Can I register a registered seal with just my name?

When trying to get a registered seal, some people may have questions such as, ``If you get married and change your surname, it will be a hassle, so I want to make one with just your name,'' or ``Do I have to use your full name?''

A registered seal is an important HANKO that is required when exchanging important contracts. We will explain whether it is possible to create a registered seal with just a name, the importance of registered seals, and recent trends.

You can register a HANKO with just your name.

To explain from the conclusion, it is possible to create a registered seal with just your name. However, the conditions vary depending on the municipality where you register HANKO, so please check with your local government office in advance.

What is a registered seal?

A registered seal is a HANKO that has been registered at a government office. Even if you create a HANKO for a registered seal, it will not be considered a registered seal unless it is reported to the government office.

A registered seal is used for exchanging important documents such as land sales, rental housing contracts, life insurance policies, etc. A registered seal has legal effect, so when you need to affix a registered seal, it is necessary to fully understand the responsibility and importance before proceeding with the procedure.

Therefore, it is recommended to avoid HANKO that can be easily purchased or duplicated.

Difference between the role and the seal

A seal is a HANKO that is affixed to items that are exchanged with a relatively high frequency. In the office, it is generally used for checking and receiving documents, and at home, it is used for receiving packages, etc., and is generally used for interactions that do not have a high degree of responsibility. It's a target. Particularly in households, the same seal may be used by the entire family, but since registered seals are registered in individual names, they cannot be used even by a married couple.

HANKO certificate of registered seal

A registered seal becomes a registered seal only after it is submitted to the government office. If you are asked to affix a registered seal in an important communication, you will often be asked to submit a HANKO certificate at the same time.

A HANKO certificate is a document that certifies that a registered seal registered with a government office is genuine. Without a HANKO certificate, a third party cannot determine whether the seal is a registered seal or a registered seal. Therefore, there are some cases where a HANKO certificate is required.

What is the procedure for registering a HANKO?

We will introduce the rules and procedures for creating a HANKO and registering it.

How to register a HANKO

HANKO registration is done at the municipal office of the municipality where you are registered as a resident, and anyone over the age of 15 can register.

You can register by bringing your registered seal and identification such as your My Number card or driver's license to the counter. You can also have your agent handle the procedure.

The conditions for HANKO registration differ depending on the local government.

When creating a registered seal, you can basically register HANKO using only your full name, last name, or first name. You can register using your full name, first name, or old name as recorded in the Basic Resident Register.

Please note that the conditions stated regarding HANKO certificates may differ slightly depending on the local government.

An example of conditions under which registration is not possible

This is an example of a condition under which registration is not possible. (Varies depending on local government.)

• HANKO that easily deform, such as rubber stamps
• The stamp surface is damaged
• Name with kanji, hiragana, and katakana rewritten
• Contains nicknames, Shop Name, etc.
• No outer diameter

Should I use my full name on my registered seal?

We will introduce the benefits of creating a registered seal with your full name and the laws and regulations regarding HANKO registration.

Advantages of making a registered seal with your full name

The advantage of creating a registered seal with your full name is that it improves security. Since there are more strokes than just the name or name, the seal will have a complex design. It is important that a registered seal is difficult to duplicate, so it is safer to use your full name.

Additionally, if the name is just the last name, there are concerns that it may be difficult to distinguish it from the registered seal of a family member, or that it may be mistakenly used as a registered seal.

It is now possible to register a HANKO using your maiden name.

With the revision of the law that has made it possible to register a HANKO using your maiden name, there is no longer any need to worry about having to change it.

From November 5, 2019, the Japanese government has amended the law to allow HANKO to be registered with maiden names, and local governments that have responded to the HANKO revisions are now able to register HANKO with maiden names. I am.

Because women change their surnames when they get married, it was common for women to create a registered seal with just their name so that they could continue to use it even after marriage.

However, now it has become commonplace for women to enter the workforce, and more and more people are using their full names. Additionally, the amendment to the law that allows people to register HANKO even with their maiden name can be said to be in line with the times.

Recommended size for a registered seal

The standard sizes for registered seals are generally 13.5mm, 15mm, and 18mm.

There used to be a custom for wives to make a registered seal one size smaller than their husband's from among the standard sizes, but in recent years, with the spread of the value of diversity, this has become less of a concern.

The key to choosing the size is to make sure that the size of your personal seal and bank seal is larger than the bank seal, and the registered seal is larger than the personal seal.

The thickness of the HANKO that is easy to grip varies depending on the size of your hand, so you should choose the one that fits you best.

summary

In consideration of the possibility of changing the surname due to marriage, it was customary for women to use only their first name, but in recent years it has become common for women to use their full name. Since it is now possible to register a HANKO using your maiden name, there are no longer any concerns.

However, each person has their own reasons for wanting to create a registered seal with their name. Basically, you can register just your name, but depending on the local government, you may not be able to register, so be sure to check in advance.