My Number マイナンバー
Your 12-digit tax and social security number. It is created automatically after you register your address — you just wait for a letter.
Deadline Automatic — no application
Cost Free
Where Arrives by mail
Last verified 2026-07-10
Who needs this
Everyone with a resident record (jūminhyō), including foreign residents. If you completed resident registration, you will be assigned a number — there is nothing to apply for.
Steps
- Register your address first Your My Number is generated from your resident record. If you have not done resident registration yet, start there.
- Wait for the notification letter The ward mails an Individual Number notification to your registered address. Keep it — banks and employers will ask for the number.
- Use the number for tax, insurance and disaster procedures You will write it on tax forms, social insurance papers and some applications. Do not share it casually.
- Optional: apply for the My Number Card A plastic photo ID that can also work as a health insurance card. It is not mandatory. Apply by smartphone, PC, mail or photo booth — issuing takes about one month.
Official links
Every link below goes to an official source. We show the domain so you can check it yourself.
Common questions
- Do I have to apply for My Number?
- No. The number is assigned automatically after resident registration. Only the plastic My Number Card is an application — and it is optional.
- When does the number arrive?
- After you register your address, the notification is mailed to your registered address.
- Is the My Number Card mandatory?
- No. The official FAQ states that applying for the card is not a mandatory requirement.