Consular Services

Here are some consular services that are available to those with a Japanese nationality and some for non-Japanese nationals.

※If you are applying for a visa, please click here.

【Family Registry (koseki)】

Definition	Koseki, or the Family Registry is a system where each household registers its major life events, such as marriage, divorce, birth, and death.
Who is registered?	Only Japanese citizens are registered. Therefore, the koseki is also used as proof of Japanese citizenship. ※In the case of a child born in the U.S. with either or both parents having Japanese citizenship, if the parents wish to get Japanese citizenship for the child, need to register the child's birth at the local city hall (in Japan) or at a Japanese consulate or embassy (outside of Japan) within three months of the child's birth.
How do I get a copy of my koseki?	A certified copy of the koseki is needed in order to apply for certificates, passports, and registrations. Each city/town/village of one's domicile, called honseki-chi, keeps and manages the koseki. Therefore, it can only be obtained in Japan. Please ask a family member to obtain it on your behalf or contact the municipal office directly for other options.
Types of Koseki	Koseki Tohon - is a record of all family members. Koseki Shohon - is a record of one individual family member. ※Please check your requirements to determine which one you need before requesting a copy.
Validity	Depending on the application's requirements, a certified koseki needs to be issued within 3-6 months prior to your application date. If no specific requirements are listed, either a koseki tohon or shohon is valid, unless the details registered on your koseki is not up to date.

※The consulate cannot obtain a copy of a koseki on your behalf and cannot access information to locate your koseki.

Certificates

Certificates are issued to be submitting to other institutions. You are required to write the purpose and to which institution you will be submitting the certificate to, so please make sure you check such details before applying for a certificate.

※Some certificates only apply to Japanese citizens or former Japanese citizens.

Types of Certificates (Click for details)

Certificate of Residence Zairyu Shomei（在留証明）	Japanese citizens only	The Residency Certificate will prove where you reside currently (including your past residences and household members). For example, this certificate will prove that your life is based overseas to start receiving pension benefits and Onkyu, to proceed with asset distributions and real estate registrations, or for school examinees to prove the number of years they lived abroad.
Signature Certificate Shomei Shomei（署名及び拇印証明）	Japanese citizens or former Japanese citizens only	The Signature Certificate will replace the Inkan Shomei in Japan. It certifies signatures required for asset distributions, written oaths, and contracts to submit to government and public offices, or for real estate registrations, bank loans, and transfer of vehicle ownership in Japan.
Birth Certificate Shussei Shomei（出生証明）	Japanese citizens or former Japanese citizens only	This English certificate will provide the date and place of birth based on the Family Registry.
Marriage Certificate Konin Shomei（婚姻証明）	Japanese citizens only	This English certificate will provide the date and place of marriage between two people based on the Family Registry.
Divorce Certificate Rikon Shomei (離婚証明)	Japanese citizens only	This English Certificate includes your date and name of both divorcing spouses based on your Family Registry.
Driver License Certificate Jidosha Unten Menkyo Bassui Shomei （自動車運転免許抜粋証明）	Anyone who has lived in Japan	A partial translation of a Japanese driver license. ※SOFA Driver License is not a Japanese driver license.
Police Certificate Keisatsu Shomei （警察証明）	Anyone who has lived in Japan	This certificate reports whether you have a criminal record for the duration you lived in Japan.
Other Certificates		Please contact the Consular Section at 206-682-9107 or at consul@se.mofa.go.jp regarding other certificates (Divorce, Japanese Passport, Certificate of Recorded Contents, Translation Certificate).

Registration

Japanese citizens need to register the following to be reflected on their family registry or koseki.
Such documentation will be sent to Japan, then delivered to the relative domicile and it may take a month or more for it to be reflected on the koseki.
Type of Registry (Click for details)

Birth	This registration is for a child born in the U.S. from a Japanese parent. Must be submitted within 3 months of the birthdate.
Marriage	For marriages recorded in the U.S., you must submit this registration to update your family registry.
Divorce	For divorces finalized in the U.S., you must submit this registration to update your family registry.
Death	Submit this registration for Japanese citizens who have passed away in the U.S. However, if they will be laid to rest in Japan, submit your registration at a municipal office in Japan for faster proceedings.
Choice of Nationality	Ministry of Justice of Japan about Choice of Nationality (If you have dual citizenship, it is your duty to choose your nationality by the age of 20)
Renunciation	If you have dual or multiple citizenship and wish to renounce your Japanese citizenship, you will need to submit this registration.
Denaturalization	If you acquired U.S. citizenship by naturalization, you have lost Japanese citizenship in accordance to the Nationality Law of Japan and will need to submit this registration.

