What to Do When You Lose Your Residence Card in Japan

The residence card (在留カード) is the most important form of identification for foreign nationals living in Japan. If you lose it, a quick response is absolutely crucial. A delayed response may be considered a legal violation, so it is important to act immediately.

1. First Thing to Do: File a Police Report

The very first step is to file a loss report. Go to the nearest police box (交番) or police station (警察署) and file a lost item report (遺失届).

You will receive a report number and a confirmation document
These are required for the reissuance application, so keep them safe

2. Apply for Reissuance Within 14 Days

You must apply for reissuance within 14 days from the date you became aware of the loss.

Where to Apply

The Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理局) with jurisdiction over your place of residence

Required Documents

Reissuance application form
Passport
Photo (4cm x 3cm, taken within the last 3 months)
Police report number
Fee: Generally free

3. If You Lost Your Card Overseas

The procedure is different if you lost your residence card outside of Japan.

If You Plan to Re-enter Japan

File a police report with the local authorities in the country where the loss occurred
Consult the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate
You will need a “re-entry permit confirmation”

Even if you hold a deemed re-entry permit (みなし再入国許可), verification will be conducted at immigration upon your return to Japan

4. If You Find Your Card Immediately After Reporting the Loss

If you have not yet applied for reissuance: Go back to the police and cancel the loss report
If you have already applied for reissuance: The old card becomes invalid and cannot be used

5. Risks of Not Carrying Your Residence Card

Foreign nationals are legally obligated to carry their residence card at all times
If you are unable to present it when asked by authorities, it may constitute a legal violation
Even without intent, failure to carry your card can be problematic

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does reissuance take?

Usually, the new card is issued on the same day or within a few days.

Q. Is there a fee for reissuance?

Generally, it is free of charge.

Q. What if more than 14 days have passed?

You will need to explain the reason for the delay. Without a valid reason, you may face a penalty.

Conclusion

The residence card is the core form of identification for life in Japan. Remember that the 14-day deadline starts from the moment you realize the card is lost, not from the date it was actually lost.

Act quickly: Police report → Reissuance application. The faster you respond, the smoother the process will be.