Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): My Number Card Utilization for private sector

Last Updated:: Apr 28, 2026

Information on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is provided for private sector.

My Number Card
Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI)
Service for providing the latest user information (4 types of information)
Mynaportal
- Q4-1 What is a Mynaportal?
- Q4-2 I would like to use Mynaportal APIs, but what should I do?
Others.

FAQ

1. My Number Card

Q1-1 What is the number of certificates issued by My Number Card and the ratio of the number of certificates issued to the population?

A1-1

Please check the status of My Number Card issuance (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) from .
In addition, please refer to the "Dashboard on the Spread of My Number Card" in 1. Number of Applications and Number of Shares Held in My Number Card We have summarized the spread of My Number Card and the status of registrations in , so please refer to it as well.

Q1-2 How can I use My Number Card?

A1-2

There are roughly 3 ways to use it.

Use of card face
Use of electronic certificate (electronic certificate for signing and electronic certificate for user identification)
Use of empty space of IC chip

Use of card face

The front side can be used as a identity verification document at financial institutions that require a identity verification, such as teller windows. The back side can be used when you are asked to show your Individual Number. After the My Number System system is introduced, you will need to show your Individual Number in many situations, such as getting a job, changing jobs, giving birth to a child, getting sick, receiving pensions, and disasters. In such cases, if you have a My Number Card, you can confirm your Individual Number and make a identity verification with just one ticket.

Use of electronic certificate (electronic certificate for signing and electronic certificate for user identification)

My Number Card's IC chips are equipped with two electronic certificate used for Japanese Public Key Infrastructure, the "signature electronic certificate" and the "user certification electronic certificate." For details on electronic certificate, please refer to Q2-1 What is electronic certificate? Please check from .

Use of empty space of IC chip

My Number Card's IC chips have free space in which local municipalities can provide their own services as determined by ordinance, and national institutions can provide their own services as determined by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications.

For details, please refer to the materials listed below.

Information on Utilizing My Number Card for private sector Basic information required for using My Number Card (updated as needed)
- [Appendix 1] Promoting Utilization and Expansion of My Number Card (Basic Data)
  - "My Number Card is a identity verification tool for the future."
  - "About My Number Card"

Q1-3 Is it possible to verify age by using a My Number Card?

A1-3

It is possible to verify your age using the function of My Number Card.
There are three main ways in which age verification can be done.

Method 1: By using the JPKI-AP in My Number Card's IC Chip
Method 2: By using the My Number Card's AP-IC chip that can be used to input the ticket information
Method 3: Read the information on the face of the card with an OCR

Please refer to the table below for details.

	Method 1	Method 2	Method 3
My Number Card function	JPKI-AP (Signature electronic certificate)	App for assisting input of card information	Card Information (Read with OCR)
Available To	Platform (PF) Operator / Service Provider (SP) Operator	Anyone can do it.
PIN entry required / not required	Required (6 to 16 alphanumeric characters)	Required (14-digit number *)	Not required
Outline	Age verification is based on the date of birth, which is one of the four types of information obtained after receiving a digital signature or electronic certificate from users.	Information on the date of birth (or 4 information) is read at the app for assisting input of card information, and age confirmation is implemented from that information. With this method, it is possible to obtain only date of birth information.	The date of birth printed on My Number Card tickets is read at OCR function and age confirmation is carried out.

* In the case of "Method 2: How to use the AP, which is a My Number Card IC chip, to help you enter your ticket," Reference Number B (14-digit number: 6-digit date of birth + 4-digit Western calendar part of the expiration date + 4-digit security code) is required at the time of data acquisition.

Q1-4 Could you introduce examples of the utilization of My Number Card?

A1-4

Please check the following page.

Q1-5 Is there a validity period for the My Number Card?

A1-5

If you are over 18 years old, it is until the 10th birthday from the issuance date. If you are under 18 years old, it is until the 5th birthday from the issuance date.

Q1-6: Can I continue to use My Number Card even if I move out of Japan?

