Japan My Number Card

Intro

The My Number Card (マイナンバーカード), officially Japan's Individual Number Card, is issued by local municipal offices to every resident assigned an Individual Number. The card shows your name, address, date of birth, biological sex, Individual Number, and a photo. As official photo ID, it enables online administrative procedures and gives access to certified copies of residence records at convenience stores. Both Japanese citizens and foreign residents with an active resident registration are eligible to apply.

The required photo size is 45 mm (height) × 35 mm (width). Getting it right matters: the official My Number Card site reports that nearly 80% of reapplications are caused by photograph defects.

Photo requirements at a glance

Requirement	Specification
Physical photo size	45 mm (height) × 35 mm (width)
Online pixel dimensions	480–6,000 px (width and height)
File format (online)	JPEG only
Color mode (online)	RGB — CMYK not accepted
File size (online)	20 KB – 7 MB
Background	Plain, no pattern or objects
Face height (chin to crown)	Approximately 34 mm (±2 mm)
Head top margin	Approximately 4 mm (±2 mm) from photo top edge
Horizontal face centering	Approximately 17 mm (±2 mm) from photo edge to face center
Photo age	Within the last 6 months
Black-and-white photos	Accepted
Image editing software	Not accepted for online applications

No DPI requirement is listed. Quality is defined by pixel count and physical dimensions, not resolution. The background must be plain; no specific colour is required.

Why these specs matter

Japan's My Number Card authority enforces strict photo checks because the submitted photo is printed at 27.5 mm × 22.0 mm on the card face, and a badly framed original produces a cropped or distorted image on a document that may be valid for close to a decade.

These Japan ID card photo requirements have two sets of values depending on how you apply. For mail applications, the physical photo must be 45 mm (height) × 35 mm (width). For online applications, the file must be JPEG in RGB color mode, between 20 KB and 7 MB, and between 480 and 6,000 pixels in both width and height. CMYK color mode is rejected at upload.

Face positioning is checked numerically. The official photo specification requires the face height from chin to crown to be approximately 34 mm (±2 mm), the gap from the top of the head to the photo's top edge to be approximately 4 mm (±2 mm), and the horizontal distance from the photo edge to the face center to be approximately 17 mm (±2 mm). An off-center or undersized face gets flagged during review.

The background must be plain with no pattern or objects visible. Black-and-white photographs are permitted, which distinguishes the My Number Card from some other identity documents that require colour.

How to take the photo with iShotAPhoto

1. Upload your photo. Take a photo of your face and upload it to iShotAPhoto.com. No app installation is required.
2. AI compliance check. The tool checks your photo against the Japan My Number Card photo requirements, including face positioning, background, and file format.
3. Preview and download for free. Review the result before downloading. The download is free.
4. Print or order delivery. If you are applying by mail, download the print-ready file and print it at home, or order a printed set delivered to your address.

How to take it yourself with a phone

You can take a compliant My Number Card photo with a phone if you follow the framing and lighting rules.

1. Use a plain background. Stand or sit in front of a wall with no visible furniture, patterns, or objects. A plain white or light-coloured surface works best.
2. Use natural daylight. Position yourself facing a window so that light falls evenly across your face. Avoid shooting with a window or bright light source directly behind you, as backlight creates shadows and darkens the face.
3. Keep the camera at eye level. Place your phone on a stable surface or have someone else hold it so the lens is level with your eyes. Shooting from above or below changes how the face sits within the frame.
4. Face directly forward. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression and your mouth closed. The official checkpoint rejects sideways head turns and unnatural expressions.
5. Remove hats and check glasses. Hats are not permitted. If eyeglass frames overlap your eyes in the viewfinder, remove the glasses before shooting.
6. Review framing before uploading. Confirm your full head is visible, including crown and chin, with clear space above the top of your head. For online submissions, verify the file is saved as JPEG.

Common rejection reasons

The official My Number Card site reports that nearly 80% of reapplications are caused by photograph defects. Each issue below comes directly from the official rejection criteria.

Face partially cut off. Selfie-style photos taken too close to the lens, where part of the face is cut off, are rejected. Leave enough distance so the full head, chin to crown, is visible within the frame.

Background with objects or patterns. Photos taken indoors with furniture or other objects visible in the background are rejected. Patterned backgrounds are also unacceptable. Only a plain, unobstructed background passes.

Background shadow. Shadows cast on the background behind the subject are a rejection reason. Step away from the wall and use even, diffused lighting to eliminate shadow.

Off-center face. A face positioned off-center within the frame causes rejection. Check that your face is horizontally centered before shooting.

Head turned sideways. Photos where the head is turned rather than facing directly forward are rejected. Face the camera squarely.

Unnatural facial expression. Unnatural expressions are a listed rejection reason. A neutral, relaxed expression is expected.

Blurry image. Out-of-focus or camera-shake blurring causes rejection. Ensure the camera is steady and the image is sharp before submitting.

Eyeglass frames covering the eyes. Photos where eyeglass frames overlap the eyes are rejected. Remove glasses or switch to a pair whose frames sit entirely below the eyes.

Digital artifacts (online applications only). Image noise, ink or dot blurring, and jagged edges are listed rejection reasons for online submissions. Export at adequate JPEG quality to avoid compression artifacts.

Image editing software (online applications only). Photos edited using image editing software are not accepted for online applications. Smartphone camera apps are acceptable; post-processing tools are not.

How iShotAPhoto compares to other options

Getting your photo right on the first attempt saves the weeks a reapplication would add to your wait. The table below compares common options on qualitative terms.