Japanese Passport Application/Renewal

Japanese Passport Application/Renewal (Click for details)

Application Form (please use BLACK ink)	One Application Form (please use BLACK ink) How to fill in the application form for an ordinary passport Click here to download the application form (Japanese)
*Family Registry (Koseki Tohon)*	One Family Registry (Koseki Tohon), issued within the past six months, is required if: Passport is expired or lost OR The registered domicile (registered address, known as Honseki) or name has changed (to add a non-Japanese spouse's name for the first time, an official document such as a green card or marriage certificate is required to verify the spelling of the name) OR A minor child's parents are divorced, to show proof of custody
Japanese Passport	* If applicable. Current or Expired Japanese Passport
Passport Photo	One photo, taken within the past six months Size: 35mm x 45mm (width x height) OR U.S. passport photo size (2in x 2in). The area from the top of the head to the chin must be no less than 32 mm, and no more than 36 mm high. Should be facing forward with a plain background No hats, masks, or sunglasses School photographs may not be accepted Best if taken at a photo studio (poor quality digital photo may not be accepted) For example, click here (Japanese)
Proof of U.S. Legal Status	Green Card (for Permanent Residents) or U.S. VISA / U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate (for Dual Citizens). ※For dual citizens born outside of the U.S., a Consular Report of Birth Abroad Certificate will be required.
Proof of Residence	Proof of Residence (For example: U.S. Drivers license)
Letter of Consent*	* If applicable. Letter of Consent (Application for Japanese passports of minors )

Lost/Stolen Passport (Click for details)

Required Documents, in addition to the required documents to apply for a Japanese Passport (please see Japanese Passport Application/Renewal section):

Report of Loss or Theft Form	Available at the consulate
Police report (if available)	If the actual report is unavailable, just the case number will suffice.
Passport Photo	One photo, taken within the past six months (You will need a total of two photos: one for the report and one for the new passport or tokosho) Size: 35mm x 45mm (width x height) OR U.S. passport photo size (2in x 2in). The area from the top of the head to the chin must be no less than 32 mm, and no more than 36 mm high. Should be facing forward with a plain background No hats, masks, or sunglasses School photographs may not be accepted Best if taken at a photo studio (poor quality digital photo may not be accepted) For example, click here (Japanese)
Note	If a copy of the lost passport and/or passport number and issue date are known, please have the information available. Applicant must appear in person at the Consulate. Tokosho (Travel Document) can be issued in lieu of a passport for an immediate return to Japan only (see below for required documents)

Travel Document (Tokosho) (Click for details)

The Travel Document (Tokosho) can be picked-up one or two days prior to departure.

Travel Document (Tokosho) Application Form	Available at the consulate
Report of Loss or Theft Form	Available at the consulate
Police Report (if available)	If the actual report is unavailable, just the case number will suffice.
Family Registry (Koseki Tohon or Koseki Shohon)	One Family Registry (Koseki Tohon or Koseki Shohon), issued within the past six months
Passport Photos	Two photos, taken within the past six months Size: 35mm x 45mm (width x height) OR U.S. passport photo size (2in x 2in). The area from the top of the head to the chin must be no less than 32 mm, and no more than 36 mm high. Should be facing forward with a plain background No hats, masks, or sunglasses School photographs may not be accepted Best if taken at a photo studio (poor quality digital photo may not be accepted) For example, click here (Japanese)
Passport	(If available) Expired passport or a copy of the lost passport
ID issued in Japan	ID issued in Japan (for example: Hokensho, driver's license, student ID)
Flight itinerary or airline ticket	Flight itinerary or airline ticket (to confirm passenger’s name, date of departure, airline and flight #)
Fee	We accept cash ONLY (exact amount please)
Proof of U.S. Legal Status	* If applicable. Green Card (for Permanent Residents) or U.S. VISA / U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate (for Dual Citizens). For dual citizens born outside of the U.S., a Consular Report of Birth Abroad Certificate will be required.

Certificates

Registration

Japanese Passport Application/Renewal

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