Chigasaki City has recently initiated a convenient service allowing residents to obtain their resident certificates via local convenience stores using either the My Number Card or Basic Resident Registration Card. This development significantly enhances accessibility for citizens, providing them with more options beyond the traditional city hall processes.
The methods to acquire resident certificates now include:
- Request at the city hall office (available at the Civic Affairs Section, Koide Branch, Tsujido Station Front Sub-Office, Kagawa Station Front Sub-Office, Hamamina Sub-Office).
- Request via the multi-copy machine at convenience stores.
- Mail request.
- Electronic application.
The fee for each copy of the resident certificate is set at 300 yen. When visiting the city hall for document requests, individuals must present identification, which can include drivers licenses, My Number Cards, or passports. If such photo ID isnt available, multiple documents such as health insurance cards, pension books, or bank passbooks can be substituted.
It is worth noting the types of resident certificates available include those for the entire household or just parts of it. There are also stipulations about what details are included—information like familial relationships or home registration is omitted by default, whereas requests for individual numbers or resident codes require explicit requests.
The Chigasaki City Hall offers assistance through their Civic Affairs Section, located at 1-1 Chigasaki, Zip Code 253-8686. They can be contacted at 0467-81-7132, 0467-81-7133, 0467-81-7134, or 0467-81-7135. Their fax number is 0467-87-5682, and the office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays and year-end periods.
This change has been warmly welcomed by residents. One local expressed, "For working couples, the ability to obtain resident certificates at convenience stores is incredibly helpful. Many people can find it difficult to visit city hall during traditional hours. With the My Number Card, these errands can easily be completed during shopping trips. It is especially beneficial for families with children, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to obtain their cards."
Alongside this initiative, Chigasaki City is actively working to support residents with obtaining their My Number Cards. They have been hosting outreach programs to facilitate the application process, minimizing the burden on applicants. Citizens are required to attend these support sessions for their applications, as proxies are not allowed.
At these booths, representatives assist with inquiries related to the My Number Card, provide help with filling out application forms, take necessary photos, and send the applications—all free of charge. Applicants can even attend without any materials, as the city accommodates resubmissions for issues like magnetic defects or lost cards. Renewals are also supported if the current card has expired after approximately 10 years, with renewal processes allowed to commence three months before expiration.
For those with photos prepared, online applications are feasible as well, utilizing QR codes from application forms sent to their homes. Generally, the entire process takes about 15 minutes, but applicants should be prepared for potential wait times.
The time from application submission to receiving the My Number Card can take between one month to one and a half months. It is important to note, though, the service does not link health insurance cards or public benefit receiving accounts during these sessions. For any queries, citizens can reach the dedicated call center at 050-3385-5132, available on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
These measures taken by Chigasaki City reflect their commitment to enhancing citizen convenience, especially for those who face challenges with traditional city hall hours. The resident certificate service, combined with supportive outreach for My Number Cards, marks substantial progress toward more accessible public services, and the city encourages all residents to engage with these new offerings. This initiative isn't just about convenience—it's about modernizing local governance and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
Overall, Chigasaki City is paving the way for other municipalities to adopt similar initiatives, promoting greater accessibility to local governance through the integration of digital identification systems and convenience store partnerships. Residents are hopeful these changes will continue to evolve, shaping the future of public service provision.