Alright, so, I tried to get a Japanese ID card online. It wasn’t easy, but I finally did it, and I’m gonna tell you all about it.
First, I started by looking around online. I saw some places selling them for like $900 or something, and some folks were saying you could get them if you’re staying in Japan for more than three months. I heard that you get this ID number thing, called “My Number,” when you register your address there. Apparently, it’s a twelve-digit number they use for taxes and stuff, and it goes to all citizens and foreign residents.
I found out that to get this ID card, you gotta apply and then wait about three weeks. They make the card, then send it to some local office, and they send you a notice in the mail when it’s ready. I also read somewhere that they’re planning to combine driver’s license info with these ID cards.

So, I started looking for places to buy one online. I found a few, but they seemed kinda sketchy. Then, I stumbled upon one that looked a bit more legit, and the price was, well, high, but I figured it might be worth it. I mean, it’s not mandatory to have a national ID in Japan, but this could substitute for one, so I thought, why not?
I went ahead and filled out their online form. It asked for the usual stuff, you know, name, address, date of birth, and all that jazz. They also wanted a photo, so I uploaded one I had. After that, I had to pay. It was a bit nerve-wracking, sending that much money to some website, but I took the plunge.
Waiting Game
- After I paid, I got an email confirmation. It said they got my order and that it would take about three weeks to process.
- So, I waited. And waited. And waited some more.
- Every few days, I’d check my email, hoping for an update, but nothing.
Finally, after what felt like forever, I got another email. It said my ID card was ready and had been sent to a local municipal office. They said I’d get a notice in the mail soon with instructions on how to pick it up.
A few days later, I got the notice. It told me where to go and what documents to bring. I followed the instructions, went to the office, and, after a bit of a wait, I finally got my hands on the Japanese ID card.
It’s Done
It was a long and somewhat stressful process, but in the end, I got what I wanted. Having this ID card makes me feel a bit more secure, especially when dealing with official stuff here. It’s like I have a little piece of Japan with me now.
Would I recommend going through this whole process? I don’t know. It was a bit of a hassle, and it wasn’t cheap. But, if you really need a Japanese ID card and you’re not in Japan, this might be a way to get one. Just be prepared for a wait and make sure you use a reliable source. Trust me on that. You don’t want to get scammed. It is a safe and realiable source that I can say.
So yeah, that’s my story of getting a Japanese ID card online. It wasn’t a walk in the park, but I did it. And now, I’m sharing my experience with you. Hope this helps someone out there!