Socket Mobile Devices Certified for Japan's My Number Card Program

Published Date : 8/15/2025 

Socket Mobile's SocketScan S370 and S550 devices have been officially certified by the Japanese government for use with the My Number Card, opening new opportunities in digital identity and secure access to government services. 

Socket Mobile has achieved a significant milestone with the official approval from the Japanese government for its SocketScan S370 and S550 data-capture devices. These devices are now certified readers for the My Number Card national ID system, marking a major step forward for the company's presence in Japan. The certification places these readers on Japan’s official list of eligible devices, paving the way for businesses and developers to integrate them into various public-sector and commercial applications that require secure access to government services.

According to Dave Holmes, Chief Business Officer at Socket Mobile, “Our approval as an official My Number Card reader provider marks a major milestone for our presence in Japan. The scale and reach of the My Number Card program are immense, especially with its recent integration into Apple Wallet on iOS.” This integration underscores the growing importance of digital identity solutions and the role of advanced data-capture devices in enhancing security and convenience.

Japan’s My Number Card, managed by the Digital Agency of Japan, serves as the backbone of the country’s digital identity infrastructure. Over 100 million cards have been issued, enabling citizens to complete a wide range of tasks, from filing taxes and accessing social security to managing health insurance, all through their smartphones and compatible readers. The My Number Card program is a testament to Japan's commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of its citizens.

The compact, contactless S550 reader and the hybrid S370, which combines NFC with 1D/2D barcode scanning, are designed to pair seamlessly with smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth. They support ISO 18013-5 standards for mDLs and identity credentials, ensuring broad compatibility and high-performance data capture across existing applications. Socket Mobile’s CaptureSDK further enhances this compatibility, allowing for seamless integration and reliable performance.

“Being listed as an approved provider not only validates the performance and reliability of our mobile readers but also opens up exciting opportunities for us in one of the world’s most forward-looking digital economies,” Holmes added. This certification is a significant achievement for Socket Mobile, positioning the company as a key player in Japan's digital identity landscape and setting the stage for future innovations and collaborations.

Socket Mobile’s commitment to innovation and security aligns perfectly with the goals of the My Number Card program. As more businesses and developers adopt these certified readers, the potential for enhancing digital services and protecting user data becomes increasingly promising. The company’s ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of data-capture technology will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and expansion of the My Number Card system in Japan. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the My Number Card program in Japan?

A: The My Number Card program in Japan is a national ID system managed by the Digital Agency of Japan. It serves as the backbone of the country’s digital identity infrastructure, enabling citizens to perform various tasks such as filing taxes, accessing social security, and managing health insurance through their smartphones and compatible readers.

Q: Which Socket Mobile devices are certified for the My Number Card program?

A: Socket Mobile's SocketScan S370 and S550 data-capture devices are certified for the My Number Card program in Japan.

Q: What are the key features of the SocketScan S370 and S550 readers?

A: The S550 is a compact, contactless reader, while the S370 is a hybrid reader that combines NFC with 1D/2D barcode scanning. Both devices pair with smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth and support ISO 18013-5 standards for mDLs and identity credentials.

Q: How does the My Number Card integrate with Apple Wallet on iOS?

A: The My Number Card can now be integrated into Apple Wallet on iOS, allowing users to securely store and use their digital identity credentials on their smartphones.

Q: What benefits does the certification bring to businesses and developers?

A: The certification of Socket Mobile's devices for the My Number Card program opens up opportunities for businesses and developers to integrate these readers into public-sector and commercial applications requiring secure access to government services. 

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