What is the Basic Resident Register Network System?

The Basic Resident Registration Network (Resident Registration Network) is a network of the Basic Resident Register, which is the basis of various administrative activities carried out by municipalities. This is a joint system of local governments that enables common identity verification throughout the country using common name (limited to foreign residents whose common name is written on their resident record), resident record code, and information on changes to these. It is the foundation of government and electronic local government.

In its first operation on August 5, 2002, the system simplified the identity verification process for some national and prefectural affairs stipulated by law. This has enabled efficient administrative operations, such as omitting the submission of copies of resident records during administrative procedures, and has also reduced the burden on citizens.
As a specific example,

• No need to attach a copy of your resident card when applying for a passport
• Municipal certification for receiving pension is not required
• No need to submit a current status report for receiving a mutual pension

have become.
In the future, the identity verification process will continue to be simplified in many national and prefectural affairs.

The second phase of operation began on August 25, 2003, and efforts were made to improve citizen services by providing the following services.

Issuance of Basic Resident Registration Card (Basic Resident Registration Card)

Resident Registration Cards are IC cards with advanced security features, and are issued to citizens who request them. By using the Resident Registration Card, you can receive a wide-area copy of your resident registration card and receive special provisions for moving in and out. It can also be used as a storage medium for electronic certificates and private keys in public personal authentication services.
A Resident Registration Card with a photo can be used as an official ID to confirm your identity.

Wide-area distribution of copies of resident records

You can receive a copy of your resident card or that of a member of your household at any municipal office nationwide.

Exceptions for moving-in/moving-out notifications

If you are moving out of the city, if the person who has been issued a Resident Registration Card sends a document containing the necessary information regarding the move, there will be no need to go to the government office to receive the move-out certificate.

*The following points were revised due to the enforcement of the revised Resident Registration Act on July 9, 2012.

Special provisions for notification of transfer

In principle, when a person who has been issued a Resident Registration Card moves out, a moving-out certificate is no longer issued. All you need to do is to bring your Resident Registration Card instead of your moving-out certificate to complete the transfer procedures.

Continued use of Resident Registration Card

Even if you move your address to another city, ward, town or village, you will be able to continue using your Resident Registration Card by applying for continued use.

　Due to the revision of the Basic Resident Registration Act on July 9, 2012, the following points were revised.

Special provisions for notification of transfer

　When a person who has been issued a resident registry card moves out, in principle, a special provision for notification of moving in will be applied, and a moving out certificate will not be issued.

Continued use of Resident Registration Card

　Even if you move to another municipality, you can continue to use your Basic Resident Registration Card by applying for continued use.

　From July 8, 2013, the regulations concerning the Basic Resident Registration Network, Basic Resident Registration Card, etc. have been applied to foreign residents, and the following points have been changed.

Entering the resident card code

　You will be notified of your resident card code using the "Notification of Resident Record Code". There is no procedure required by this notification, but please keep this notification card in a safe place.

Issuance of Resident Registration Card

　If you have a nickname registered in your Resident Record, your nickname will also be listed on your Basic Resident Registration Card.

　In addition, the same service operation as for Japanese residents will start.