From 30 July 2024, we are accepting applications for disaster damage certificates that prove the level of damage to homes affected by the earthquake. Applications are processed at the first-floor conference room of City Hall（市役所庁舎1階会議室）, Monday to Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. During this period we also accept applications on weekends and holidays. Because demand is high, we hand out numbered tickets on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:30 a.m.
Disaster damage certificate for homes
This proves the level of damage to a home that has been damaged by disaster. Normally, after you apply we carry out a site inspection, and then we give you the certificate. However, under the 'self-assessment method', we can skip the site inspection and make a damage assessment from photos.
Applications for a disaster damage certificate for the 2024 Kumamoto earthquake are as follows.
Applications open: from 30 July 2024 (Thursday)
About applications from 1 August (Saturday) onwards
We apologise that you may have to wait a long time for your disaster damage certificate.
[About applications for disaster damage certificates]
From 1 August (Saturday) onwards, we will handle applications for disaster damage certificates as follows. Please understand.
The application method may change depending on the situation in the future.
Because the number of people we can help each day is limited, from 8:30 a.m. we hand out numbered tickets showing the expected time slot (for example, Saturday 1 August, 10:00–11:00). We do not hand out tickets ahead of time.
When all numbered tickets for the day have been handed out, everyone who visits will get a ticket showing the next available day and time slot.
If you have a ticket, please come during your scheduled time slot and we will help you then (though depending on how busy we are, you may be called a little earlier or later).
If the scheduled day and time do not suit you, you can come on any day between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., and we can help you when space becomes available. However, you may have to wait a long time. Please understand.
We will strengthen our resources and help you as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience.
What the disaster damage certificate covers
Homes (buildings used for living at the time the disaster happened). This includes homes you own and homes you rent.
Self-assessment method for minor damage
If damage to the home is clearly less than 10 per cent, and you agree with the assessment 'not partly collapsed (partial damage)', we do not carry out a site inspection. We assess the damage from photos instead.
As soon as the site inspection is complete and we are ready to give you the certificate, we send the disaster damage certificate to you by post.
If you have already received a disaster damage certificate after the first inspection and you disagree with the result, you can apply for a second inspection.
If the damage is minor and you do not need a site inspection (or do not want one), and you want a 'partial damage' certificate, bring photos showing the damage to the window and we will check them and give you a 'partial damage' certificate the same day. However, depending on what you bring or what we ask, we may not be able to give it to you that day.
About the disaster certificate
This proves you have been damaged by the disaster. We do not carry out a site inspection and do not assess the damage.
What the disaster certificate covers
Car ports, vehicles, household goods, and so on.
First-floor conference room of City Hall（市役所庁舎）（市役所庁舎1階会議室）
If you have a My Number card, you can apply through the My Number Portal (Pittari Service). We will send you the certificate by post as soon as it is ready.
If you apply through the My Number Portal
Get your My Number card and photos ready, and apply through the My Number Portal (Pittari Service).
When you apply through the My Number Portal, please note the following.
If you want a site inspection, do not tick the box on the next screen. Just click 'Next'.
If you tick the box, a 'partial damage' certificate will be given under the self-assessment method.
If you choose the self-assessment method, you must attach photos of the damage.
Disaster damage certificate application form and disaster certificate application form
If you are registered at a different address from where you live, bring a document that shows where you actually live.
ID (My Number card, driving licence, passport, etc.)
If you apply through a representative, a letter of authorisation (not needed if the representative is in the same household)
Photos showing the damage (a full-view photo of the damaged area and a close-up photo)
The photos can be digital files taken on a smartphone.
If you apply through a representative, the representative must show their ID. However, if it is hard to show ID or a letter of authorisation because of the disaster, please let us know.
Photos are not required, but under the self-assessment method, we check your photos and give you a 'partial damage' certificate the same day. However, depending on what you bring or what we ask, we may not be able to give it to you that day.
Please take a close-up photo of the damaged area and a full-view photo so we can see the whole picture.
Please take photos of the damage to your home before you clean up or repair it.
[How to take photos of the outside of the home]
Please take photos from all four sides.
[How to take photos of the inside of the home]
Please take photos of each damaged room.
Reception hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
For the time being, we are open until 5 p.m. (not 4 p.m.) and we also accept applications on weekends and holidays.
If you need a disaster damage certificate or disaster certificate to get rid of disaster waste, you may have to wait a long time. Instead, you can apply for a reduction or waiver without a certificate at the Environment and Transport Section（環境交通課）.
Where to wait for numbered tickets
The building opens at 8:30 a.m. Please wait outside.
Date 2026-08-01 · Last confirmed 2026-08-07 11:50 JST · Translated at 2026-08-03 10:58 JST