Daily Life Lessons · City Office
Tell the difference between situations where a signature is enough and those that need a registered seal (jitsuin), and be able to register a seal and get a certificate yourself when needed.
In Japan, people have a custom of stamping documents with a personal seal (印鑑 / はんこ), but most national government procedures no longer require a seal, and a signature is enough in more and more situations. A contract is also valid without a seal, unless a law has a special rule.
On the other hand, for things such as registering a car, you may need a seal registered with your city, ward, town, or village (registered seal, 実印) and a seal registration certificate (印鑑登録証明書). Foreign residents aged 15 or older who are registered as residents can also register a seal. The seal is made with your name as shown on your resident record (for example, the name on your residence card (在留カード)). Whether a seal in katakana, an alias, or initials can be used (in some cases your katakana name must be recorded on your resident record), the size, and the procedures differ by municipality, so check in advance.
Keep your registered seal and your seal registration card (印鑑登録証) in a safe place, and if you lose them, report it to the office right away.
日本では 書類に はんこ（印鑑）を 押すことが あります。 でも 今は、役所の 手続きの 多くで はんこは いりません。サイン（署名）で だいじょうぶな ことが 多いです。
車の 登録など、大切な 手続きでは「実印（じついん）」が いることが あります。 - 実印は、市役所・区役所に 登録した はんこです。 - 外国人も、住民登録を していて 15歳以上なら 登録できます。 - はんこは、在留カードの 名前などで 作ります。カタカナの はんこが 使えるかは、市区町村で ちがいます。 - ゴムの はんこは 登録できません。
実印と カードは 大切に しまいます。なくしたら すぐ 役所に 言います。
What happens to a contract if you do not stamp a seal on it?
A contract is formed when the parties agree, and a seal is not a required condition unless a law has a special rule (Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Q&A on Seals").
What is a "jitsuin" (実印)?
A seal registered with the city, ward, town, or village where you live is generally called a jitsuin.
Which is correct about seal registration for foreign residents?
Seal registration is done at the city, ward, town, or village where you are registered as a resident. Foreign residents can also register if they are registered as residents and are 15 or older.
Which seal generally cannot be registered?
Seals whose impression easily changes, such as rubber stamps, cannot be registered. Check the size and character requirements on your municipality's website.
What should you do if you lose your registered seal or seal registration card?
To prevent misuse, report it to the office right away and complete procedures such as canceling the registration. Follow your municipality's guidance.
Q. Do government office documents always need a seal?
A. For national government procedures, the seal requirement was abolished, or reviewed with a view to abolishing it, for more than 99% of procedures. Municipalities are also reviewing their procedures. However, some procedures still require a registered seal and a seal registration certificate. Follow the instructions on the document or at the counter.
Q. Can I register a seal on the same day?
A. In some municipalities, you can register on the same day if you go to the counter in person with an official ID with your photo, such as your residence card. Otherwise, the office mails an inquiry form (reply form) to your home, and registration is completed when you bring it to the office. Check with your municipality for details.
Q. Where can I get a seal registration certificate?
A. Request it at your city, ward, town, or village counter by showing your seal registration card. In some municipalities, if you have a My Number Card, you can also get it at a convenience store.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original