NARA Records · Japan
NARA Records Apostille for Japan
Route, timeline, translation and price for using a NARA Records in Japan — based on the official Hague Convention status table.
Quick answer
Japan accepts a U.S. apostille. Your NARA Records needs one apostille from the U.S. Department of State — 10–12 business days with us. Certified Japanese translation typically required.
- Route
- Apostille — one step
- Hague member since
- 27 July 1970
- Issuing authority
- National Archives and Records Administration
- Translation
- Certified Japanese translation typically required.
Is Japan a Hague Convention country?
Yes. The Apostille Convention has been in force for Japan since 27 July 1970, and for the United States since 15 October 1981 — so a U.S. apostille is accepted in Japan with no embassy step.
The route to Japan
A NARA Records is issued by National Archives and Records Administration, a federal authority, so it is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — never by a state office. For Japan, that apostille is the finish line.
People most often send documents to Japan for work visas, spouse visas, business. Receiving offices set their own requirements, so confirm what yours asks for — we’ll help you read it.
About the NARA Records
How to apostille National Archives (NARA) records for citizenship by descent, genealogy and historical proof of status.
This is one of the documents we can obtain for you. If you don’t have your NARA Records yet, we can request it and prepare it for Japan in the same order.
Timeline and price
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days | Hand-delivered in Washington, D.C. |
| Certified translation | Alongside | Ordered with the authentication so nothing waits in sequence |
| Return shipping | 1–3 days in the U.S. | Tracked courier; worldwide delivery available |
Price: $299 per document, government fees and U.S. shipping included.
Translation for Japan
Certified Japanese translation typically required. We coordinate certified translation alongside the authentication so the document arrives ready to file.
How it works
Confirm the route
Tell us you’re sending a NARA Records to Japan. We confirm route, price and timing before any payment.
Get the document to us
Ship it to our processing office, or to any of our U.S. offices and we route it internally.
Pre-submission review
We check it against authentication requirements to catch the problems that cause rejections.
Department of State
Hand-delivered to the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
Certified translation
Arranged alongside so it arrives ready to file in Japan.
Delivery
Returned to you by tracked courier, or sent directly to your recipient in Japan.
Sources: HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (updated 30 June 2026) · U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document.
NARA Records for Japan — FAQ
Is Japan part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. The Convention has been in force for Japan since 27 July 1970, so a U.S. apostille is accepted there directly.
How long does it take to prepare a NARA Records for Japan?
About 10–12 business days for the U.S. Department of State apostille, plus return shipping. Certified translation runs alongside.
How much does it cost to send a NARA Records to Japan?
$299 per document, with government fees and U.S. shipping included. We confirm your exact price before any payment.
Do I need a translation for Japan?
Certified Japanese translation typically required. We can arrange certified translation with your order.
Can you obtain the NARA Records for me?
Yes — we can request it and prepare it for Japan in one order.
Do I have to be in the United States?
No. Most Japan orders are handled entirely by mail, and we can ship the finished document anywhere.
Related: NARA Records — full guide · All documents for Japan · Apostille vs. embassy legalization · Why apostilles get rejected
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.