Passport renewal in Japan
Renewing a Japanese passport typically involves submitting an application, along with necessary documents and photographs, to the appropriate consular office or passport center. The new passport will have a validity period of either five or ten years, depending on the applicant's age and choice.
It is generally advisable to begin the passport renewal process several months before the current passport expires. This allows ample time for gathering required documents, scheduling appointments if necessary, and accommodating the processing period, which can vary.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential appointment scheduling, document preparation, and the general processing period which can be a few weeks. Starting well in advance helps avoid last-minute complications.
The process
- 1Determine the appropriate application location, such as a prefectural passport center in Japan or a Japanese embassy/consulate abroad.
- 2Gather all necessary documents, including the current passport, application form, and required photographs.
- 3Complete the passport application form accurately and thoroughly.
- 4Submit the application and all supporting documents in person at the designated application window. Some locations may require an appointment.
- 5Pay the applicable passport issuance fee at the time of application or collection.
- 6Collect the new passport in person from the same office, typically within a specified timeframe (e.g., 7-10 business days after application).
What to bring
- Current Japanese passport
- Completed passport application form (入手できる場所によって異なる)
- One official passport photograph, meeting specific size and background requirements
- Family Register (戸籍謄本 or 戸籍抄本) for certain renewal circumstances or first-time applicants, or if there has been a change in registered domicile, name, etc. (usually not required for simple renewals if information is unchanged)
- Proof of legal residence status (for applicants residing overseas)
Who handles it
外務省 (Gaimu-shō - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan) / 領事館 (Ryōjikan - Consular Offices)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/passport/pass_2.html
The fee for a 10-year passport is 16,000 JPY, and for a 5-year passport (for applicants aged 12 and over) it is 11,000 JPY. For applicants under 12, a 5-year passport costs 6,000 JPY. These fees are payable at the time of application or collection, and specific payment methods should be confirmed with the relevant passport office.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure the passport photograph meets all specific requirements (size, background, expression); non-compliant photos are a common reason for application delays.
- Verify the exact documents required by the specific application location, as requirements can slightly vary, especially for overseas applications.
- Be aware that the name and other personal information on the new passport will generally be the same as the old one unless specific changes (e.g., name change) are requested and properly documented.
- Confirm whether an appointment is necessary for submission, especially at embassies or consulates abroad, as walk-ins may not be accepted.
Sources
Other documents in Japan
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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