A: Valid identification documents are official documents that include a photo and clearly show the individual’s address, full name, and date of birth.
When registering for membership, it is necessary to present one of the following “identification documents” to confirm that the procedure is being completed by the individual themselves.
● Government-issued photo ID (main examples):
Driver’s license, driving history certificate, My Number card, residence card, special permanent resident certificate, rehabilitation certificate, war injury and sickness certificate, mental disability certificate, physical disability certificate, passport.
- All documents must clearly show the current address. If the address differs, a supplementary document listed below will also be required.
- Only one type of photo ID is sufficient for verification.
- For passports, we ask that you present a passport with a signature in kanji to verify the spelling of your name. Proof of your current address must also be provided through a document with the address printed, such as a supplementary document or another official document.
● Government-issued documents without a photo but with the current address printed (main examples):
National Health Insurance card, Certificate of Residence Details (must be issued within the past three months).
- If the current address is printed and visible, only one such document is required. If the address differs, a supplementary document listed below will also be required.
● Government-issued documents without a photo and without the current address printed (main examples):
Health Insurance Card (Social Insurance), National Pension Booklet, Child Rearing Allowance Certificate, Special Child Rearing Allowance Certificate, Maternal and Child Health Handbook.
- If using one of these documents, a supplementary document (listed below) must also be submitted.
● Supplementary Documents:
Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, or NHK reception fee) or printed documents issued by government agencies.
- Must be issued within the past three months.
- Must show the current address clearly.
- Supplementary documents alone are not considered valid identification.
If you wish to apply for an installment payment plan, additional identification documents may be requested depending on the results of the screening process.
For foreign nationals registering as independent distributors, either a Residence Card (with a status of residence that permits distributor activities — for details, see the FAQ: “What visa status allows foreign nationals to engage in distributor activities?”) or a Special Permanent Resident Certificate is required.