Japan Translations

Guide

US state DMV translation requirements for Japanese export certificates

Japan Translations · Certified document translation only · Last reviewed

To title a vehicle imported from Japan, you will usually need an English translation of the Japanese export certificate. What a state asks of that translation is set by state law and differs from state to state. What to do, in order:

  1. Find your state in the state-by-state table.
  2. If your state requires notarization or a translator credential we do not hold, use a translation provider in the United States that can notarize locally. It will cost less and take less time than a notarization arranged in Japan.
  3. If your state accepts a translation with the translator’s signed certificate, order the translation. It is $29.95 per certificate, delivered within 48 hours of payment.
  4. If your state is marked confirm-first or is not in the table, ask the office that will issue your title whether an English translation with the translator’s signed certificate is enough, or whether it needs to be notarized. Then follow step 2 or step 3. You can send your order while you check, since payment comes only after the quote.

Acceptance is decided by the office that issues your title. Following these steps should meet the requirements the state publishes. Of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, we found a published rule or received a written answer from the titling office for 38: in 21, a translation with the translator’s signed certificate meets the requirement; 11 require notarization or credentials we do not hold; 5 need to be confirmed first; and in Rhode Island, the DMV told us no translation is required. For the other 13, we found no rule in the state’s published titling material. Last reviewed 15 October 2026.

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Does your state accept our translation?

In this table, "Accepted" means our standard certified translation, which comes with the translator's signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy and is not notarized, meets the requirement as the state publishes it. Each row names the document we read and the date we last checked its wording. Where a state publishes no rule and its titling office answered our written inquiry (Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee), the row cites that office and the date of its reply.

