Client Software for in-person use of My Number Card without PIN

Last Updated:: May 28, 2025

Client Software for in-person use of My Number Card without PIN (hereinafter ”Client Software for My Number Card”) is a general-purpose tool that allows My Number Card to be used simply by holding it over a reader without entering a PIN. This applies to in-person services where a high level of identity verification is not required.
This article introduces the information necessary to use this tool in the services of local government and private sectors.

About Client Software for My Number Card
Contact

1. About Client Software for My Number Card

1.1. Overview

Client Software for My Number Card is provided to local governments and private sectors and can be used by integrating with the service provider’s system.

1.2. Functions

Client Software for My Number Card operates on Windows PCs and mobile devices (iOS and Android) equipped with card readers. It provides the functions to use the JPKI system or App for assisting input of card information.

The functions provided by the Client Software for My Number Card are outlined below.

1.2.1. How to use Client Software for My Number Card

Revisions to the Act on Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI) have established methods to verify identity with My Number Card without entering a PIN.

Article 38-4 of the Act on Certification Business of Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems Pertaining to Electronic Signatures, etc. (e-Gov) (text is available in Japanese only and is sourced from e-Gov.)
Article 64-12 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Act on Certification Business in Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems Pertaining to Electronic Signatures, etc. (e-Gov) (text is available in Japanese only and is sourced from e-Gov.)

Environments and Requirements for Use

Assume of subsequent use
- Initial registration requires an electronic signature, a user identification certificate, and a PIN or other necessary information.
Verification of the authenticity of My Number Card
Electronic certificate for user identification
On-site use
- Face-to-Face settings within a controlled and monitored facility or area.
The cases where a lower level of authentication is sufficient
- Refer to Guidelines on Digital Identity Management for Identity Verification in Administrative Procedures (Japanese text)

1.2.2. Functions to support Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI)

Client Software for My Number Card provides functions to extract an electronic certificate for user identification and to encrypt a random number with a private key and a PIN (4-digit PIN) as input.

1.2.3. App for assisting input of My Number Card information

Client Software for My Number Card provides an interface that verifies the PIN (4-digit PIN) and outputs the basic 4 information on My Number Card such as name, address, date of birth, and gender.

1.2.4. App for assisting input of My Number Card information (for internal authentication)

The PIN based on the date of birth on the face of My Number Card is used as an input for internal authentication* to confirm the authenticity of the presented card.

*Only internal authentication using the date-of-birth PIN is supported. Functions such as retrieving the basic 4 information (name, address, date of birth, and gender), acquiring the face photo, and obtaining the My Number Card image are not included.

1.3. Implementation Process

The implementation process is as follows:

Contact for further information.
A confidentiality obligation agreement shall be signed between the Digital Agency of Japan and the entities planning to introduce the system.
Receive necessary information, including the interface specifications for the Client Software for My Number Card.
Install the scanning function into the system for which scanning use is planned to be introduced.
- IC card reader
  - Install and use on a client terminal connected to the service provider system, using scanning functions.
- Mobile devices (iOS, Android)
  - Provide components such as a card reading library accessible from smartphone applications.

2. Contact

For questions regarding the Client Software for My Number Card, please access the following contact information:

My Key Platform, Digital Agency of Japan
E-mail: mykeypf_atmark_digital.go.jp
Subject: "Questions about Client Software for My Number Card (please write your municipality or company name)"
Text body: Please provide your municipality or company name, department, name of the person in charge, and contact information.

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