If you’re a US citizen married to a Japanese citizen, one important document you’ll need for various legal processes is your Japanese Marriage Certificate. This document is typically issued by the ward or city office in Japan and serves as proof of your marriage. Whether you’re planning to apply for an immigrant visa, a social security card, or update your status with the US government, having an English translation of your marriage certificate is essential.
Why Do You Need to Translate Your Japanese Marriage Certificate?
A Japanese marriage certificate is issued in Japanese, which can be difficult for US authorities to interpret. Whether you are applying for a visa or other government services in the US, the translation must be accurate and legally acceptable. Many processes, such as immigration paperwork, updating your name with the Social Security Administration, and even certain financial transactions, require an official translation of your marriage certificate.
In addition to serving as proof of your marriage, this translated certificate may also be needed for:
- Applying for a US spousal visa
- Social security card issuance
- Changing your name or marital status in US records
- Applying for health insurance or other benefits
Steps for Translating Your Japanese Marriage Certificate
- Obtain the Original Marriage Certificate: Your marriage certificate will be issued by the ward or city office where the marriage took place. Ensure that you have the official copy of the certificate before proceeding with the translation process.
- Translate the Document: Once you have your marriage certificate, the next step is to have it accurately translated into English. At Dave Higgins Office, we specialize in providing professional translations for marriage certificates and other official documents. Our translation services ensure that the document is not only linguistically accurate but also legally recognized by US authorities.
- Submit Your Translated Marriage Certificate: Once your marriage certificate is translated, it’s ready to be submitted for use in the necessary applications, such as visa applications, social security updates, and other legal processes in the United States.
- Optional (Apostille Authenticate): In some cases your original Japanese Marriage Certificate will need an official Apostille Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This allows the original Japanese Marriage Certificate to be used anywhere across the world to prove it’s authenticity. At Dave Higgins Office, we provide this service of Apostille Authentication.
Why Choose Dave Higgins Office for Your Translation Needs?
At Dave Higgins Office, we understand the importance of having accurate translations for legal documents, especially when it comes to marriage certificates. Our team of professional translators ensures that your document is translated with the highest level of precision, providing you with a notarized translation that meets all legal requirements for use in the United States. Whether you are in Okinawa or anywhere in Japan, our translation services are here to make your paperwork process seamless.