StateRequirement (source, date checked)Our certified translation
AlabamaEnglish translations required for all documents written exclusively in a foreign language; no certification form, notarization, or translator qualification specified.Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-5-75-.03 — checked 3 October 2026Accepted
AlaskaDMV's own Certificate of Accuracy of Translation form, signed by the translator, with no notary section; the translator cannot be the applicant.Alaska DMV, Certificate of Accuracy of Translation — checked 19 September 2026Accepted — we complete and sign the state form at no extra charge
ArizonaNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
ArkansasNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
CaliforniaNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
ColoradoTranslations must be signed and notarized, or signed under penalty of perjury; anyone who knows the language may translate. The bulletin is addressed to dealers.Colorado DMV Bulletin BL 17-01, Imported Motor Vehicles Titling Requirements, 27 March 2017 — checked 3 October 2026Confirm first — ask whether a translator’s certificate signed without notarization is accepted
ConnecticutOnly translators on the DMV's approved list.CT DMV, Approved translators — checked 19 September 2026Not accepted — approved providers only
DelawareAll foreign language documents must have an English translation attached; no certification form or notarization specified.Delaware DMV, Import Vehicle Procedure — checked 3 October 2026Accepted
District of ColumbiaEmbassy translation, translation company with its stamp, or notarized affidavit.DC DMV guidance as reported in our August 2026 research; not traced to a published DC DMV document — checked August 2026Confirm with DC DMV first
FloridaThe translator must sign the translation before a notary public, state knowledge of both languages, and have no ownership interest in the vehicle. The manual applies Rule 15C-1.013, which on its own asks only for the translator’s certification.FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedure Manual TL-10, Original Certificate of Title, revised 12/25 — checked 3 October 2026Not accepted — notarization required
GeorgiaEnglish translation of each document not printed in English; no certification form specified. The County Tag Office handles the title.Georgia DOR, Transfer a title from another state or country — checked 19 September 2026Accepted
HawaiiThe City and County of Honolulu DMV requires a signed and certified translation stating the translator’s full legal name, physical address, phone number and signature. It adds that a notarized document "provides the best assurance for acceptance" but does not require notarization. There is no translation rule in the Hawaii statutes or administrative rules; the requirement is the county’s operating procedure under HRS §286-41 and §286-52. Reply covers Honolulu only (the other three counties issue their own titles).City and County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services (Division of Motor Vehicles), written reply to our email inquiry — checked 15 October 2026Accepted
IdahoA certified translation is required when owner details on a foreign-language document cannot be read; the rule text has the translator certify it as true and correct, with no notarization.ITD Imported Vehicle Titling Policy, 10 September 2021; IDAPA 39.02.24.100.04, 2014 edition — checked 3 October 2026Accepted
IllinoisEnglish translation required; no certification form specified. Ownership documents must be originals, not copies.Illinois Secretary of State, VSD 272.23 — checked August 2026Accepted
IndianaA translation is required if key fields (year, make, VIN, odometer, owners, liens or vehicle brands) cannot be identified. The English translation must be on a separate page, on the letterhead of a government entity, an accredited educational institution, or a translation company or organization providing translation services to the public.Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, written reply to our email inquiry — checked 6 October 2026Accepted — delivered on our letterhead
IowaA translation may be required, certified as correct by a person qualified to translate the language and submitted with the foreign document; no notarization specified.Iowa Admin. Code 761—400.4(7) — checked 3 October 2026Accepted
KansasNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
KentuckyTranslation papers from the vehicle manufacturer or a "certified translator", a term the page does not define.Kentucky DRIVE, Vehicle Titling, Foreign Titles — checked 3 October 2026Confirm with your County Clerk first
LouisianaNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
MaineNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
MarylandTranslation through the embassy of the country of registration, with the embassy seal.Maryland MVA, Overseas vehicles — checked August 2026Not accepted — embassy only
MassachusettsAccepted certifiers include language service providers; the certificate must carry eight listed elements.Massachusetts RMV, Translation Certification Requirements — checked August 2026Accepted — our certificate carries all required elements
MichiganNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
MinnesotaThe translation must be sworn to by a translator who is not related to the applicant and holds one of the listed credentials, such as ATA accreditation or court certification.Minn. Stat. §168A.085 subd. 2; Minn. R. 7410.0400 subp. 5; DVS Title Certification: New to Fleet, May 2026 — checked 3 October 2026Not accepted — sworn translation by a listed credential holder required
MississippiAny document printed in a language other than English must come with a certified English translation; no certification form specified.Mississippi DOR, Motor Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions — checked 3 October 2026Accepted
MissouriNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
MontanaFor Japanese mini-trucks, the Japanese export certificate and its translation must be submitted; no certification form or notarization specified. We could not retrieve the current edition of the manual.Montana MVD Title Manual, last updated 16 February 2022 — checked 3 October 2026Accepted
NebraskaThe document must be translated into English. Universities, companies and others may translate it; there is no specific procedure and no designated translation company.Nebraska DMV Driver and Vehicle Records Division, written reply to our email inquiry — checked 5 October 2026Accepted
NevadaUnder the DMV’s internal policy, the translation must cover the complete document, state the translator’s title or the translation company they represent, be signed by the translator at the bottom, and be notarized.Nevada DMV Customer Services Division – Titles, written reply to our email inquiry — checked 8 October 2026Not accepted — notarization required
New HampshireA foreign certificate of title must be printed in English or come with a notarized translation.N.H. RSA 261:4, III(a) — checked 3 October 2026Not accepted — notarization required
New JerseyNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
New MexicoA certified translation is required of foreign documents in a language other than English; no certification form or notarization specified.NM MVD Vehicle Procedures Manual, ch. 8, Section U, revised 9 May 2018 — checked 3 October 2026Accepted
New YorkCertified English translation of imported-vehicle documents; certifier not specified. The same page states that NY DMV will not register or title a Kei-class vehicle without proof of compliance with federal safety (FMVSS) and EPA emission standards.NY DMV, Register an imported vehicle — checked 19 September 2026Accepted
North CarolinaNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
North DakotaA translation is needed but does not need to be notarized; the translator cannot be the buyer or the seller of the vehicle. No manual sets out the procedure.North Dakota DOT Motor Vehicle Division, written reply to our email inquiry — checked 5 October 2026Accepted
OhioTranslation by an accredited institution, on its letterhead.Ohio BMV, Titles from out of state — checked August 2026Not accepted — institution letterhead required
OklahomaFor a vehicle not made for sale in the US and never titled in the US, the foreign ownership documents need a notarized translation.47 O.S. §1105(F)(1), as worded in enrolled HB 2111 of 2025 — checked 3 October 2026Not accepted — notarization required
OregonCertified translation for documents in a language that does not use the English alphabet; no translator or notarization specified.Oregon DMV, Titling and registering your vehicle — checked 19 September 2026Accepted
PennsylvaniaEnglish translations for all documents written exclusively in a foreign language; no certification form specified.PennDOT, Import and export FAQs — checked 19 September 2026Accepted
Rhode IslandThe original Japanese ownership document and the original import documents are required; no English translation is required, according to the DMV’s enforcement department. Vehicles from out of the country are processed only at DMV headquarters in Cranston.Rhode Island DMV Research & Title Office, written reply to our inquiry — checked 5 October 2026Not required — the DMV says no translation is needed
South CarolinaForm 4030: accredited translator plus an employer verification letter.SCDMV Form 4030, Translation Document — checked August 2026Not accepted — requirements an independent translator cannot meet
South DakotaNo state rule found. One county treasurer asks for an English translation to be attached to foreign-language documents, without specifying the form.Oglala Lakota County Treasurer, Import Vehicle Requirements, as of January 2024 — checked 3 October 2026Confirm first — the only guidance found is from one county
TennesseeDocuments written only in a foreign language need an English translation (County Clerk article “Imported Vehicles”). The translator’s signed certificate of accuracy is sufficient; the translator must be a third party.Tennessee Department of Revenue, written reply to our email inquiry — checked 5 October 2026Accepted
TexasThe translation must contain a notarized or acknowledged affidavit from the translator; the underlying statute is Transportation Code §501.030(d).TxDMV Motor Vehicle Title Manual, ch. 19 — checked 19 September 2026Not accepted — use a US-based provider that can notarize locally
UtahCertified translation of the foreign ownership documents into English; certifier not specified.Utah Code 41-1a-225(2) — checked August 2026Accepted
VermontNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
VirginiaEnglish translations for documents written exclusively in a foreign language; no certification form specified. If the export certificate is in the exporter's name, a bill of sale or invoice is also needed.Virginia DMV, Imported vehicles — checked 19 September 2026Accepted
WashingtonThe translator must provide a "notarized or certified affidavit" attesting to the accuracy of the translation. We have not confirmed whether the Department of Licensing treats a translator’s signed certificate without notarization as a certified affidavit.WAC 308-56A-115(5)(b) — checked 3 October 2026Confirm first — ask whether a translator’s certificate without notarization is accepted
West VirginiaNotarized translation of foreign ownership documents.W. Va. Code §17A-3A-3 — checked August 2026Not accepted — notarization required
WisconsinNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first
WyomingNo published rule found in the state’s titling material.Ask your titling office first

