Japan is gearing up for the launch of its My Number License, which will integrate the My Number Card and driver's license, starting on March 24, 2025. This amalgamation aims to streamline various identification processes for citizens, allowing them to enjoy the convenience of managing their personal information more efficiently.
The My Number License combines the functionality of the My Number Card, which is already widely used for resident identification, with the traditional driver's license. This integration means all pertinent information, including the license number, expiration date, and holder’s photograph, will now be stored on the My Number Card's IC chip. Citizens will have the option to either obtain solely the My Number License, keep their existing driver's license, or maintain both forms of identification.
To facilitate this significant transition, police departments, including the Yamaguchi Prefectural Police, have announced changes to their procedure hours effective March 24. Stations are adapting to manage increased user traffic expected following this launch. The Iida Police Station, for example, will adjust its reception hours for license renewals and other services to prevent congestion, separating arrival times for various procedures.
The reception hours for license renewal will now be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, significantly shortening the available time for renewals. Other transaction hours have also been tweaked to maintain efficiency. These adjustments are particularly aimed at preventing long queues and ensuring smooth processing as more citizens transition to the My Number License.
One of the standout features of the My Number License is the streamlined process for updating personal information such as addresses. Instead of the tedious task of notifying both the licensing authority and local government, holders will only need to inform their local authorities, automatically updating their driving records as well. During the renewal process, drivers will also have the option to complete their refresher courses online from the comfort of their homes, freeing them from the constraints of scheduled classes.
On March 23, just one day before the rollout, citizens will face some service interruptions—the police stations and driver's license centers will halt operations to prepare for the new system. Anyone whose license is set to expire on this day may renew until March 24, 2025, but the authorities warn this might be the last opportunity before the changes take effect.
Chairman Sakaii of the National Public Safety Commission emphasized the importance of renewing the My Number Card before transitioning to the My Number License. "The police are advising people whose My Number Card is expiring soon to renew it first before obtaining the My Number License to avoid inconvenience," he stated during a press conference on March 18, 2025. The need for this caution arises from the current system's limitations; when the My Number Card is renewed, holders may have to redo the integration process with their driver's license due to outdated information being inadequate for the newly required updates. This might force some users to make another trip to local police stations to rectify any discrepancies, adding unnecessary hassle.
Upgrades to the integration system are anticipated to be completed by this fall, which will facilitate smoother operations and allow the driver's license information to automatically reflect when the My Number Card is updated. This significant improvement promises to eliminate the potential inconvenience of double visits and streamline the process significantly.
Despite the new advantages provided by the My Number License, there are some concerns as well. Notably, the expiration date of the driver's license will not be printed on the new My Number License. This lack of visibility has sparked concerns about managing renewal dates; the driving public will still receive postcard notifications as they did before, and there are also plans to integrate alert functions through dedicated apps currently being distributed. Citizens are encouraged to download these apps to assist with tracking their expiration dates effectively.
While this new integrated license system marks significant progress toward creating streamlined identification processes, the transition requires careful consideration from individuals interested in obtaining the My Number License. To minimize disruptions and confusion during this important change, timely action is necessary, particularly for those with expiring My Number Cards.
Japan's adoption of the My Number License reflects the country's commitment to modernizing public service and improving efficiency for its citizens. With the planned start of the My Number License only days away, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact it will have on streamlining administrative processes and enhancing convenience for everyday users.
