Tenshutsu Todoke: How to Submit a Moving-out Form in Japan

Last Updated: July 9th, 2025
Tenshutsu Todoke: How to Submit a Moving-out Form in Japan

Moving to a city in Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan? Changing addresses? Or leaving Japan for good? There's one form you must fill out before you move on. 

Today, we cover how to submit a moving out form (転出届 = tenshutsu todoke) in Japan that all residents must submit before relocating elsewhere. 

What is the moving-out (tenshutsu todoke) form? 

All residents (including foreigners residing in Japan) are required by law to notify their local city office when any change of address occurs. 

Primarily, this “moving out” paperwork is called tenshutsu todoke 転出届. Residents must file this form with their current municipality before relocating to a different city or moving abroad.  

Failure to submit this paperwork may result in a fine (up to ¥50,000).

If you are moving within Japan, you must next submit a moving-in form (転入届 = tennyu todoke) to the city where you are relocating. 

For example, say you live in Shinjuku City, but you are moving to Minato City. A simplified action plan would look like this: 

  1. Submit a moving-out form to Shinjuku City.  

  2. Receive a moving-out certificate from Shinjuku City. 

  3. Present the moving-out certificate from Shinjuku City to Minato City Office. 

  4. Concurrently with 3, submit a moving-in form to Minato City Office

If you are leaving Japan, then only 1 and 2 are required. (This checklist covers how to move out in Japan for those leaving for a prolonged period or permanently.)

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When should I submit a moving-out form in Japan? 

Submit your moving-out form at least 14 days before moving out and no later than the day of the move. 

While cities have varied processes for accepting this application, all cities throughout Japan maintain a 14-day time frame when leaving a city. 

What do I need to submit a move-out form in Japan?

When you move-out from one city to another in Japan, you will need to submit the following to the city office:

  • Notification of moving out form

  • Identification document (driver's license, passport, etc.)

  • National Health Insurance Card, Elderly Medical Benefits Card , Infant Medical Care Card, etc.

  • Seal registration card (only for those who have already registered)

Additionally, if someone else is submit the tenshutsu todoke form for you, they will need to present a "power of attorney" and "the representative's own seal (a personal seal is acceptable) and identification documents."

Where can I download the tenshutsu todoke form? 

Municipalities in Japan use different systems to keep their resident registries up to date. Thus, every city has its own form that city residents must fill out when relocating.

To find out the specific process and form for your city, search for 転出届 + [your city name]. Some municipalities call the form 住民異動届 = jyuumin idou todoke, change of residence form, which you can also search for. Minato City uses a 住民異動届 = change of residence form. Shinjuku City uses a 転出届 = moving-out form. 

Note: If you are moving within city boundaries (not moving to a new city), the form you want to look for is  転居届 = tenkyo todoke, which notifies the municipality of a change in address within city bounds. 

Step-by-step how to submit a moving-out form in Japan in-person

Here are the general steps to submit a move-out form in-person before a relocation. 

Step 1. Google your city's official home page. 

Every city in Japan has an official website where directions regarding their moving-out procedures can be found. If the city's official site is not available in English, look for the kanji 転出届 or 住民異動届 to find the relevant directions. 

Step 2. Download the move-out form from your city office website and fill it out. 

While the forms will vary, the information you will be requested to fill out remains largely the same. Some city offices have the form available in English.

Notification Change Address

Image. Shinjuku’s English Tenshutsu Todoke Form is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Find the form by searching [市/区/転出届] in your browser. Most city offices now allow you to download and print out the form from their website.

Step 3. Gather the required documentation as listed by your city office. 

Generally speaking, these items will include ID verifying documents (My Number Card, driver’s license, residence card, etc.), your inkan, and your health insurance card

Step 4. Go to your city office and submit the paperwork. 

Bring the filled-out form and the required documentation discussed in Step 3 to your city office. If you aren’t sure which desk to stand at, you can ask, “Tenshutsu todoke wo dashitai no desuga…” (I’d like to submit a moving-out notice.)

Step 5. Receive the moving-out certificate. 

After receiving your paperwork, the municipality will issue you a moving-out certificate (転出証明書 = tenshutsu shou mei sho) that you must bring with you when registering in a new city in Japan. 

Moving out certificate

The moving out certificate japan form that you will receive

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How to submit a moving-out form in Japan by proxy

Most cities allow the use of a designated proxy (代理人 = dairinin) to submit this paperwork so long as all other conditions are followed. 

In addition to your documents covered in the previous section, your proxy must bring personal ID verification, their inkan, and a certificate of appointment (委任状= ininjyou), which you issue to your proxy. You can find the certificate of appointment form on each city's website.

Minato City’s proxy certificate form

Minato City’s proxy certificate of appointment document (Japanese PDF)

Additionally, certain rules and conditions surrounding proxies apply, depending on the city. 

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Step-by-step how to submit a moving-out form in Japan by postal mail

Most cities allow you to submit the moving-out form by postal mail. If your city permits this, these are the general steps:

Step 1. Download the moving-out form from your municipality's website. 

Nagoya Translated Mail-In Move Out Form

Translated: Nagoya’s Mail-In Tenshutsu Todoke Move out Form

Fill it out and set aside. Also, make note of the municipality address to which you must send your paperwork. 

Step 2. Make photocopies of the required ID-verifying documents to include with your moving-out form. 

This ID will be included with your moving-out form. Generally speaking, it will be 1 of the following: 

  • My Number Card

  • Driver's license

  • Residence card

Step 3. Include a self-addressed return envelope with an 110-yen stamp affixed.

Required so that they can send you a moving-out certificate. 

It will take from 1 week to 10 days to receive a certificate of moving out by mail. Because you must use the moving-out certificate to complete your registration in a new city, officials advise that you list your new address on the return envelope. 

