What to Do if You Lose Your Passport or Residence Card in Japan

Losing your identification in a foreign country is stressful, but Japan has a structured system for handling lost documents. Your priority should be reporting the loss to the police and then following the specific administrative steps required to replace your legal identification.

Step 1: Report the loss to the police

The first thing you must do is go to the nearest Kōban (police box) or police station. Tell the officer that you have lost your passport or residence card. The police will create a report and provide you with a Lost Property Report Number (ishitsubutsu todoke bango). This number is essential; you will need it to prove to your embassy and the Immigration Services Agency that the document is officially missing.

If you believe your wallet was stolen, you should report it as a theft rather than a simple loss. This distinction may be important for insurance claims or official records.

Step 2: Replacing your passport

If you are a foreign national, you must contact your country's Embassy or Consulate in Japan. They are the only authorities that can issue a new passport. Be prepared to provide:

• The police report number.

• Proof of identity (such as a digital copy of your lost passport or other ID).

• Passport-sized photographs.

• The required application fees.

Processing times and required documents vary significantly depending on your nationality. Always check the official website of your embassy before visiting.

Step 3: Replacing your residence card

For foreign residents, your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) is your primary legal ID in Japan. Losing it is a serious matter because it is required for almost all daily activities, including banking and mobile phone contracts. You must visit an office of the Immigration Services Agency to apply for a re-issuance.

To apply, you will generally need:

• The police report number.

• Your passport.

• A recent photograph.

• The application fee (please check the official Immigration Services Agency website for current rates).

While waiting for your new card, you should confirm with the immigration officer what temporary proof of status, if any, is acceptable.

Good to know

• Digital Copies: Always keep a digital photo of your passport and residence card on your phone or in cloud storage.

• Lost and Found: You can check the Lost and Found sections of major train companies like JR East or Tokyo Metro online, but the police database is the most comprehensive.

• Fees: Fees for replacement documents are subject to change. Always carry cash, as many government offices may not accept credit cards for administrative fees.

Official information

• JNTO – Japan Travel
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – Visa
• Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the latest details with the official sources above.