Japan integrates personal identifications with driver's licenses

Since its introduction in 2015, Japan's My Number identification system has aimed to simplify and modernize access to public services for citizens and residents. Originally designed to unify tax and social security procedures, My Number has continued to evolve, and now the Japanese government has taken an additional step: allowing this card to also function as a driver’s license.??

What is the My Number card??

The My Number card is an identification tool issued to every citizen and resident in Japan, with a unique 12-digit number assigned to everyone, enabling the government to manage various services more efficiently, such as tax and social security procedures. The card, which must be actively requested, includes a photo of the cardholder, personal information (name, address, date of birth), and a personal number.?

With its integrated circuit chip, the My Number card has several digital uses, such as access to online services and government services. The Japanese government is now working to expand its functionality so that, in addition to its role as a tax and social identification tool, it can also serve as a driver’s license. Additionally, there is a project underway to create a mobile digital license that citizens can use on their phones.?

New functionalities of the My Number card: driver’s license and digital options?

Starting March 24, 2025, Japanese citizens will have the option to use their My Number card as a driver’s license. This means that information about each person’s license, such as the type of license and its validity, will be registered on the My Number card’s chip, making it functional as identification for driving.?

In addition to the integrated license, the government is working on developing a mobile digital driver’s license (mDL), which will allow citizens to access their license from a mobile device. Although a launch date has not yet been announced, authorities aim to implement it as soon as possible.?

The use of the My Number card as a driver’s license will take effect on March 24, 2025. Citizens will then have the option to use only this card for their driving-related procedures or to keep both documents if they prefer. Regarding the mobile digital license, while there is no official date, the government has expressed interest in launching it at the earliest possible date.?

Practical benefits of integration?

The option to integrate the driver’s license into the My Number card comes with several practical benefits, especially in terms of saving time and costs for users:?

• Those who choose to integrate their license into the My Number card can change their address simply by notifying the local municipality, without needing to complete additional procedures with the police.?
• Using the My Number card as the only driving identification will reduce renewal fees, easing costs for citizens.?
• People with no traffic violations and classified as "excellent drivers" will be able to renew their license online.?

?Different options?

Allowing citizens to choose between keeping their documents separate or integrating them into the My Number card is crucial, both to respect individual freedoms and to facilitate a responsible transition to digitalization. Not all citizens have the same level of trust in digital systems and allowing them to make this decision promotes acceptance of the My Number system without forcing them to adopt technology they might perceive as invasive.?

Moreover, flexibility in using digital documents ensures that digitalization is not imposed without guaranteeing the secure use of personal data. In fact, Japan has faced concerns over the privacy and security of the My Number card, especially after incidents of forgery. In response, the government has implemented facial verification systems and other security mechanisms to reduce the risk of fraud and improve public trust in the system.?

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