Japanese Passport Renewal

2023/5/4
If you have a current passport, and you DO NOT have any changes on your Family Registry (name, Registered Domicile, or gender), you may renew your passport within 1 year of the expiration date.

If you have more than 1 year remaining but need to apply for a foreign visa, you may be eligible to renew your passport. Please contact the Consular Section for more information.

If you have changes on your Family Registry or wish to add a new foreign name (non-Hepburn spelling or alternative name), please click hereOpen a new window for details.

If you are running out of visa pages, you may also renew your passport even if you have more than 1 year of validity remaining.

 A picture containing logo Description automatically generated Applications CANNOT be accepted by mail.
 A picture containing logo Description automatically generated The Japanese Passport window is by appointment only. Please click here and book your appointment before coming to the Consulate.
 

Required Documents

1. One application form
 Effective March 27, 2023, due to the Amendment in the Passport Law of 2022, a new passport application form is available. Previous versions of passport application forms will no longer be accepted.

- To request an application form by mail, click hereOpen a new window.
- You may fill it out at our office or download hereOpen a new window (must type in Japanese and print out the form.)
- Use BLACK INK ONLY. Do NOT use an erasable pen.
- Do not bend or fold the form
- Sample Form: FrontOpen a new window & BackOpen a new window
- There are 2 types: 10-year or 5-year passport.
   - Minors under the age of 18 can only apply for a 5-year passport.
- Applicants age 6 and older will need to sign their own name.
- Minors (under age 18) will need a parent or legal guardian signature.
   - If the parent or guardian does not live with the minor, the minor will need the Letter of ConsentOpen a new window from them in order to apply. The applicant must submit the original Letter of Consent along with the envelope it was mailed in.
 
2. One photo, taken within 6 months
- You may bring a 2”x2” U.S. passport photo, however, the size of the face (from head to chin) should be between 3.2 tp 3.6cm (～1⅜“). Please bring the photo uncut.
- Should be facing forward with plain background.
- School pictures may not be accepted.
- Best if taken at a photo studio as grainy digital camera photos may not be accepted.
- Should have neutral expression. Any photos with an exaggerated smile with teeth showing, or hair covering the eyes, or any digitally altered photos may not be accepted.
- Eye glasses: cannot have frame cover eyes or flash reflect over eyes.
 
3. Current passport  (If lost or stolen, click hereOpen a new window)
 
4. Proof of legal status in the U.S. (For details, click hereOpen a new window）
- Green card, visa, I-20, etc.
- U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate for dual citizens born in the U.S.
- Dual citizens born outside of the U.S. are required to bring their birth certificate known as the Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
 
5. Proof of residence
- Driver License, mail addressed to applicant, checkbook, etc.
 
※ If the parents of a minor (under age 18) are divorced, documentation in regards to the custody of the child will be required. Please bring the Family Registry (Koseki Tohon only) or the Final Judgment issued by the court which states the legal custody.
 
※ Additional supporting documents may be required if you have overstayed your visa, have not submitted your registrations, submitted questionable documents, etc.
 

 

For fees, click hereOpen a new window.

 

Additional Information

〇 Non-Hepburn Spelling & Alternative Names
・  A new system to indicate alternative surname/given nameOpen a new window will be effective April 1, 2021. A former surname that appears on the Family Registry will now be noted in parenthesis as “旧姓/Former surname” on your passport. Other names will also be noted in parenthesis as “別姓/Alternative surname” or “別名/Alternative given name.” As a result, if you wish to continue using the former or alternative surname, you will need to bring proof of that surname (※ such as documents above for ‘Proof of legal status in U.S.’) and in general, former surnames will require a Family Registry (Koseki Tohon) or a Removed Family Registry (Joseki Tohon).
・  If you have a foreign last name and wish to have the foreign spelling or wish to add an alternative name due to marriage, you must bring additional documents (such as a Marriage Certificate, green card, driver license) that shows the spelling.

〇 Designating Someone to Apply on Your Behalf
・  You may designate someone to apply on your behalf. You must download the application form and fill it out beforehand, or you may request an application form by mailOpen a new window (however, you cannot apply by mail.)
・  On the front side of the application, please sign on the dotted line and inside the box (this is the signature that will appear on the passport). Applicants age 6 and older will need to sign their own name. If the applicant is 18 years and older, they must fill out the back side (or 2nd page) bottom section, for authorization of a designated person.
・  The designated person must have their ID and ALL of your necessary documents to apply.

〇 In Regards to the Questionnaire on Violations
If any of the violations listed on 1~6 applies to the applicant, the ‘Explanation of Circumstances’ and any indictments, judgments (docket sheets), or etc., will be required during application and may extend the number of days to process the passport.

〇 Pick Up
・  For those who live in our jurisdiction but in remote areas, you may be eligible for the same-day service. Click hereOpen a new window for more information.
・  Pick up must be done in person by applicants of all ages within 6 months of the application date. Please bring your pick-up slip with the fee in cash.
・  Processing time is 5 business days.
・  If you do not pick up your passport within 6 months of the issue date, your new passport will be voided and you will need to obtain a new Family Registry and reapply for your passport.


〇 On the application form, you will need to write your Registered Domicile (Honseki-chi) and your emergency contact (in Japan). Please verify their name, address, and phone number beforehand.

〇 If you became a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you have lost Japanese nationality and cannot apply for a Japanese passport. You are required to report the loss of Japanese nationality by submitting the Denaturalization Registration (Kokuseki Soshitsu Todoke) as soon as possible.

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