About Maiden (Former) Names

Amendments to the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Basic Resident Registration Act (Cabinet Order No. 292 of 1967), which enables the entry of the maiden (former) name on the certificate of residence, individual number card, and seal registration certificate was announced on April 17^th, 2019, and it will come came into effect on November 5^th 2019.

The number of women using their maiden (former) name in society is increasing. The system has been changed in order to make it easier for the maiden (former) name to be used in various situations, even if the name has been changed after marriage. Upon the request of the woman, she can have the surname she has used up until that point be entered on her certificate of residence, etc., and notarized.

By entering the maiden name (former) name on the certificate of residence, the maiden (former) name will be recorded on the individual number card (or notification card), the digital certificate for signature authentication, and the seal registration certificate.

Please fill out an application form and submit it at the counter of your municipal city hall or ward office.

• An official copy of the family register, etc. (non-returnable) with the maiden (former) name that you wish to add
  (NOTE) Please note that you will need to attach an official copy of your family register even if your registered domicile is in the city.
  (NOTE) You will need to attach a family register that has the maiden (former) name you wish to add listed on it, or official copies of all family registers and name removal registrations connected from the time of name removal until now.
• Personal seal/hanko (Mitome-in (unregistered hankos used for everyday things like receiving parcels) are also okay)
• A document to prove the applicant’s identity
• Individual number card or notification card

• Only one maiden (former) name per person may be added to the certificate of residence, etc.
• Even if you change your address, your maiden (former) name will continue to be listed at your new address.
• If the maiden (former) name has been recorded, the maiden (former) name must also be recorded on the copy of the certificate of residence, individual number card, and digital certificate for signature authentication. It is not possible to display the maiden (former) name only or your current surname only.
• You can delete your maiden (former) name if it becomes necessary to do so. However, please note that you will not be able to re-enter your maiden (former) name after deleting it unless your surname is changed.
• If the maiden (former) name is added, changed, or deleted on the certificate of residence, the digital certificate for the signature authentication of that person will be invalidated. You will need to get it reissued, so please inform the staff.
• We do not specify an expiration date for the attached copy of the family register, but if the issue date is quite old (there is no change from the current one), please note that we may check with the municipality of the registered domicile.