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2026-04-01Daily

📱 Online Mobile ID Checks: Residence Cards Are an Option

The April 2026 changes do not mean “My Number Card only”

❓ What changed?

Identity-check changes effective April 1, 2026 moved away from methods relying only on ID images or copies toward IC-chip data or electronic certificates. Article 3 of the current ministry ordinance separately provides for sending photo-ID chip data with an image of the applicant, and for using an electronic certificate. It does not limit verification to My Number Card JPKI.

🔄 Understanding the methods

Earlier checks based on ID images or copies
Checks using chip data and other permitted methods, subject to conditions
Assuming only a My Number Card works
Residence cards can also work online with supported providers
Assuming every provider accepts the same documents
Check the legal method and the provider/application channel separately

👥 Who should check?

  • ●Foreign residents applying for a new voice SIM or eSIM in Japan
  • ●People who want to apply with a residence card without a My Number Card
  • ●Travelers without a registered Japanese address: resident online application conditions differ

🛠️ What to do next

  • ✓Check the provider’s accepted IDs and pickup method before applying.
  • ✓Sakura Mobile lists online verification with a residence card or My Number Card for people with a registered Japanese address.
  • ✓For a new-format residence card or a chip-reading error, ask the provider about support and alternative verification.
  • ✓Travelers should check passport pickup options or the conditions of traveler products.

💳 Before you apply

  • ●Is your residence card valid and showing your current address?
  • ●Does your phone/app support reading that document?
  • ●Do physical SIM and eSIM verification or delivery methods differ?
  • ●Which original documents and address are required for pickup or delivery?

💡 Key points

1JPKI and verification by reading a residence card’s IC chip are different methods.
2Lacking a My Number Card alone does not mean online signup is impossible.
3A provider does not necessarily offer every method permitted by law.
4Correction, October 3, 2026: the earlier claim that My Number Cards were the only option and others must apply in person has been corrected.

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Source:

Ministry ordinance (e-Gov: Articles 3, 5 and supplementary provisions)
Sakura Mobile — SIM / eSIM