Signature Certificate (Sign Shomei)

2021/5/1
The Signature Certificate replaces the Inkan Shomei in Japan and certifies the applicant's signature (in Japanese and with a thumbprint). If you have documents sent from Japan, you will need to sign them in front of our staff. Please bring the documents unfilled and unsigned. 

This certificate is used for asset distributions, real estate registrations, bank loans and transfer of vehicle ownership in Japan.

In regards to real estate registrations in Japan, a signature notarized by a Notary Public is also acceptable. More information is available on the website for the Ministry of JusticeOpen a new window (in Japanese).

Currently our office is accepting visitors by appointment only. Please click hereOpen a new window and book your appointment before coming to the Consulate.
 

Required Documents

  1. Sign Shomei Application FormOpen a new window
         SampleOpen a new window　
  2. A valid Japanese Passport
  3. Proof of legal status in the U.S.
         ◦ Green card, visa, 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.
  4. If applicable, the Japanese documents that require attachment of our certificate.
         ◦ Please confirm with the requestor whether there are specific documents that need your signature.
         ◦ If there are no specified documents, you will sign directly on our certificate.

Signature Certificate Types:

  • Format 1: For those who have documents from Japan
         ◦ You will sign (in Japanese and with a thumbprint) on the document in front of our staff, and we will certify that the signature belongs to you by attaching our certificate with a seal overlapping two pages.
  • Format 2: For those who do not have documents from Japan
         ◦ You will sign (in Japanese and with a thumbprint) on our certificate and we will certify that the signature belongs to you.

For fees, click hereOpen a new window.

Additional Information

  1. The applicant must sign in-person, so you cannot designate someone else to apply.
  2. You must fill out the Reason and Destination where the certificate will be submitted in Japanese. Please check with the requestor regarding the reason, destination, and number of copies needed for each destination before applying. (E.g., Destination: Social Insurance Agency, Legal Affairs Bureau, XX Bank, etc. Reason: Receive Pension, Succession of Property, etc.)
  3. The certificate will be issued and given to you immediately. (If required documents are missing, we cannot accept your application.)
  4. Only Japanese citizens may apply for this certificate. Non-Japanese citizens will need to go to a Notary Public for certification and send it to Japan.
  5. Your Japanese passport number will show on your Signature Certificate. If your passport is expired or in the process of renewal, you cannot apply. Please renew your passport first and once you receive your new passport you may apply for the Signature Certificate.
  6. There are no expiration dates for our Signature Certificate. However, the organization you are submitting to may have limitations on validity, so please check with the organization concerned. (E.g., Must be issued within X months.)
  7. For more information on Signature Certificates related to real estate registrations in Japan, click hereOpen a new window (in Japanese only).

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