Address Change Checklist After Moving in Japan
A complete list of address changes required after moving — from city hall registrations to driver's license, bank, and insurance updates.
More Paperwork Than You'd Expect
Moving isn't just about transporting boxes — there are numerous address changes required. Some have strict deadlines, and ignoring them can result in fines. Use this checklist to stay on track.
City Hall Procedures (Top Priority)
Moving-Out / Moving-In Notifications
| Form | When | Where | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move-Out Notice (転出届) | Moving to a different municipality | Old city hall | 14 days before to moving day |
| Move-In Notice (転入届) | Moved from a different municipality | New city hall | Within 14 days after moving |
| Address Change (転居届) | Moved within the same municipality | Current city hall | Within 14 days after moving |
For the Move-In Notice, you need the Move-Out Certificate issued when you filed the Move-Out Notice.
With a My Number Card, you can file the Move-Out Notice online via My Number Portal.
My Number Card
Update at your new city hall within 14 days of moving.
You'll need your PIN code.
National Health Insurance
File a withdrawal at your old city hall.
Re-enroll at your new city hall.
Not needed if you're on company health insurance.
Registered Seal (Inkan)
When moving to a different municipality, your old registration is automatically cancelled.
Register your seal again at your new city hall.
Police Station
Driver's License Address Change
Where: Police station or driver's license center in your new area.
Bring: driver's license + proof of new address (住民票 or My Number Card).
Deadline: Legally "promptly" — aim for within 2 weeks.
Parking Permit (車庫証明)
Required if you own a car. Apply at the police station covering your new address.
Vehicle Registration
| Procedure | Where | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle registration update | Land Transport Office | Vehicle inspection cert, residence cert, parking permit |
| Mandatory insurance update | Insurance company | Insurance cert, proof of new address |
Post Office
Mail Forwarding
Submit a forwarding form at the post office or online.
Mail sent to your old address will be forwarded for 1 year.
You can renew the forwarding before it expires.
Financial & Insurance
Bank accounts: Update via branch, ATM, or online banking.
Credit cards: Update via each card company's website or app.
Life/property insurance: Contact your insurance company.
Other Updates
Mobile phone: Update at your carrier's shop or website.
NHK: Update on NHK's website or by phone.
Voter registration: Automatically registered when you submit your Move-In Notice (voting rights take effect after 3 months of residency).
Suggested Timeline
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Before moving | Move-Out Notice, mail forwarding |
| Right after moving | Move-In Notice (within 14 days), My Number Card |
| Within 1 week | Driver's license, bank, credit cards |
| Within 1 month | Vehicle registration, insurance, other |
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