A1-6

As of May 27, 2024, Japanese nationals are allowed to continue using My Number Card even after their expulsion from Japan. Japanese nationals living outside of Japan who do not currently have My Number Card (limited to those who moved out of Japan after October 5, 2015) can also apply for My Number Card.

Q1-7 Are there any means or mechanisms to prevent "identity theft" and "use by a third party"?

A1-7

To use the My Number Card electronic certificate, a personal identification number (PIN) is required, and the card will be locked if it is entered incorrectly a certain number of times. In addition, we have taken a high level of security measures, such as adopting a mechanism that breaks the IC chip if someone tries to forcibly remove information from it. Therefore, personal information will not be leaked due to loss or theft of the card. Furthermore, if the card is lost, it is possible to temporarily suspend the use of the My Number System by contacting the My Number General Toll-Free Number (0120-95-0178) (Reference: function for Inquiries about the My Number Card), which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Q1-8 From when will "Furigana" be displayed on My Number Card tickets?

A1-8

If the reading of the name is included in the family register and resident record, a My Number Card with the reading of the name printed to the right of the name can be issued by applying for the issuance of a My Number Card on or after May 26, 2026. In addition, it is also possible to record the reading of the name in the additional information field (signature panel on the lower right of the front side of the card) of the existing My Number Card (limited to those without the reading of the name) by applying at the municipal office.

The entry of Furigana (Japanese syllabary characters) on family registers and residence certificates will be gradually advanced by municipalities. Therefore, until the entry is completed, Furigana may not be printed on newly issued My Number Card. For confirmation of your own entry status, please consult with the municipality where you live.

Q1-9 Other than My Number Card, what is stored in electronic certificate's IC chips, and how are they used?

A1-9

"Ticket-side AP," "electronic certificate," and "Juki AP" are stored in addition to app for assisting input of card information in the AP configuration of IC chips. They can be used for automatic input of names, addresses, etc. online.

For details, please refer to the materials listed below.

Information on Utilizing My Number Card for private sector Basic information required for using My Number Card (updated as needed)
- [Appendix 1] Promoting Utilization and Expansion of My Number Card (Basic Data)
  - "My Number Card App Overview"

Q1-10 Please tell me the information necessary for utilizing My Number Card.

A1-10

Technical information on the introduction of the My Number Card Utilization Information Service for private sector Please check from .

2. Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI)

Q2-1 What is electronic certificate? Please check from

A2-1

My Number Card's IC chips are equipped with two electronic certificate for Japanese Public Key Infrastructure, a "signing electronic certificate" and a "user certification electronic certificate."

Signature electronic certificate
Four pieces of information (name, address, date of birth, and gender) are recorded on the card. When various procedures are to be carried out, the four pieces of information can be automatically read and written on the card without having to enter the information one by one. (Electronic signatures can be used for final tax returns for e-Tax and for child-raising and other online application in Mynaportal.)
Identification electronic certificate
It can be used as a means to prove your identity. (You can log in to Mynaportal, where your information can be viewed. You can also use it as a certification delivery service at convenience stores, or as a health insurance card.)

Q2-2 Is there a validity period for the electronic certificate?

A2-2

Regardless of age, it is supposed to be from the issue date to the 5th birthday.

Q2-3 In what cases is it necessary to renew a electronic certificate?

A2-3

After the expiration date, you will not be able to use the function as a electronic certificate. Therefore, if you continue to use the electronic certificate, you will need to renew it before the expiration date. In addition, since the basic four information (name, address, gender, and date of birth) is retained for the signature electronic certificate, if your name or address changes due to marriage, relocation, etc., you will not be able to use the function as a signature stamp. Therefore, if you continue to use the stamp, you will need to renew it when submitting a notification of marriage or a notification of moving in to the municipality.

Q2-4 Under what circumstances does a electronic certificate expire?

A2-4

Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI) (5.1.1. Expiration Conditions for electronic certificate) Please check from .

Q2-5 What kind of procedure is necessary to use the Japanese Public Key Infrastructure?

