US Passport Copy · Japan
US Passport Copy Apostille for Japan
Route, timeline, translation and price for using a US Passport Copy in Japan — based on the official Hague Convention status table.
Quick answer
Japan accepts a U.S. apostille. Your document is apostilled by the state where it was notarized. Certified Japanese translation typically required.
- Route
- State apostille
- Hague member since
- 27 July 1970
- Issuing authority
- US Department of State
- 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.
Why this document takes the state route
A US Passport Copy is certified by a notary, so the signature being authenticated is the notary’s — not a federal official’s. That means it is authenticated by the Secretary of State of the state where it was notarized. For Japan, that state apostille is the final step.
We handle Florida notarizations through the full chain. Documents notarized in other states need that state’s authentication first.
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 US Passport Copy
How to apostille a certified copy of a U.S.
You obtain this from US Department of State. We can’t request it on your behalf, but once you have it, we handle everything through to delivery in Japan.
Timeline and price
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State apostille | Varies by state | Issued by the state where the copy was notarized |
| 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: Quoted, 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 US Passport Copy 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.
State authentication
Issued by the Secretary of State where the document was notarized.
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.
US Passport Copy 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 US Passport Copy for Japan?
Timing depends on the state where it was notarized; for non-Hague destinations, our federal and embassy steps take 15–17 business days once state authentication is complete. Certified translation runs alongside.
How much does it cost to send a US Passport Copy to Japan?
State-route pricing depends on where the document was notarized.. 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 US Passport Copy for me?
No — you obtain it from US Department of State first. Once you have it, we handle the rest.
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: US Passport Copy — 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.