(Alternatively, find out how to use Japanese postal mail forwarding to receive mail at your new address!)

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Use the My Number Card to fast-track the moving-out form

As of 2025, many municipalities now support online submission of the moving-out form (Tenshutsu Todoke) via MyNa Portal.

If you have a My Number Card, you can use the MyNa Portal to report your move-out through an online application without going to the city office, which means less paperwork. Check your city's eligibility on the official MyNa Portal or municipal website. Some cities now allow online submission even if you’re moving abroad.

This fast-track does not apply to My Number Notification Card holders. 

Instructions and allowances for submitting a moving-out form with your My Number Card will differ from city to city. Be sure to research whether your city has made this available or not.

Additionally, you’ll need to visit the municipal office in person to complete the required registration when moving into your new municipality.

Note: You can not use this method when you are leaving Japan.

Can I submit the moving-out form online?

Yes — if your municipality supports it. Many cities now allow you to submit the form via the MyNa Portal if you have a My Number Card (not just the notification version).

You can:

  • Log into MyNa Portal using your card and reader or phone

  • Submit the moving-out form online

  • Still need to visit the new city to file your moving-in (転入届) form

Check your municipality here: https://myna.go.jp

Common Japanese phrases for your city office visit

Navigating the city office can be much easier with these essential Japanese phrases. Practice these beforehand to communicate effectively with staff.

Getting started

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

Excuse me

すみません

Sumimasen

I would like to submit a moving-out form

転出届を出したいのですが

Tenshutsu todoke wo dashitai no desu ga

I'm moving out of the city

市外に引っ越します

Shigai ni hikkoshimasu

I'm leaving Japan

日本を出国します

Nihon wo shukkoku shimasu

Finding the right department

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

Where is the residents' affairs counter?

住民課はどこですか?

Jūmin-ka wa doko desu ka?

Which window should I go to?

どの窓口に行けばいいですか?

Dono madoguchi ni ikeba ii desu ka?

Can you help me?

手伝っていただけますか?

Tetsudatte itadakemasu ka?

Submitting documents

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

Here are my documents

書類です

Shorui desu

I have filled out the form

フォームに記入しました

Fōmu ni kinyū shimashita

Is this correct?

これで合っていますか?

Kore de atte imasu ka?

I don't understand

わかりません

Wakarimasen

Common questions you might be asked

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

What is your new address?

新しい住所は?

Atarashii jūsho wa?

When are you moving?

いつ引っ越しますか?

Itsu hikkoshimasu ka?

Do you have your residence card?

在留カードはありますか?

Zairyū kādo wa arimasu ka?

Do you have your health insurance card?

健康保険証はありますか?

Kenkō hoken-shō wa arimasu ka?

If you need help

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

I don't speak Japanese well

日本語があまりできません

Nihongo ga amari dekimasen

Could you speak slowly?

ゆっくり話してください

Yukkuri hanashite kudasai

Could you write it down?

書いてもらえますか?

Kaite moraemasu ka?

Is there someone who speaks English?

英語を話せる人はいますか?

Eigo wo hanaseru hito wa imasu ka?

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

I forgot to bring...

...を忘れました

...wo wasuremashita

Do I need to bring anything else?

他に持参するものはありますか?

Hoka ni jisan suru mono wa arimasu ka?

Can I submit this by mail?

郵送で提出できますか?

Yūsō de teishutsu dekimasu ka?

When will I receive the certificate?

証明書はいつもらえますか?

Shōmei-sho wa itsu moraemasu ka?

For proxy submission

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

I am submitting on behalf of someone

代理で提出します

Dairi de teishutsu shimasu

I have a power of attorney

委任状があります

Ininjō ga arimasu

The person I represent is...

代理する人は...

Dairi suru hito wa...

Key terms

English

Japanese

Pronunciation

Moving-out form

転出届

Tenshutsu todoke

Moving-out certificate

転出証明書

Tenshutsu shōmei-sho

Residence card

在留カード

Zairyū kādo

My Number card

マイナンバーカード

Mai nanbā kādo

Health insurance card

健康保険証

Kenkō hoken-shō

Seal/stamp

印鑑

Inkan

Power of attorney

委任状

Ininjō

Representative/proxy

代理人

Dairi-nin

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Frequently asked questions

What is 転出届 tenshutsu todoke? 

The meaning of 転出届 = tenshutsu todoke is a "moving out" form that residents in Japan must file with their current municipality before moving out.

When should I submit a tenshutsu todoke

The tenshutsu todoke should ideally be submitted about 2 weeks in advance of moving. However, if one is unable to submit it before their moving date, they must submit it post-move as soon as possible.

Who can submit a tenshutsu todoke

The tenshutsu todoke can be submitted by the individual moving, the head of the household, or their representative.

What happens after the tenshutsu todoke procedure is completed? 

After the tenshutsu todoke procedure is completed, a moving out certification (tenshutsu shomei sho) is issued.

What documents do I need to bring for the tenshutsu todoke procedure? 

For the tenshutsu todoke procedure, you will need to bring your Residence Card, and the Notice of Moving Out (Tenshutsu Todoke) from your previous ward office. In some cases, proof of your flight ticket may also be required.

What if I didn't give a moving-out notification before I moved to a new city?

If you didn't give notification of moving out before moving to a new city, you should submit the Tenshutsu Todoke as soon as possible after moving. Go to your nearest Residents' Affairs Division (市民課) or Community & Residents' Affairs Division (区民生活課), as they will help you in this process.

In closing

Navigating the process of moving can be daunting, especially when it involves understanding and complying with legal requirements in a foreign country. However, with the right information and guidance, the process of submitting a Tenshutsu Todoke, or moving-out form, in Japan can be straightforward and manageable.

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