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Registration of Personal Seals and Certificate of Seal Impression

In Japan, a person's "seal"is commonly used as a method of verification or authentication of one's written decisions. In the case that one's signature alone is not enough for legal acceptance, one's personal seal will also be required. Important transactions for which a seal may be required include: vehicle registration, real estate purchase or sale and the borrowing and lending of money. Seals registered at City Office are called "Jitsuin", which means "legally registered seal".

1. Registration of Personal Seals

Foreign residents in Narita aged 15 years and over, who have completed Non-Japanese Registration, are able to register their seal. The person registering the seal must personally apply to the Citizen Department of City Office and present both the desired seal and their Non-Japanese Registration Certificate. The Seal Registration Certificate (Card) will then be issued. The fee for this certificate is 300 yen. Keep this certificate safely at home. It is required every time one applies for a Certificate of Seal Impression.
If you have just moved into Narita city, the Seal Registration Certificate from your previous city of residence will not be valid in Narita. Please apply to Narita City Office for a new Seal Registration Certificate.

2. Applying For A Certificate of Seal Impression

The Seal Registration Certificate (Card) proves that the seal has been legally registered. To then obtain a Certificate of Seal Impression, one must apply in person to the Citizens Department of City Office, and present the Seal Registration Certificate (Card). The fee for the Certificate of Seal Impression is 300 yen.