Losing your My Number card in Japan can feel stressful, especially when your Japanese is limited and you rely on it for banking, tax procedures, or proving your identity. Whether it was stolen, accidentally damaged, or simply went missing, this guide walks you through exactly what to do — step by step — so you can get your lost My Number card Japan replacement sorted as smoothly as possible.
Step 1: Suspend Your Card Immediately
The moment you realise your card is lost or stolen, your first priority is to lock it remotely to prevent anyone from misusing your electronic certificate (the IC chip data used for online procedures).
- Call the My Number General Helpline: Dial 0120-95-0178 (free, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for card suspension requests). English and other language support may be limited at odd hours, but card suspension is a short, clear request — have your card number ready if you have a record of it.
- Alternatively, you can request suspension in person at your local municipal office (city hall or ward office) during opening hours.
- Once suspended, the card's electronic functions are frozen. This protects your digital identity even if someone finds the physical card.
If your card was stolen, also file a police report (higai todoke) at the nearest police station. You may need this document later in the replacement process.
Step 2: Report the Loss and Begin the Replacement Process
After suspending the card, head to your local municipal office (city hall or ward office) — specifically the My Number or Residence Card counter — as soon as possible. Bring the following documents. Requirements can vary slightly by municipality, so confirm the latest list on your city's official website before you go.
Documents typically required
- Your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) — this is your primary ID as a foreign resident
- Your passport
- A completed loss report form (the office will provide this)
- A police report copy, if the card was stolen (check whether your office requires this)
- One recent passport-style photo (generally 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, plain background, taken within the last six months — confirm exact specs with your office)
- Any other identity document the office requests
If your card was damaged rather than lost, bring the damaged card itself to the office so staff can process the return.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
At the counter, you will fill out a replacement application. Staff will check your documents, take or confirm your photo, and register your new card application in the system. You may also be asked to re-register your four-digit PIN codes when you collect the new card, so think about what you would like to use.
There is currently no fee for replacing a lost card for the first time, but a fee may apply for replacements due to negligence or multiple losses. Confirm the current fee policy with your municipal office, as rules can change.
How Long Does Replacement Take?
This is one of the most common worries. Unfortunately, My Number card replacements are not instant. As a general guide:
| Stage | Approximate Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application submitted at city hall | Day 0 |
| Card produced at the national printing centre | Roughly 3–5 weeks after application |
| Notification postcard sent to your registered address | Shortly after production is complete |
| You collect the new card at city hall | Within the validity period stated on the postcard |
In practice, many foreign residents report waiting four to six weeks in total. Timelines can be longer during busy periods such as year-end or when there are nationwide demand surges. These figures are a guide — ask your city hall for the current estimate when you apply.
What Can You Do While You Wait?
Not having your My Number card for a month or more is inconvenient, but manageable. Here is how to handle common situations in the meantime:
- Proving your identity: Your Residence Card and passport remain valid ID for most everyday purposes — banking appointments, SIM card contracts, and so on.
- Tax and social insurance paperwork: You can still quote your 12-digit My Number number on forms even without the physical card. Check your old tax documents or ask your employer's HR department for the number if you have lost track of it.
- Convenience store printing and My Number Portal (Myna Portal): These electronic functions require the physical card's IC chip, so they will be unavailable until you receive your replacement.
- Overseas money transfers: Services like Wise or Remitly typically accept your Residence Card and passport for identity verification, so your remittances to family back home should not be interrupted.
- Bank accounts: If your bank required My Number registration, you do not need to re-register until you have your new card. Routine account use continues normally.
Damaged Card: A Slightly Faster Path?
If your card is physically damaged but readable, the process is essentially the same as for a lost card — you return the old card and apply for a new one. The production timeline is similar. However, if the IC chip still functions and the card is recognisably yours, staff may be able to process certain procedures while you wait for the replacement. Ask at the counter.
Tips for Foreign Residents Navigating the Process
- Call ahead in English: Many larger city halls have multilingual support counters or phone lines. Check your city's website for language support details before visiting.
- Bring more documents than you think you need: Extra ID is never refused; missing documents mean a second trip.
- Keep a digital photo of your card (front only, never share the card number publicly) so you have your My Number number accessible if needed.
- Update your address first: If you have recently moved and not yet updated your residence registration, do that before applying — the replacement card will be sent to your registered address.
Summary: What to Do When You Lose Your My Number Card
Losing your My Number card as a foreign resident in Japan is stressful, but the replacement process is straightforward once you know the steps. To recap:
- Suspend the card immediately by calling 0120-95-0178 (24/7)
- File a police report if stolen
- Visit your municipal office with your Residence Card, passport, a photo, and any required forms
- Expect roughly four to six weeks for your new card to arrive — confirm the current timeline with your office
- Use your Residence Card and passport for ID needs in the meantime
It takes a little patience, but you will get through this. Japan's municipal offices deal with foreign residents regularly, and most larger cities have some level of English support. Take it one step at a time, and your new card will be in your hands before you know it.