The Era of Storing "My Number Card" on Your iPhone Has Arrived! — A Complete Guide for Foreign Residents on How to Get Started Without Confusion (June 24, 2025 Edition)

1  Introduction: Why a "Smartphone ID" is Necessary

1-1  Global Trends and Japan's Position

  In Europe, mobile IDs have become widespread under the eIDAS regulation, and South Korea launched a nationwide "Mobile Driver's License" in 2024. In Japan, the My Number Card adoption rate has reached 80%, making the integration into iPhones urgent as a solution to reduce physical risks such as card loss and IC chip damage. Additionally, for foreign visitors and long-term residents, "multilingual identity verification" is a challenge, and wallet integration opens the way to switch the UI to their native language.watch.impress.co.jp

1-2  Differences Between the Official Version and the Beta Version

In the 2023 trial version for Android, there were many limitations such as "not supporting face-to-face presentation" and "inability to include a residence card," restricting users mainly to online applications. In the iPhone version released on June 24, 2025, improvements include a rescue flow for PIN input errors and the display of foreign names in Roman characters.services.digital.go.jpbcnretail.com

2  Requirements and Preparations

For foreigners, it's okay if the "Individual Number/Resident Record Code" on the back of the card is also in English.services.digital.go.jpsupport.apple.com

3  Registration Procedure: Experience Through Screenshots

1. Launch My Number Portal and select "Add Card to iPhone"

2. Agree to the terms, then attach the card to the back center for NFC reading(about 10 seconds)

3. Enter 4-digit PIN → Enter signature password

4. Facial recognition selfie(check for glasses and blinking)

5. Approve addition to Apple Wallet

6. Completion is indicated by the display of the "Delete Card" button
   
   
   

※If NFC reading fails midway, placing the card on the top of the iPhone increases sensitivity.services.digital.go.jp

4  What You Can and Cannot Do

4-1  What You Can Do Immediately

• One-tap signature for My Number Portal(Pension inquiries, Child allowance applications)

• Obtain certificates at convenience stores(Resident card, Seal registration, Family register copy)

• Identity verification for online banking(Some financial institutions)

• Login to online residence procedures beta version
  
  
  

4-2  What You Cannot Do Yet/Under Preparation

• Complete replacement display for driver's license

• Digital ID presentation abroad (at embassies)

• Use as a My Number health insurance card(Scheduled for September 2025)
  watch.impress.co.jpservices.digital.go.jp
  
  

5  Five Scenarios Where Foreigners Benefit

1. Renewal of residence period

2. Identity verification when opening a bank account (eKYC)

3. SIM card contract

4. Name change for utility bills

5. One-stop application for hometown tax donation

Previously, a card reader or mail was required for all of these, but completing them with just an iPhone is expected to shorten the process by an average of 3-5 days.bcnretail.com

6  Security & Privacy

• Device Side: Encrypted storage in Secure Enclave/Prevention of tampering with device-specific keys

• Communication Side: TLS 1.3 + OSCP Stapling to eliminate man-in-the-middle attacks

• Public Side: Automatic stop of resident network inquiries after 5 PIN lock attempts

• In Case of Loss: ① Remote lock via "Find My" → ② Stop request via My Number Comprehensive Dial (0120-95-0178)
  
  
  

According to Apple, IDs in the wallet are protected with the same mechanism as Apple Pay, and the risk of unauthorized access is said to be less than one-third compared to physical cards.support.apple.com

7  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the difference from the Android version?
A. The iPhone version adopts stricter biometric authentication using Face ID's 3D depth map.

Q. Can a child's card be added to a parent's iPhone?
A. It is possible for those under 15 with proxy registration. However, some administrative applications may require the child to be present.

Q. Can it be presented while traveling abroad?
A. It is limited to Japan. Online administrative procedures can be done after returning home.

8  Future Roadmap

The Digital Agency plans to release a multilingual FAQ within the year, with English, Chinese, and Vietnamese as the first target languages.services.digital.go.jp

9  Three Rules for Successful Operation

1. Store PINs in a password management app

2. Always store the physical card in a home safe

3. Check the release notes of iOS updates before applying
   
   

NFC drivers are often revised with each update, which can easily cause malfunctions.

10  Conclusion

From the era of "holding up a card" to "facing a screen