A comprehensive breakdown of 28 essential administrative procedures needed after moving, presented as a checklist. From resident registration transfers to driver's license, My Number Card, bank, credit card, insurance, and workplace notifications—clarifying the priority order and deadlines for each procedure.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
Comprehensive coverage of address changes not just for your resident registration, but also for pensions, health insurance, driver's license, bank accounts, credit cards, and more. We explain what you must not forget and how to prioritize your tasks.
Your first week after moving involves concentrated critical tasks—municipal procedures, utility setup, and more. With registration required within 14 days and mandatory attendance for gas activation, this prioritized checklist helps you start your new life smoothly.
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This article explains the moving procedures for those with a My Number Card. We'll cover address changes when filing your change of address notification, continuous-use procedures, how to use online applications, what happens if you miss deadlines, and more—all with the latest 2026 procedure information.
Right after a move is complete, you're usually busy unpacking and setting up your home, so administrative procedures often get pushed to the back burner. However, some procedures have statutory deadlines, and ignoring them can result in penalties or inconvenience. This article organizes post-move procedures by priority and provides them as a 28-item checklist.
Deadline: Within 14 days after moving in (Resident Basic Register Law) Where to apply: Municipal or ward office at your new address
If you're moving within the same municipality, you only need to file a "notification of moving within the municipality." If you're moving to a different municipality, you'll need to file a "notification of moving out" at your old address plus a "notification of moving in" at your new address.
Required documents:
If you have a My Number Card, some procedures can be completed at convenience stores and post offices.
Deadline: Within 14 days after moving in Where to apply: Municipal or ward office at your new address
If you're enrolled in company health insurance (health insurance through your employer), the procedure is usually handled through your workplace, so you typically don't need to take action yourself. If you're enrolled in the National Health Insurance (as a freelancer or unemployed person, for example), complete the procedure at the same time as your moving-in notification.
Deadline: As soon as possible (within 14 days recommended) Where to apply: Municipal or ward office or pension office
For company employees and civil servants, the change is often made through the workplace.
Where to apply: Police box, driver license center, or some municipal office windows Required documents: Resident registration certificate (with new address) and current driver's license Time required: Completed at the counter on the same day (address label is attached)
Where to apply: Municipal or ward office (can be done at the same time as moving-in notification) Note: If you don't update the address, there will be a discrepancy between the information on the IC chip and your actual address.
Where to apply: Prefectural passport center
If the passport is still valid, the address change can be made by notation on the back.
Where to apply: Transportation Bureau or Light Vehicle Inspection Organization
If you're moving to a different prefecture, a license plate change is required. Even within the same prefecture, a change may be necessary if the jurisdiction changes.
After filing your moving-in notification, you'll automatically be registered on the voter list at your new address three months later. If an election is coming up, pay attention to the timing.
How to apply: Online banking, mail, or in-person at a branch
Major banks now allow you to complete address changes through their apps or online banking.
Complete the procedure on each card company's website or by phone. If you have multiple cards, you'll need to update the address for each one separately.
Complete the procedure on the insurance company's dedicated website or through their call center. It's helpful to have your policy number ready.
Your insurance premiums may change when you move (especially for auto insurance).
If you own stocks or investment trusts, you'll need to update your address with each securities company.
You can apply to start electricity service before moving in. Complete the procedure online or by phone.
Gas activation requires your presence, so arrange an appointment in advance for your move-in date.
Start or end water service by contacting the municipal office or water department by phone or online.
Even if you apply before moving, it can take 1-4 weeks for internet service activation, so apply as early as possible.
You'll need to update your address for NHK fees.
Japan Post Forwarding Service: Mail sent to your old address will be forwarded for one year (free). Complete the procedure at a post office or on the Japan Post website.
Submit this promptly, as it affects payroll, social insurance, and resident tax procedures.
If your commuting costs change, submit an application with proof (such as your commuter pass).
For elementary and middle school transfers, you'll need a certificate of moving out and a certificate of attendance. Contact your new school to confirm the required documents.
Identify medical facilities near your new address and request a referral letter if necessary.
If you have a dog or cat, you'll need to update the address on its microchip registration (in the Ministry of the Environment database).
Update your shipping address with e-commerce sites and subscription services (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.).
Since important notices are sent to this address, update it early.
Seal registration is tied to your address, so you'll need to register your seal again at the office in your new municipality.
If you have a car, secure a parking space within 2 km of your new address and obtain a parking space certificate from the police box to use for your vehicle registration address change.
There are many types of procedures to complete after moving, so it's important to prioritize those with deadlines. First priority is to file your resident registration transfer notification within 14 days. By then proceeding in order with your driver's license, My Number Card, and financial institutions, you can complete all procedures without confusion. We hope you'll use this article as a checklist to ensure you don't miss any post-move procedures.
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