Relocating to a new residence marks the beginning of an exciting chapter. From finalizing the lease to coordinating moving services and utility setups, there’s a great deal to organize. Yet one crucial task is often overlooked: address change notifications.
Failing to update your address in a timely manner can result in important mail or deliveries being sent to your former residence, missed payment notices, or other unexpected troubles.
This article presents a curated checklist of essential address updates to complete before and after your move. We outline each step with clear timing and procedures to help ensure your transition is seamless and stress-free.
Address Change Priorities Before and Immediately After Moving
✅ 1. Submit a Mail Forwarding Request to Japan Post (Essential)
Recommended timing: Ideally, complete this process at least one week before your move.
【Reasons】: Japan Post’s mail forwarding service will redirect mail sent to your former address to your new residence free of charge for up to one year. Even with meticulous address updates, there’s always a risk that certain items may still be sent to your old address. For this reason, submitting a forwarding request is an essential safeguard.
【Methods】:
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Apply online via “e-Tenkyo” or at your local post office
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Identity verification is required (e.g., driver’s license or other government-issued ID)
✅ 2. Notify Local Government Offices of Your Change of Residence
【Timing】:
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Moving-Out Notification: Submit to your current municipality up to 14 days before moving
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Moving-In Notification: Submit to your new municipality within 14 days after moving
【Reasons】: Failing to update your resident registration can lead to issues with key administrative services, such as national health insurance enrollment, seal registration, and voter eligibility. Delays may even result in penalties or fines.
【Required Documents】:
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Valid photo identification (e.g., driver’s license or My Number Card)
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Personal seal—may not be required depending on the municipality
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National Health Insurance card (if applicable)
✅ 3. Utilities (Electricity, Gas, and Water)
【Timing】: Begin arrangements 1–2 weeks prior to your move.
【Reasons】: Utility activation and termination often require advance reservations or in-person appointments, especially for gas. Making arrangements too close to the move date may limit availability and delay essential services.
【Key Considerations】:
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Gas service typically requires an in-person inspection and activation appointment
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Be sure to handle both termination at your old residence and contract initiation at the new address
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Don’t forget to update your payment method (e.g., bank transfer or credit card)
✅ 4. Update the Address on Your Driver’s License
【Timing】: This should be completed promptly after your move, as required by law.
【Place】: Visit the police station or driver’s license center with jurisdiction over your new address.
【Required documents】:
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Your current driver’s license
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A document verifying your new address (e.g., resident registration, My Number Card, etc.)
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Personal seal– may not be necessary, depending on the local police office
✅ 5. Notify Banks, Credit Card Providers, and Financial Institutions
【Timing】: Complete these updates within one week after your move.
【Reasons】: An outdated address may prevent the delivery of important documents, including replacement cards or renewal notices.
【Methods】: Most institutions allow address changes via online banking portals or mobile apps (e.g., Mitsubishi UFJ, Rakuten Bank, PayPay Bank)
【Important Note】: Some banks may request a copy of your resident registration to complete the update process.
✅ 6. Mobile Phone and Internet Service Contracts
【Timing】: Ideally, complete these updates 1 to 2 weeks before your move.
【Reasons】: Scheduling installation appointments or issuing a new SIM card may take time. For internet services in particular, delays in coordination can lead to service gaps.
【Methods】:
- Address updates can typically be completed via each provider’s online account portal or mobile app (e.g., Docomo, au, SoftBank).
- For home internet services, note that activation may take 2 to 3 weeks—early arrangement is highly recommended to avoid any service interruption during your relocation.
✅ 7. Health Insurance and National Pension Notifications
【Applicable To】:
Individuals enrolled in National Health Insurance or the National Pension System.
(Note: Employees enrolled in company-sponsored plans will have changes processed by their employer.)
【Required Procedure】:
These updates can be completed at the same time as submitting your moving-in and moving-out notifications at your local city or ward office.
✅ 8. My Number Card (Individual Number Card)
【Timing】: Submit your address update within 14 days of moving.
【Reasons】:The My Number Card is an official government-issued ID that must display your current address. Without updating, the card becomes invalid for identification purposes.
【Place】: At the municipal office of your new address.
【Required document】: The My Number Card itself
✅ 9. Insurance Policies (Life, Fire, Automobile, etc.)
【Timing】: Complete address updates within two weeks after moving.
【Reasons】:For policies such as fire or automobile insurance, the coverage is tied directly to the registered address. Failure to update your address may render the policy invalid—potentially leading to denied claims in the event of an incident.
✅ 10. E-Commerce Platforms and Subscription Services
【Examples】:Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, ZOZOTOWN, and other recurring delivery services
【Timing】: Before placing your next order, ensure that both your registered billing address and delivery address are accurately updated to reflect your new residence.
Commonly Overlooked Address Change Notifications
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Employer – for payroll records, year-end tax adjustments
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Schools, Preschools, and Daycare Centers – update emergency contact information and communication logs
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Subscription Services – ensure billing details are accurate for platforms like Netflix, Spotify, etc.
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Magazine and Newspaper Subscriptions – to prevent delivery interruptions
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Library Cards, Gym Memberships, and Video Rental Accounts – update your profile with the new address
Address Updates: Timing, Consolidation, and Record-Keeping Are Key
✅ Plan Ahead When Possible
→ Take care of tasks in advance where feasible—such as mail forwarding, utility arrangements, and internet service installation.
✅ Consolidate and Complete Related Tasks in a Single Step When Possible
→ Group related tasks—like resident registration, insurance updates, and My Number Card modifications—and complete them during a single visit to the local municipal office.
✅ Keep a Clear Record of Your Progress
→ Maintain a checklist or note of what you changed, when, and with which organization to ensure nothing is overlooked and to give you peace of mind.
Address Updates: The Switch That Restarts Your Daily Life
Relocation is more than just a change of address—it’s an opportunity to restructure and refresh all essential records tied to your everyday life. While the process may seem tedious, addressing each item with care helps prevent avoidable costs and administrative issues down the road.
Handled thoughtfully, address updates become one of those tasks you’ll be glad you completed. To ensure a smooth transition into your new home, we encourage you to work through this checklist methodically—each step brings you closer to a seamless new beginning.