Most Maryland paperwork bound for Japan needs only an apostille. Here is how to get one, whether you do it yourself or have us handle it.
Japan has applied the convention since July 27, 1970. Offices there that receive foreign documents, such as civil registries, courts, universities and consulates, check for the apostille rather than an embassy stamp.
The apostille only confirms the signature and seal on your document. Each office in Japan still sets its own rules about how recent the document must be and whether it needs a translation into Japanese.
Vital records for Japan
- Certified copySigned and sealed by a Maryland official
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Notarized documents for Japan
- Sign before a Maryland notaryThe notary's stamp names their county.
- Clerk of the Circuit Court (notary’s county)Authenticates the notary · about $1 per document
- Maryland Secretary of State16 Francis Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 · $5 per document
- Apostille attachedValid in every Hague Convention country
Cost for Japan
| Option | Per document |
|---|---|
| Vital record, you mail it yourself | $5 |
| Any Maryland document, we file it | $50 |
| Notarized, we handle the clerk too | $50 + $1 |
| Federal (FBI check) | $57 |
Japan: common questions
Is a Maryland apostille accepted in Japan?
Most Maryland paperwork bound for Japan needs only an apostille. Here is how to get one, whether you do it yourself or have us handle it.
Do I need a translation for Japan?
Often. Official business in Japan is conducted in Japanese. If your document is in English, the receiving office may ask for a certified translation into Japanese, usually made after the apostille is attached.
Can I apostille a birth certificate for Japan myself?
Yes. A certified Maryland birth certificate goes straight to the Secretary of State with a $5 fee. Our free guide explains each step.
What if my document for Japan is notarized?
Then the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the notary's county must authenticate it first. We handle both offices for you.