Civil Records for Japan citizens in the United States — 2026

Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Japan authorities. Essential for citizens of Japan living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.

Japan consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

• Birth registration: children of Japan parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Japan nationals
• Marriage registration: marriages of Japan citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
• Death registration: death of Japan nationals in the U.S.
• Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Japan

Required documents

• Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
• Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
• Certified translation to the official language of Japan
• Passport and ID of the Japan citizens involved
• Application form completed

How to register

Most Japan consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Japan civil registry office.

Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.

Costs and processing times

Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Japan can take additional months.