On September 12, 2024, the National Police Agency compiled a draft amendment to the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Regulations and other regulations aimed at integrating driver’s licenses and My Number cards. On March 24, 2025, the “My Number License” is scheduled to go into operation, integrating two cards familiar to our daily lives, the My Number Card and the driver’s license . This can be seen as a major step toward improving convenience and streamlining administrative procedures as the digital society advances.
What changes with a minor driver’s license?
Health insurance card, driver’s license, My Number card
First, by having a My Number license, you will no longer need to carry a driver’s license and My Number card separately, making your wallet neater. You can also expect administrative procedures to be simplified, such as being able to complete the driver’s license renewal procedure online. Furthermore, private companies may also start offering services that utilize the My Number license, making our lives more convenient.
Reviewing the cost of obtaining a driver’s license
The fee for obtaining a new driver’s license has changed. The fee, which was previously 2,050 yen, will be reduced to 1,550 yen if you choose a “My Number License” that is combined with your My Number card. If you choose a driver’s license, the fee will increase to 2,350 yen, and if you have both, you will need 2,450 yen.
The fee for license renewal has also been revised. The renewal fee, which was previously 2,500 yen, will be reduced to 2,100 yen if you choose a “Minor License,” and will increase to 2,850 yen if you choose a conventional license. If you have both, you will be required to pay a fee of 2,950 yen.
| New acquisition | When updating | |
|---|---|---|
| Minor driver’s license | 1550 yen | 2100 yen |
| Driver’s license | 2350 yen | 2850 yen |
| My Number Card Driver’s license |
2450 yen | 2950 yen |
Reference: NHK
What are the benefits of a minor driver’s license?
1. Procedures can be completed anywhere in the country
By digitizing driver’s licenses and combining them with My Number cards, procedures such as license renewal and address change will be possible anywhere in the country. This is a major benefit for people who are frequently transferred or move. In addition, the number of places where My Number cards can be issued is planned to increase, so it is expected that even people who are busy on weekdays will be able to easily obtain one.
2. You are less likely to not carry your driver’s license
With a My Number card, you no longer have to worry about forgetting to carry your driver’s license, reducing the risk of accidentally violating a traffic law. In addition, efforts are being made to make police officers’ identification process smoother.
3. It’s easy to change the address on your driver’s license
Another attraction of digital licenses is that various procedures can be completed in one place. For example, when changing your address when moving, you previously had to go to both your local government and the driver’s license center to complete the procedure, but with digitalization, you can complete the procedure in one go. Even for those who find it difficult to find time on weekdays, being able to complete the procedure only at your city hall is a major benefit.
Preparing for integration
The government is currently developing the system and preparing the laws to introduce the My Number license. Promoting the use of My Number cards is also an important issue, and it is likely that various campaigns and special offers will be prepared.
Future outlook
The Minority Driver’s License has the potential to become the basis for personal authentication in the digital society. In the future, Minority Driver’s License will be used in various administrative procedures and private services, making our lives even more convenient and safer.
A word from the editorial department
The Minority Driver’s License is an important initiative that has the potential to greatly change our lives. Attention is focused on the actions of the government and private companies as the system comes into operation in March 2025.
Reference: Cabinet Secretariat, Promotion and Use of My Number Cards
Reference: National Police Agency