A2-5

Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI) (3. Service introduction method) Please check from . Utilizing the services provided by platform operators is one of the ways to use them quickly, so we recommend that you consider it. For details on platform operators and introduction cases, please check from Platform Operator List and Case Study List .

Reference
- Private sector Guidelines for Japanese Public Key Infrastructure Use

Q2-6 What is the registered basic four information (name, address, gender, and date of birth) based on in the electronic certificate for signature?

A2-6

It is based on the resident record managed by the municipality.

Q2-7 When the electronic certificate is updated and the electronic certificate is changed, how do you determine the sameness before and after the update?

A2-7

Since January 2017, when a user logs in from a electronic certificate unknown to the municipality, the municipality makes an inquiry to the J-LIS (Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems) about the electronic certificate of the previous electronic certificate. The J-LIS responds to this inquiry, and the municipality can grasp the identity of the user.

Q2-8 Where is "death" included in the reasons for revocation of electronic certificate in Japanese Public Key Infrastructure?

A2-8

Death is included in "affiliationChanged" of the reasons for revocation. In addition, since the overseas continuous use of My Number Card has started from May 27, 2024, many of the reasons for revocation are death because there is no expiration of electronic certificate due to overseas transfer.

Q2-9 Is it possible to obtain a user's My Number because private sector is a Japanese Public Key Infrastructure?

A2-9

My Number cannot be used except for administrative procedures stipulated by laws and regulations or ordinance, such as social security system, tax system, and disaster response. In addition, private sector cannot request employees, customers, etc. to provide their My Number, provide specific personal information, or collect and store it, except in cases necessary for these procedures.

Information to be entered on the ticket For details on the Auxiliary AP, please check with About My Number Card (5. Information loaded on My Number Card) from .

Q2-10 When private sector uses Japanese Public Key Infrastructure, is it necessary to obtain the authorization of the competent minister?

A2-10

Even without obtaining the approval of the competent minister, it can be used by entrusting signature and other confirmation work to platform operators. For details, please check from Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI) (3.1. Service Introduction Method) .

Q2-11 When using Japanese Public Key Infrastructure as a signing verifier, what are the expenses that need to be borne in private sector?

A2-11

Major expenses include the following.

Costs for constructing and operating systems on the private sector side associated with the use of Japanese Public Key Infrastructure
Japanese Public Key Infrastructure Usage Fee (= Revocation Information Provision Fee) *
- Electronic certificate for signature: 20 yen per revocation information provided.
- In the case of a electronic certificate for user certification, 2 yen per revocation information provided.
Costs for constructing and operating systems on the private sector side associated with the use of Japanese Public Key Infrastructure
Japanese Public Key Infrastructure Usage Fee (= Revocation Information Provision Fee) *
- Electronic certificate for signature: 20 yen per revocation information provided.
- In the case of a electronic certificate for user certification, 2 yen per revocation information provided.

*Currently, measures are being taken to make it free of charge. For more details, please check the Guidelines for for Using private sector Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (PDF / 5,163 kb) from .

Q2-12 Is the identity verification determined to satisfy the Japanese Public Key Infrastructure requirements in the Act on the Prevention of Abusive Use of Mobile Phones?

A2-12

The electronic certificate for signing prescribed in Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Public Personal Authentication Act is specified in the electronic certificate set forth in Article 1, Paragraph 5 of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Act on the Misuse of Mobile Phones. In Article 3 of the same Ordinance, as a method of identity verification, it is specified in Paragraph 1 (H), "If a service provision contract is concluded in response to the transmission of information for which an electronic signature has been performed, a method of receiving the electronic certificate related to the electronic signature from the natural person."

3. Service to provide the latest user information (4 information)

Q3-1 What is the latest user information (4 information) provision service?

A3-1

Please check the "Procedures for Using This Service" of Japanese Public Key Infrastructure (JPKI) (6.1. Service for Providing Latest Users Information (4 Information)) .

Q3-2 Please tell me the procedure for using the service to provide the latest user information (4 information).

A3-2