Socket Mobile Approved as Official My Number Card Reader Provider in Japan

Rhea-AI Summary

Socket Mobile (NASDAQ:SCKT) has achieved a significant milestone as its SocketScan S370 and S550 readers have received official approval from the Japanese government as certified My Number Card readers. The My Number Card system, Japan's national digital identification platform, serves over 100 million cardholders and enables secure access to various government services.

The company's readers are now listed on Japan's official roster of eligible devices for the My Number Card program, which facilitates access to tax filings, social security, health insurance, and other services. Both readers are ISO 18013-5 compliant and support integration with Apple Wallet on iPhone, positioning Socket Mobile strategically in Japan's digital economy.

Positive

• Official approval as My Number Card reader provider in Japan opens access to 100 million+ potential users
• Strategic positioning in Japan's digital economy through government certification
• Product compatibility with Apple Wallet integration expands market reach
• ISO 18013-5 compliance ensures alignment with international digital ID standards

Negative

• None.

Insights

Global Technology Strategist

Socket Mobile secures Japanese government certification for its readers, opening significant business opportunities in Japan's 100M+ My Number digital ID program.

Socket Mobile has achieved a strategic milestone with its SocketScan S370 and S550 readers now officially approved by the Japanese government as certified My Number Card readers. This certification places Socket Mobile in a privileged position within Japan's comprehensive digital identification ecosystem—a system that already serves over 100 million card holders.

The significance of this approval extends beyond mere certification. Japan's My Number Card program represents one of the world's most advanced digital identity initiatives, now featuring integration with Apple Wallet on iOS devices. This creates a substantial addressable market for Socket Mobile's readers, which are designed specifically for identity authentication, payment processing, and digital credential verification.

The technical specifications of the approved devices—the S550 (a compact NFC reader) and the S370 (supporting both NFC and 1D/2D barcode scanning)—are particularly well-suited for the mobile-first approach of Japan's digital infrastructure. Both readers' ISO 18013-5 compliance ensures compatibility with international standards for mobile credentials, positioning Socket Mobile for potential expansion into other global digital ID initiatives.

This certification effectively positions Socket Mobile as a trusted infrastructure provider in Japan's digital transformation journey, potentially leading to increased adoption across both government agencies and commercial enterprises integrating with the My Number Card system. With the global push toward digitized credentials accelerating, Socket Mobile appears strategically positioned to capitalize on this growing market segment.

FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Socket Mobile, a leading provider of data capture and delivery solutions, is pleased to announce that its SocketScan S370 and S550 readers have been officially approved by the Japanese government as certified My Number Card readers. Both products now appear on Japan's official list of eligible devices for accessing government services through the My Number Card program, an expansive and growing initiative designed to digitize citizen identification and enable secure access to public services.

The My Number Card system is Japan's national identification platform, managed by the Digital Agency of Japan. It serves as a foundational piece of the country's digital infrastructure, enabling citizens to securely access services such as tax filings, social security, health insurance, and more—now even extending to integration with Apple Wallet on iPhone. As a successful example of a national digital identity initiative, the My Number Card program demonstrates how governments can deliver citizen services in a safe, secure, and user-friendly way. With over 100 million cards issued and rising adoption across government and commercial services, the program represents a significant opportunity for Socket Mobile and its partners in Japan.

"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. This designation reinforces our position as a trusted provider of secure, user-friendly data capture tools for businesses and developers integrating My Number Card functionality into their solutions. 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."

Socket Mobile is well positioned in the digital ID and mobile credential reader space, providing readers that are ISO 18013-5 compliant and aligned with international standards for mobile driver's licenses and identity credentials. This ensures broad compatibility and long-term support for evolving global digital ID initiatives.

Socket Mobile's approved readers include the S550, a compact and contactless NFC reader, and the S370, which supports both NFC and 1D/2D barcode scanning. Both are ideal for mobile wallet applications. Designed for identity authentication, payment, and digital credential use cases, the readers pair easily with smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth®.

The S550 and S370 are fully compatible with all existing applications that use the latest version of Socket Mobile's CaptureSDK and can be evaluated immediately. For developers not yet using CaptureSDK, integration provides reliable, consistent data capture performance and gives end-users the flexibility to choose the Socket Mobile reader that best fits their needs.

Socket Mobile remains committed to supporting digital identity adoption and providing flexible, high-performance tools to enable next-generation public and private services.

Discover how the S370 and S550 can support your mobile identity, payment, and credential applications.

Media Contact: David Holmes, David.holmes@socketmobile.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/socket-mobile-approved-as-official-my-number-card-reader-provider-in-japan-302526781.html

SOURCE Socket Mobile, Inc.

FAQ

What products did Socket Mobile (SCKT) get approved for the My Number Card program in Japan?

Socket Mobile's SocketScan S370 and S550 readers were approved as certified My Number Card readers by the Japanese government.

How many users does Japan's My Number Card system serve?

The My Number Card system serves over 100 million cardholders in Japan, providing access to various government services.

What services can Japanese citizens access with Socket Mobile's approved readers?

Citizens can access tax filings, social security, health insurance, and other government services through the My Number Card program using Socket Mobile's approved readers.

Are Socket Mobile's readers compatible with Apple Wallet?

Yes, Socket Mobile's readers are compatible with the My Number Card program's integration with Apple Wallet on iPhone.

What are the technical specifications of Socket Mobile's approved readers?

The S550 is a compact NFC reader, while the S370 supports both NFC and 1D/2D barcode scanning. Both are ISO 18013-5 compliant and connect via Bluetooth®.