[2026 Latest Edition] Complete Guide to My Number Card Photo Requirements! What Are Common Pitfalls and Tips for Looking Your Best?

August 19, 2026 August 19, 2026

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With the new fiscal year approaching, more and more people are getting their "My Number Card" for administrative procedures. Beyond its convenience as an official photo ID, it is an essential item for various online applications.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the photo requirements needed for application, as well as the specific application procedures!

My Number Card Photo Requirements
Commonly Overlooked Pitfalls
プTips from Professionals │ How to Look Great in Your Photo
Summary │ Smoothly Issue Your My Number Card with a Satisfying Photo

My Number Card Photo Requirements

The photo requirements for the My Number Card are as follows. Please note that for in-person applications at counter services, there are detailed rules regarding head positioning, etc.

Taken within the last 6 months
Facing forward, without a hat, and with a plain background
Black-and-white photos are acceptable
*Photos with editing or processing that hinders face-to-face identity verification are not accepted.

[For Application by Mail]

Size: Height 4.5 cm × Width 3.5 cm (Passport size)
Back of the photo: When attaching it to the application form, write your full name and date of birth on the back.

[For Online Application]

File format: JPEG
Color mode: RGB color (CMYK color, etc. are not allowed)
File size: 20KB to 7MB
Pixel size: Width 480 to 6000 pixels, Height 480 to 6000 pixels

※ Please note that if the photo at the time of application does not meet the guidelines, it may take longer to issue the card, or a retake may be required.

Appropriate Photo Standards from the My Number Card General Website

Commonly Overlooked Pitfalls

Let's check surprising rules and points that can make your photo look bad.

Glasses

・Frames covering the eyes, or light reflection on the lenses
・Extremely thick frames covering a large area of the eyes or face

Removing glasses is recommended.
Alternatively, tilt your chin down slightly when shooting or adjust your position to minimize reflections.

Hairstyle

・Bangs are too long, hiding the eyes / hiding the outline of the face
・Excessive hair volume, making the face area appear small

Divide your hair so that your eyes, ears, and face outline are not hidden.

Background

・Shadows or patterns in the background
・Background contains objects like chairs

Be careful with "white clothing on a white background"!
A common mistake is taking a photo in a white shirt in front of a white wall, where the line of the shoulders blends into the background, leading to rejection due to an "unclear outline." In a studio photo session, the background color can be fine-tuned to match your clothing, or proper lighting can be used to emphasize the boundaries, so you don't have to worry about outfit or background colors!

Tips from Professionals │ How to Look Great in Your Photo

Once made, a My Number Card is an identity document that you will keep using for up to 10 years (*for individuals aged 18 and over). To avoid taking a photo casually and regretting it later, here are preparation tips from a professional perspective to make your photo look dramatically better while ensuring a smooth application process!

Choose clothes strategically for a sleek look

We recommend dark colors or clothes with an open neckline]
Distinct colors like navy or gray make facial features look sharp, and V-necks have the effect of making the neck appear longer.
Bad Examples
Hoodie hoods or clothes with large collars may cover the jawline, which might be judged as interfering with identity verification.

Posture alone changes "facial brightness"

Many concerns about "the face looking dark in photos" are actually caused by posture rather than lighting.

Chest out
Hunching over tilts the face downward, preventing light from entering the eyes and creating a dark impression.
Just stretching your back and slightly pulling your chest out allows light to spread across your whole face, giving a lively expression.
Tucking your chin in too much is a bad idea
Tucking your chin in too much can cause a double chin or create an upward gaze. Stretch your neck with the "image of the top of your head being pulled upward" and gently tuck your chin.

19Studio is Recommended for Taking My Number Card Photos in Tokyo!

At 19Studio located in Shinjuku, taking photos for your My Number Card is available! Our staff will guide your posture and expression from an objective third-person perspective to capture a photo you are satisfied with.

With professional lighting technology, we illuminate your entire face brightly, while our staff carefully supports you so that your eyes, ears, and face outline are not hidden. Retouching completely removes background shadows, finishing with a clear image. Furthermore, we precisely align the face size and position down to the pixel level, delivering high-quality photos that strictly comply with My Number Card regulations!

Same-day reservations and same-day delivery are available, so it is also recommended for those who need ID photos urgently!

Click here for details!

Summary │ Smoothly Issue Your My Number Card with a Satisfying Photo

The My Number Card is an important ID card that will be used in even more situations in the future. By preparing a "photo compliant with standards" in advance, you can eliminate stress such as re-application efforts or issuance delays.

Please use this guide as a reference, and feel confident receiving your new card with a satisfying photo that best represents you.