Option	Cost	Time	Approval likelihood	Convenience
iShotAPhoto	Low	Quick	High when AI check passes	Take photo anywhere, upload from any device
Pharmacy	Moderate	Quick	Varies	Available at pharmacies across Japan
Photo studio	Premium	Moderate	Highest when studio knows My Number Card rules	Requires travel or advance booking
Photo booth	Moderate	Quick	Varies	Machines widely available across Japan

Costs and times vary by region.

Country-specific notes

Four application channels. There are four ways to apply for the My Number Card: by smartphone, by computer, by ID photo booth, and by mail. For smartphone or computer applications, you submit the photo digitally and the online pixel and file-size rules apply. For mail applications, a physical 45 mm × 35 mm print is required, and the applicant must write their full name and date of birth on the back of the photo.

Processing time. Standard processing takes about 3 to 4 weeks from submission to delivery of the issuance notice, after which you visit your municipal office to collect the card. An Express Issuance and Delivery System, launched December 2, 2024, allows qualifying applicants to receive the card within one week. Application status can be checked 2 to 3 days after submission.

Name or address changes. If your name or address changes, you must visit your local municipal office within 14 days to update the card. Your Individual Number does not change if you temporarily leave Japan and return, and it cannot be changed at your request.

Recent additions to card functionality. Since September 1, 2025, holders of a Myna Driver's License can carry their license information on their Individual Number Card. My Number Card functionality became available on iPhone in June 2025.

Foreign-language support. A multilingual phone support line is available at 0120-0178-27, supporting English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Nepali, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Tagalog, as published in the official pamphlet for foreign residents.

Special cases

Children under 1 year old. From December 2, 2024, children under 1 year old at the time of application are exempt from the photo requirement. All older children must submit a photo.

Minors and card validity. For applicants under 18, the card is valid until the holder's 5th birthday following issuance, roughly 5 years, compared to a roughly 10-year validity for those aged 18 and over. Electronic certificates expire after 5 years regardless of age, so certificate renewal is required for adults too.

Religious headwear. Exemptions for religious headwear such as turbans and hijabs are available, provided the face remains fully visible and no facial features are obscured by the covering.

Medical accommodations. Exemptions are available for wigs and eye patches for medical reasons, as well as for wheelchair users and bedridden persons. Contact your local municipal office for details on the required documentation.

Wrong photo size. If a submitted photo can be cropped to the correct dimensions without quality loss, the official site states it will not be treated as a defect and issuance will proceed. Submitting the correct 45 mm × 35 mm size from the start avoids any ambiguity.

Frequently asked questions

Is a photo mandatory when applying for the My Number Card?

Yes. A facial photograph is required for all standard applications. It must be taken within the last 6 months, front-facing, without a hat, and with a plain background. The sole exception applies from December 2, 2024: children under 1 year old at the time of application do not need to submit a photo.

Can I take the photo with a smartphone?

Yes. Smartphone photos are accepted for online applications. Review the official photo checkpoint criteria before shooting to confirm that framing, background, and lighting meet the requirements.

What is the My Number Card photo size?

For physical (mail) applications, the photo must be 45 mm (height) × 35 mm (width). For online applications, the image must be between 480 and 6,000 pixels in both width and height.

What happens if I submit a photo in the wrong size?

If the photo can be cropped to the correct dimensions without quality loss, the official site states it will not be treated as a defect and issuance will proceed. Submitting the correct 45 mm × 35 mm size is recommended to avoid any ambiguity.

How do I get a My Number Card in Japan?

After registering your address at a local municipal office, your Individual Number Notice arrives by mail in about 2 to 3 weeks. There are four ways to apply: by smartphone, by computer, by ID photo booth, and by mail. The card is free, and standard processing takes about 3 to 4 weeks from submission.

How long does it take to receive the My Number Card?

Standard processing takes about 3 to 4 weeks from application to delivery of the issuance notice, after which you collect the card in person at your municipal office. An Express Issuance and Delivery System launched December 2, 2024 allows qualifying applicants to receive the card within one week.

How long is the My Number Card valid?

For adults aged 18 and over, the card is valid until the holder's 10th birthday following issuance, approximately 10 years. For those under 18, it is valid until their 5th birthday following issuance. Electronic certificates on the card expire after 5 years from issuance, regardless of age.

Is there a fee to get the My Number Card?

First-time issuance and reissuance are both currently free of charge.

Can foreign residents in Japan get a My Number Card?

Yes. Foreign residents who have completed resident registration at their local municipal office are eligible and are assigned an Individual Number. Identity is confirmed using a photo ID such as a passport. One restriction applies: you cannot submit an application using the original notice if the name, address, or expiry date on your residence card has changed, or if your residence card is already expired. If your residence card expires within one month, renew it at the Bureau of Immigration before applying for the My Number Card.

Can I renew my My Number Card online?

No. Online renewal is not available; identity must be verified in person. Renewal can be requested when less than 3 months remain until the card's expiry date.

What is the Individual Number Notice and how is it different from the My Number Card?

The Individual Number Notice is a letter mailed to each resident containing their 12-digit Individual Number and a QR code used to initiate the My Number Card application. After registering your address at a municipal office, the notice arrives by mail in about 2 to 3 weeks. The notice cannot be used as official ID; only the My Number Card itself serves that purpose.

Related documents

• Japan Passport
• Japan Residence Card or Certificate of Eligibility
• Japan foreign driver's license
• Japan Visa

Official sources

• My Number Card official English site — overview and rejection statistics
• My Number Card FAQ (English)
• My Number Card photo checkpoint (English)
• My Number Card face photo specification
• My Number Card abroad procedure — printed photo dimensions
• Official pamphlet for foreign residents (PDF)
• FAQ: oversized photo handling
• FAQ: smartphone photo acceptance
• Digital Agency — photo exemption for children under 1 year
• Digital Agency — My Number system overview