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What to Do If You Lose Your ID in Japan (Residence Card, My Number, Insurance)

What to Do If You Lose Your ID in Japan (Residence Card, My Number, Insurance)

Losing an ID in Japan can be stressful, especially if you are unsure which document matters most or what you are legally required to do.

The steps you need to take depend on which ID was lost, but the overall process is structured and predictable once you understand it.

This article explains what to do if you lose your ID in Japan, which authorities to contact, and what typically happens next.

First: Identify Which ID Was Lost

Not all identification documents are treated the same in Japan.

The most commonly lost IDs include:

  • Residence card
  • My Number card or My Number notification
  • Health insurance card
  • Driver’s licence

Some of these are tied to immigration status, others to tax or insurance systems. The response depends on the document.

Step 1: File a Lost Property Report with the Police

For most lost IDs, the first step is to file a lost property report (遺失届) at a police station.

This:

  • Creates an official record of the loss
  • Protects you if the document is misused
  • Is often required when applying for a replacement

You will receive a report number. Keep it, as you may need it later.

Japan has a strong lost-and-found system, and many IDs are eventually recovered, but you should not wait before reporting the loss.

If You Lost Your Residence Card

The residence card is the most important ID for foreign residents.

If it is lost or stolen:

  • You must report the loss to the police
  • You are legally required to apply for reissuance within a set period

Reissuance is handled by the Immigration Services Agency, not city hall.

While waiting for a replacement, you should carry proof that the loss was reported.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan explains the official procedure here:
Immigration Services Agency – Reissuance of Residence Card

If You Lost Your My Number Card

Losing a My Number card or notification requires prompt action because it is linked to tax and social security systems.

You should:

  • Report the loss
  • Request suspension to prevent misuse
  • Apply for reissuance through your local municipality

Delays can cause administrative inconvenience later, especially for tax or benefits-related procedures.

Official guidance is provided by the Digital Agency:
Digital Agency – My Number System

If You Lost Your Health Insurance Card

Losing your health insurance card does not mean you lose health insurance coverage.

You should contact:

  • Your employer (if enrolled through work), or
  • Your city hall (if enrolled in National Health Insurance)

You can request a replacement card.

If you need medical care before receiving it, you may be asked to pay upfront and apply for reimbursement later.

This process is handled locally and is generally straightforward.

If You Lost Your Driver’s Licence

A lost driver’s licence must be reported and reissued through the police or a driver’s licence centre.

You will usually need:

  • A lost property report
  • Alternative identification
  • Proof of address

You are not permitted to drive without the physical licence, even if your driving privileges are still valid.

Can You Continue Daily Life Without ID?

In practice, many systems in Japan rely on physical identification.

Without ID, you may encounter difficulties with:

  • Banking
  • Picking up registered mail
  • Administrative procedures

This is why reporting the loss and starting reissuance quickly is important.

What Happens If Someone Finds Your ID?

If your ID is found, it is often turned in to the police.

You may be contacted directly, or the document may be returned via official channels.

Filing a lost property report significantly increases the chance of recovery.

How to Reduce Risk in the Future

While losing an ID can happen to anyone, you can reduce future risk by:

  • Keeping copies of important documents
  • Avoiding storing all IDs together
  • Keeping your registered address up to date

Many administrative issues escalate simply because records are outdated.

Key Takeaways

  • Report lost IDs to the police as soon as possible
  • Different IDs require different reissuance procedures
  • Losing an ID does not automatically remove your legal status or coverage
  • Official processes exist and are generally reliable
  • Quick action prevents most complications

Losing an ID in Japan is stressful, but it is a manageable situation. Understanding which steps to take — and in what order — allows you to resolve the issue calmly and with minimal disruption.

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