Socket Mobile Readers Approved for Japan's My Number Card Program

Published Date : 8/15/2025 

Socket Mobile has received official certification from the Japanese government for its SocketScan S370 and S550 data-capture devices, making them eligible for the My Number Card national ID system. This opens new opportunities for businesses and developers in the digital identity space. 

Socket Mobile has won official approval from the Japanese government for its SocketScan S370 and S550 data-capture devices, qualifying them as certified readers for the My Number Card national ID system.

The inclusion on Japan’s official list of eligible devices opens the door for businesses and developers to integrate these readers into public-sector and commercial applications requiring secure access to government services.

“Our approval as an official My Number Card reader provider marks a major milestone for our presence in Japan,” said Dave Holmes, Chief Business Officer at Socket Mobile. “The scale and reach of the My Number Card program are immense, especially with its recent integration into Apple Wallet on iOS.”

Japan’s My Number Card, managed by the Digital Agency of Japan, serves as the backbone of the country’s digital identity infrastructure. More than 100 million cards have been issued, enabling citizens to complete tasks such as filing taxes, accessing social security, and managing health insurance through their smartphones and compatible readers.

The compact, contactless S550 reader and the hybrid S370 — which combines NFC with 1D/2D barcode scanning — pair with smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth and support ISO 18013-5 standards for mDLs and identity credentials. They leverage Socket Mobile’s CaptureSDK, which allows broad compatibility and data-capture performance across existing applications.

“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 said. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the My Number Card?

A: The My Number Card is a national ID card in Japan managed by the Digital Agency of Japan. It serves as the backbone of the country’s digital identity infrastructure, enabling citizens to complete 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?

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

Q: What features do the SocketScan S370 and S550 have?

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?

A: The My Number Card has been recently integrated into Apple Wallet on iOS, allowing users to store and use their digital identity credentials on their smartphones.

Q: What is the significance of Socket Mobile's certification?

A: Socket Mobile's certification as an official My Number Card reader provider marks a major milestone for the company, validating the performance and reliability of their mobile readers and opening up new opportunities in Japan's digital economy. 

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