Seal Registration
Last UpdateApril 15, 2010
Registered Seal
In Japan, personal stamped seals are generally used instead of signatures on important documents concerning your rights, such as contracts. You should register the imprint of your seal with the city office. Attaching a copy of the registration certificate issued by the city enables others to know that the seal imprint is genuine and that it represents the intent of the seal owner.
A seal registered with the city is called a "registered seal" (or "jitsuin") and the document verifying that registration is called a seal "registration certificate."
Seal Registration
Seals are usually registered in person by the seal holder. Seals may be registered by
individuals aged 15 or older. Only one seal per person may be registered. When registering
your seal, bring some form of identification, such as your Foreign Resident Registration
Card, a valid passport or your driverfs license, along with your seal.
However, the following cannot be registered:
(1) seals that do not show the name indicated on the Foreign Resident Registration Card
(2) seals that show something other than occupation, status or name
(3) seals made of rubber or other easily changeable materials
(4) seals whose imprints are not within the specified size range, that is, with sides measuring between 8 and 25 mm in length
Once the seal has been registered, a Seal Registration Card (Nishitokyo Citizen's Card)
will be issued to the owner.
Registration fee: 300 yen
Inquiries: Citizen Registration Section (Tanashi, Hoya), Hibarigaoka Ekimae Branch, Yanagibashi Branch
Seal Registration Certificate
Bring your Seal Registration Card with you to request a Seal Registration Certificate. You do not need to bring the registered seal or a letter of proxy. Certificates cost 300 yen per copy. If you use a card that has a registered personal identification number (PIN), you can request a certificate even on nonbusiness days from the automated machines located at the Tanashi and Hoya City Offices, the Hibarigaoka Ekimae Branch, Yagisawa Kominkan, Shibakubo Kominkan, and Hoya Ekimae Kominkan.
Certificates issued from the automated machines cost 200 yen per copy.
Inquiries
Citizen Registration Section (Tanashi Bldg.)
Tel: 042-460-9820
Citizen Registration Section (Hoya Bldg.)
Tel: 042-438-4020
Hibarigaoka Ekimae Branch
Tel: 042-425-7577
Yanagibashi Branch
Tel: 0422-51-8439
