Former surname (maiden name) and its phonetic notation

Inclusion of former name (maiden name) on copies of Certificate of Residence, My Number Card, seal registration certificate, etc.

You can apply to have the former surname (the surname recorded in the previous family register) and its phonetic notation included on copies of the Certificate of Residence, My Number Card, seal registration certificate, etc.

Note: The timing when it becomes possible to include the furigana of the former surname on the My Number Card varies depending on the individual, so please contact us for details.

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Documents where the former family name is also recorded

 

• Copy of Certificate of Residence
• Certificate of Residence Details Certificate
• Seal Registration Certificate (You can also register a seal with a former name.)
• My Number Card
• Electronic Certificate for Signature of Public Personal Authentication Service

Note 1: When registering a former surname, the former surname will be listed on all the above documents. (It is not possible to display only one of either the former surname or the current surname on the family register.)

Note 2: Foreign nationals cannot have a former surname listed.

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Former surnames that can be listed together

Registration

• Only one former surname can be listed for each person.
• When listing the former surname for the first time, you can choose freely from the past surnames recorded in the family register, etc.
• The previously recorded old surname will continue to be listed even if the surname changes due to marriage or other reasons.
• The former family name will continue to be recorded even if you move to another city, ward, town, or village.

Change

For those who have already listed their former family name, changes can only be made to the family name that was used immediately before the change.

Delete

It is possible to delete the former surname. However, if the former surname is deleted, you can only select one from the newly arisen former surnames to be listed again when the surname is changed afterwards.

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Place of Application

• Citizen Affairs Division, 1st Floor, City Hall
• Hirao Branch Office
• Wakabadai Branch Office (i Plaza 1st Floor)

Note 1: Reception is only available on weekdays.

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Applicant

• The person themselves or a member of the same household
• Agent with a power of attorney

Note: The principal must sign the power of attorney in their own handwriting.

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Required Items for Application

• Documents showing the furigana of the former surname (such as bank passbooks, cash cards, credit cards, or family registers with furigana of the former surname)
• Identity verification documents of the applicant
• My Number Card (For those who have one only)
• Seal of former family name (only for those who wish to register a seal under the former family name)

Note 1: If the name change was a long time ago and there are no documents showing the furigana of the former surname, please consult with us.

Note 2: For identity verification documents, please refer to the "Identity Verification for Various Notifications and Requests" page, and for procedures regarding changes to the My Number Card details, please see the "Changes to the My Number Card (Individual Number Card) details and continued use" page.

Note 3: A letter of attorney is required when an agent applies.

• Identity Verification for Various Notifications and Requests
• Changes to the My Number Card (Individual Number Card) details and continued use (address changes, etc.)

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