How to Renew a Japanese Passport in the USA

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Many Japanese citizens renew their passports while studying, working, or residing in the United States. Applications are handled through Japanese diplomatic missions with specific procedures for document submission, payment, and passport collection.

How to Renew a Japanese Passport in the USA

In this article, you'll learn what the requirements are for a Japanese passport renewal in the US, what documents you need to prepare, and where to get a compliant passport photo.

Table of contents

Who Can Renew a Japanese Passport in the USA?

The crucial validity requirement for renewing your Japanese passport in the USA is that you are eligible when your current passport has less than one year left. This is the primary trigger to start the process. You can also renew your passport if it has run out of visa pages, even if it has more than a year left.

If your name, registered domicile (Honseki), or gender has changed since your last passport was issued, you must submit an official copy of the registry and apply for a "revised" passport rather than a standard renewal.

Renewal services are available at the Japanese Embassy or consulate responsible for your area. If you're registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Portal (ORRネット), you can also start the process online using the passport smartphone app. However, you must collect your new passport in person from the consulate.

Where to Apply for a Japanese Passport in the United States

To apply for a Japanese passport, you must go to the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your state of residence. Below, you'll find the main Japanese consular offices and their areas in the USA.

Embassy of Japan, Washington, DC:

New York Consulate-General:

Chicago Consulate-General:

Los Angeles Consulate-General:

Seattle Consulate-General:

For a complete list of Japanese consular offices in the United States, refer to the Consulate Guide.

Required Documents for Passport Renewal

Below, you’ll find a detailed checklist of documents for both types of Japanese passport renewal in the USA.

If you submit your application online via the app:

If you submit your application in person at the embassy or consulate:

Get a Photo for a Japanese Passport Application Online!

With Visafoto, you can create a passport photo that meets Japanese requirements without visiting a photo studio. It only takes two simple steps:

  1. Upload a photo taken in good natural lighting to the Visafoto tool below.
  2. Select ‘Japan’ as the country and ‘passport’ as the document type.

That's it! The rest we'll handle for you. The service automatically adjusts your image to match official passport photo standards, including the correct size, background, and head position. You'll receive both a digital version for online use and a print-ready file.

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Visafoto can also improve image quality when necessary. It enhances lighting, sharpens details, increases resolution, and corrects framing issues. In many cases, there is no need to take a new picture. You can even photograph an existing passport photo with your phone and let Visafoto improve the scan. If your image already meets the required standards, the system leaves it unchanged.

Original photo sample:

Passport photo original source

Edited result:

Example of a Japanese passport photo
Japanese passport photos for printing

Visafoto has helped users submit over 1 million successfully accepted photos and maintains a 99.7% acceptance rate. If your photo is rejected, you receive a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7 to assist with any questions.

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How to Print a 35×45 Photo in the USA?

Visafoto makes printing your passport photos easy by providing a file with four photos on one sheet. Read on to learn how to easily print them.

Printing at home:

  1. Use 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper for best results.
  2. Open the photo file on your computer.
  3. Right-click on the file and choose "Print."

Visafoto designs the images to print at the correct size, so there's no need for further adjustments.

Using a printing service:

  1. If a printer isn't available at home, head to a local photo printing shop. Request a print on 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
  2. Alternatively, upload the photo file to an online photo service. Opt for the 4×6-inch print size and place your order.

In the USA, popular options include Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, which offer home delivery for your printed photos.

Use this guide to print passport-sized photos for under 50 cents.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Renewing your Japanese passport from the United States is now a hybrid process. Although you can complete the application online, you must still visit the consulate in person to pick up your new passport. Below, you'll find a step-by-step guide for both the online application and the in-person application.

For online application:

  1. Register with ORR-net: Ensure your residence is registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the Online Residence Registration (ORR-net) portal if you haven't already.
  2. Download the application app: Get the "Passport Application" app from the App Store or Google Play. This app is designed for Japanese citizens living overseas and will guide you through the application process.
  3. Upload required documents: Through the app, submit essential documents like a recent passport photo (taken within the last six months) and a digital copy of your current passport. If you’re applying for a minor under 18, include a parental consent form.
  4. Submit your Family Registry (Koseki), if needed: If required, you must provide an original Family Registry (Koseki Tohon), issued within the past six months. This document cannot be submitted via the app. Once you receive an application reference number, send the Family Registry to the consulate either by mail or in person, often requiring an appointment. Note: If your passport is valid with no name or domicile changes, you don’t need a new Koseki Tohon.
  5. Collect your passport: Visit the consulate in person to pick up your new passport once it's ready. Bring your old passport and any original documents you previously submitted, as you might need them for verification.

For in-person passport renewal application at the Japanese embassy or consulate in the USA:

  1. Gather necessary documents: Refer to the list mentioned earlier in the article.
  2. Book an appointment: Schedule your visit through the official website of your local consulate.
  3. Submit your application: Attend your appointment to hand in your application and documents. Note for minors:
    • Only 5-year passports are available for applicants under 18.
    • Minors under 16 must be accompanied by both parents, each providing a passport or ID.
    • If a parent or guardian cannot attend, a signed Letter of Consent with the mailing envelope is required.
  4. Pay the fees: Fees must be paid in U.S. dollars in cash at the consulate window.
  5. Pick up your passport in person: When your passport is ready, visit the consulate in person to get it.

Fees for Japanese Passport Renewal

Renewing your Japanese passport in the U.S. involves standard fees, depending on the type and duration of the passport and the applicant's age. Below you'll find the fee structure.

Check the official website for the actual fees.

Processing Time and Urgent Cases

Due to new security features introduced in March 2025, passports are now manufactured in Japan and shipped to the United States.

The current processing period ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, with Washington D.C.'s embassy estimating at least 3 weeks.

If you have an urgent need to travel to Japan and cannot wait for the standard processing, you may qualify for an Emergency Travel Document (Tokosho). Obtain it one or two days before departure through your local Japanese embassy or consulate. Submit a written request with necessary documents and a photo, detailing the urgency of your travel.

Key restrictions:

Upon arrival, you must apply for a regular passport in accordance with standard procedures for further international travel.

FAQ

Can I renew my Japanese passport online from the USA?

You can start the process online using the passport smartphone app if you're registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Portal (ORRネット). However, you must collect your new passport in person at the consulate.

Do I need a Koseki Tohon every time?

Not always. You don't need a Koseki Tohon for a standard renewal unless you've changed your name, domicile (Honseki), or gender since your last passport was issued.

Can I renew an expired Japanese passport?

Yes, visit a Japanese embassy or consulate general in the U.S. for expired passport renewal. Bring your old passport and a Family Registry (Koseki Tohon) issued within the last six months.

What happens if my passport is lost?

You must apply for a new passport, as lost or stolen passports can't be renewed. Report the loss to the consulate and submit a police report, a Report of Loss form, passport photos, and proof of Japanese nationality. If traveling to Japan urgently (within two weeks), apply for an Emergency Travel Document (Tokosho) for a one-way trip only.

Can minors apply for a 10-year passport?

No, minors under 18 can only apply for a 5-year passport. The 10-year passport is available only to those aged 18 and older at the time of application.