Foreigners can also register their seals! Seal registration procedures

Are you wondering if foreigners can register their personal seal? Are you worried about the procedure?
In fact, if you follow the steps introduced here, foreigners with mid- to long-term visas and special permanent residents can register their personal seal just like Japanese people, and can issue a personal seal registration certificate at their city, town, or village office.
Here, we will explain three points you should keep in mind when registering your seal, as well as a specific selection method in steps. If you read to the end, you will not have any worries about registering your seal.

1. What is a seal certificate?

A seal certificate (seal registration certificate) is a document that certifies that a registered official seal belongs to the person in question. If you register your official seal, you can officially prove to a third party that the seal definitely belongs to that person.

(1) What is the validity period of the seal certificate?

There is no expiration date for the issued seal certificate itself. It is valid as long as there is no change in the registered seal. However, some contracts require a certificate issued within three months, so in that case, prepare one that is within the specified deadline.

2. You need a seal certificate to buy a car!!

When signing an important contract, such as buying a car, you must use a "seal" that is properly registered with the government office. At the same time, you will also need a seal certificate to prove that the "seal" belongs to the contract holder.

3. Seal registration and seal registration certificate for foreigners

(1) What kind of foreigners can register their seal?

The following foreigners are eligible to register their seals:

• Are 15 years of age or older
• Have a residence card or special permanent resident certificate
• You are registered as a resident in the city or town where you want to register your seal

1. Personal seals to be registered

An individual's official seal is a seal that is registered with the city, town or village where you are registered as a resident.
We recommend that you have your official seal made to order so that it is difficult to forge. Also, please check with your local municipality as there are regulations regarding size and material.

2. Size of seal that can be registered

The size of the seal (seal impression) used for seal certification is prescribed, so the following sizes are the sizes that can be registered.

• Larger than a square with sides measuring 8 mm
• Fits into a square with sides measuring 25 mm

Most stamps sold at stationery stores are large enough to be registered. If you tell the store that you want to make a personal "jitsuin" stamp, you can't go wrong. You can easily purchase one online.

(2) Seals that can be registered by foreigners

Each person can only register one seal. In addition to seals that show the name or common name (Japanese name) listed on the resident record, "full name", "surname only", or "first name only", you can register seals with the following types of seals.

*If you wish to register your seal using your nickname or the katakana spelling of your name, you must first register your nickname or the katakana spelling of your name on your resident registration card at your city/ward/town/village office.

(3) Seals that cannot be registered by foreigners

Seals that cannot be registered

There are various regulations regarding the material and notation of seals. Please note that there are some seals that cannot be registered, such as rubber stamps and Shachihata stamps, which are easily deformed.
Shachihata stamps are a common name for mass-produced simple seal stamps with the same impression. They can be purchased at 100 yen shops, but these cannot be used.

4. How do I register my personal seal?

If you have created a personal seal, register it.
To register your official seal, please bring the following items to the city, town or village office where your resident registration is registered:

• Seal to be registered
• passport
• Documents required for identity verification, such as Driver's License or residence card

The documents required for identity verification vary depending on the city, town, or village. We recommend that you first check in advance by phone or on the website. Registration costs about 300 yen.

5. Issuance of a seal certificate

The seal certificate will be issued on the same day that you register the seal. The time it takes to issue the certificate will depend on how busy the city hall is, but it will usually take about 15 to 30 minutes after you apply for seal registration.
Once you have registered your personal seal, your city or town will issue you with a personal seal certificate, which you can think of as official proof that the registered seal is truly yours.

(Sample of seal registration card)

When you register your seal, you will also be issued a "seal registration card." If you need a seal certificate in the future, you can present this seal registration card to your city, ward, town, or village office to have one issued, or you can obtain one from an automated issuing machine at the administrative service center of your city, ward, town, or village office (located at train stations, etc.).
In addition, foreigners who have a My Number can also obtain a Seal Certificate at some convenience stores that have compatible devices. Please check with your nearest convenience store.

6. Check whether you need a personal seal certificate to purchase a car.

Depending on the type of car you are purchasing and the payment method, you may need multiple seal certificates. Therefore, be sure to check in advance what documents you will need and how many you will need.
When purchasing a car, you will be required to submit various documents in addition to the seal certificate, so it is important to carefully follow the instructions of the place of purchase and make sure you have everything ready.