Japan extends online first-time passport applications nationwide — apply through Mynaportal in every prefecture from 24 March 2025
Source material is a Japanese government announcement (in Japanese); this page is a summary.
From 24 March 2025 you can apply for a first-time passport online through Mynaportal in every prefecture in Japan, and you do not have to submit an original copy of your family register.
Key facts
| Start date | 24 March 2025 (Reiwa 7) |
|---|---|
| Area covered | All prefectures (都道府県) |
| Who can make a first-time application | People applying for a passport for the first time / people whose passport has already expired |
| How to apply | Mynaportal (the Mynaportal app) |
| What you need | My Number Card (with the 6 to 16 character password for the signature electronic certificate), the Mynaportal app and a smartphone that supports the app |
| Family register | No original copy needed because the electronic family register system is linked — the application is completed online |
| Minors | Under 15s need a legal representative to submit on their behalf / applicants aged 15, 16 or 17 applying for themselves must submit a consent form signed by their legal representative |
| Responsible ministry | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省) |
Last checked:
From 24 March 2025 (Reiwa 7), first-time passport applications can be made online through Mynaportal in every prefecture in Japan, in addition to renewal (切替) applications. For a first-time application, electronic family register data is linked through the system, so you no longer have to submit an original copy of your family register and the application is completed online. The responsible body is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and you need a My Number Card (with the 6 to 16 character password for the signature electronic certificate), the Mynaportal app and a smartphone that supports the app. For minors under 15, a legal representative must submit the application on their behalf.
Background — why this change
Online applications for passport renewal (切替) were introduced first, and a first-time application required a separate original copy of the family register. From 24 March 2025, first-time applications as well as renewals can be made online in every prefecture, and with the electronic family register system linked, the application is completed online without submitting an original copy of the family register.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
Summaries reflect national-level programs. Municipal (city/ward/town) programs may differ — confirm with the official desk before applying.
FAQ
Can I apply online for my first passport?
Yes. From 24 March 2025 you can apply for a first-time passport online through Mynaportal in every prefecture. Renewal (切替) applications were the first to move online.
Do I have to submit a copy of my family register separately?
No. When you apply online, electronic family register data is linked through the system, so no original copy of the family register is needed and the application is completed online.
What do I need to apply online?
A My Number Card (with the 6 to 16 character password for the signature electronic certificate), the Mynaportal app and a smartphone that supports the app.
Can minors apply online?
Under 15s need a legal representative (a person with parental authority, a guardian and so on) to submit on their behalf. Applicants aged 15, 16 or 17 applying for themselves must submit a consent form signed by their legal representative.