Maryland apostille for Japan
Japan accepts US documents that carry an apostille. For anything issued or notarized in Maryland, that apostille comes from the Secretary of State in Annapolis, and we can get it for you in a day.
What Japan requires
Japan has applied the Hague Apostille Convention since July 27, 1970, so its courts, ministries, universities and registries are used to receiving US documents with an apostille.
The official language of Japan is Japanese. If your document is in English, the office that receives it may ask for a certified translation. Translations are usually done after the apostille is attached, and some offices want the apostille translated too. Ask the receiving office what it requires.
The apostille confirms that the signature and seal on your document are genuine. It does not change what the document says, and the office in Japan decides whether the document itself meets its rules, for example how recently it was issued.
How we get your apostille for Japan
Order online
Fill in the order form. We confirm the price and send mailing instructions.
Send the original
Mail or drop off your certified copy or notarized document.
Court and state filing
Notarized documents go to the Circuit Court clerk first, then the Secretary of State issues the apostille.
Shipped back to you
Your apostilled document is shipped with tracking, anywhere in the world.
Documents we apostille for Japan
Price for Japan
| Document type | Per document |
|---|---|
| Maryland certified copy (vital, court, SDAT) | $50 |
| Notarized in Maryland | $50 + court fee |
| Federal document (FBI, FDA) | $57 |
Japan apostille questions
Does Japan accept apostilles from Maryland?
Yes. Japan is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille issued by the Maryland Secretary of State is recognized there.
Do I need to take my documents to the Japan embassy?
No. The apostille replaces embassy or consular legalization for Japan.
Do I need a translation for Japan?
Often, yes, if the document is not in Japanese. Translations are usually done after the apostille. Check with the office in Japan that will receive the document.
How much does a Maryland apostille for Japan cost?
$50 per document, including the $5 Maryland state fee, plus return shipping. Notarized documents also need a Circuit Court certification, billed at cost.