My Number Card
   • Residence Card
   • Passport (some offices may require this)
   • Renewal notice (if you have it)
3. Fill out the renewal form. Staff will help if you’re unsure.
4. Your new card will be issued in 2–4 weeks.
5. A postcard will be sent to you once the new card is ready for pickup.
6. Visit the office again to pick it up. Don’t forget to bring ID.

💡 Most cities offer this service for free, as long as your card is still valid and hasn’t been lost or damaged.

👉 Tip: Some city offices allow you to take your ID photo on-site, saving you a trip to a photo booth.

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🔁 How to Renew My Number Card in Japan ② After Expired

Now, what if your card is already expired? This happened to me once when I forgot to renew on time — and yes, it caused some extra hassle.

You can’t simply “renew” an expired card. Instead, you’ll need to go through a reissuance process, known in Japanese as 再交付申請 (saikōfu shinsei). It’s not complicated, but it does require more documents and a small fee.

💳 Reissuance Process

1. Bring:
   • Your expired My Number Card (if available)
   • Residence Card
   • Passport
   • 1 photo (passport-sized)
2. Fill out the application form provided at the office.
3. Pay a fee of about ¥1,000 total.
4. Wait for a postcard telling you when your new card is ready. (It usually takes you 4-6 weeks)
5. Pick up the new card in person at your local city or ward office.

📌 If you’ve lost your card, you’ll need to submit a loss report as well.

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🚫 What Happens If I Don’t Renew My Number Card in Japan?

If you’re thinking of just ignoring the renewal — don’t! While it’s not legally mandatory to hold a My Number Card, letting it expire can cause several headaches:

• ❌ You won’t be able to use online government services like e-Tax, pension tracking, or health insurance updates.
• ❌ Some banks and companies may request your card for identity verification.
• ❌ You’ll miss out on convenience features like using it as a health insurance card (if linked).
• ❌ If you ever need the card again, you’ll have to go through the reissuance process — with added time and cost.

Simply put, it’s much easier to keep your card updated than to deal with the consequences later. If your residence status has changed or been extended, remember to renew your My Number Card soon after.

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🌐 Can I Renew Online?

Only the digital certificate (not the physical card) can be renewed online — and even then, there are strict conditions.

✅ You can use the JPKI app on your smartphone or a PC with an IC card reader.
✅ Your My Number Card must still be valid.
✅ You need to remember your 4-digit PINs.

If you’re comfortable with Japanese and have the tools, it can save you a trip. Otherwise, visiting the city office is usually the easier route.

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📌 Frequently Asked Questions About Renew My Number Card In Japan

These are frequently asked questions about renewal of my number card. If you have further questions, please ask me through the comment and I’m here to help you. 😊

❓Can I renew without receiving the notice?

➡ Yes, as long as you’re within the 3-month window before expiration.

❓Can I renew after extending my visa?

➡ Absolutely! Once your Residence Card is updated, you should renew your My Number Card as well.

❓Do I have to renew even if I don’t use it?

➡ No, it’s optional — but highly recommended if you want access to public services and digital systems in Japan conveniently.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Knowing how to renew your My Number Card in Japan is a key part of living smoothly as a foreigner. Whether your card is about to expire or already has, taking action early will save you time and avoid trouble down the line.

Renewing before expiry is free and much more simple than after expiration. Letting it expire means more paperwork, more documents, and extra fees. Save yourself the stress and check your card today — it might be time to renew!

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😊 Useful Japanese Words When You Renew My Number Card in Japan

These are some Japanese words that will be helpful when you deal with renewing your my number card in Japan. Good lucks!

Japanese Word (日本語)	Hiragana	Romaji	Meaning
区役所	くやくしょ	kuyakusho	Ward Office
市役所	しやくしょ	shiyakusho	City Office
個人番号カード	こじんばんごうかーど	kojin bangō kādo	My Number Card
再交付申請	さいこうふしんせい	saikōfu shinsei	Reissuance Application
有効期限	ゆうこうきげん	yūkō kigen	Expiration Date
電子証明書	でんししょうめいしょ	Denshi shōmeisho	Digital Certificate

📑 Related Official Websites

Please check the related official websites below as well!

• Get a My Number Card and enjoy a more convenient life! – Immigration Services Agency
• My Number Card official website (English)
• My Number Card official website (Spanish)

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If you want some personalized guidance, please book a ☕coffee chat with me for 1-on-1 help, or check out my other posts for more practical tips on navigating life and work in Japan!