If your state has no published rule

For these states, the titling pages, manuals, and statutes we read do not say what a translation needs: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming. This does not mean a translation is unnecessary or that any translation will be accepted. Before you pay, ask the office that will issue your title whether an English translation with the translator’s signed certificate is enough, or whether it needs to be notarized. In some of these states that office is not a county office: in Arizona it is the state MVD, and in New Jersey foreign vehicles are titled centrally by the MVC.

Each state in one sentence
  • Alabama: Accepted. English translations required for all documents written exclusively in a foreign language; no certification form, notarization, or translator qualification specified (Ala. Admin. Code r. 810-5-75-.03, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Alaska: Accepted — we complete and sign the state form at no extra charge. DMV's own Certificate of Accuracy of Translation form, signed by the translator, with no notary section; the translator cannot be the applicant (Alaska DMV, Certificate of Accuracy of Translation, checked 19 September 2026).
  • Colorado: Confirm first — ask whether a translator’s certificate signed without notarization is accepted. Translations must be signed and notarized, or signed under penalty of perjury; anyone who knows the language may translate. The bulletin is addressed to dealers (Colorado DMV Bulletin BL 17-01, Imported Motor Vehicles Titling Requirements, 27 March 2017, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Connecticut: Not accepted — approved providers only. Only translators on the DMV's approved list (CT DMV, Approved translators, checked 19 September 2026).
  • Delaware: Accepted. All foreign language documents must have an English translation attached; no certification form or notarization specified (Delaware DMV, Import Vehicle Procedure, checked 3 October 2026).
  • District of Columbia: Confirm with DC DMV first. Embassy translation, translation company with its stamp, or notarized affidavit (DC DMV guidance as reported in our August 2026 research; not traced to a published DC DMV document, checked August 2026).
  • Florida: Not accepted — notarization required. The translator must sign the translation before a notary public, state knowledge of both languages, and have no ownership interest in the vehicle. The manual applies Rule 15C-1.013, which on its own asks only for the translator’s certification (FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedure Manual TL-10, Original Certificate of Title, revised 12/25, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Georgia: Accepted. English translation of each document not printed in English; no certification form specified. The County Tag Office handles the title (Georgia DOR, Transfer a title from another state or country, checked 19 September 2026).
  • Hawaii: Accepted. The City and County of Honolulu DMV requires a signed and certified translation stating the translator’s full legal name, physical address, phone number and signature. It adds that a notarized document "provides the best assurance for acceptance" but does not require notarization. There is no translation rule in the Hawaii statutes or administrative rules; the requirement is the county’s operating procedure under HRS §286-41 and §286-52. Reply covers Honolulu only (the other three counties issue their own titles) (City and County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services (Division of Motor Vehicles), written reply to our email inquiry, checked 15 October 2026).
  • Idaho: Accepted. A certified translation is required when owner details on a foreign-language document cannot be read; the rule text has the translator certify it as true and correct, with no notarization (ITD Imported Vehicle Titling Policy, 10 September 2021; IDAPA 39.02.24.100.04, 2014 edition, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Illinois: Accepted. English translation required; no certification form specified. Ownership documents must be originals, not copies (Illinois Secretary of State, VSD 272.23, checked August 2026).
  • Indiana: Accepted — delivered on our letterhead. A translation is required if key fields (year, make, VIN, odometer, owners, liens or vehicle brands) cannot be identified. The English translation must be on a separate page, on the letterhead of a government entity, an accredited educational institution, or a translation company or organization providing translation services to the public (Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, written reply to our email inquiry, checked 6 October 2026).
  • Iowa: Accepted. A translation may be required, certified as correct by a person qualified to translate the language and submitted with the foreign document; no notarization specified (Iowa Admin. Code 761—400.4(7), checked 3 October 2026).
  • Kentucky: Confirm with your County Clerk first. Translation papers from the vehicle manufacturer or a "certified translator", a term the page does not define (Kentucky DRIVE, Vehicle Titling, Foreign Titles, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Maryland: Not accepted — embassy only. Translation through the embassy of the country of registration, with the embassy seal (Maryland MVA, Overseas vehicles, checked August 2026).
  • Massachusetts: Accepted — our certificate carries all required elements. Accepted certifiers include language service providers; the certificate must carry eight listed elements (Massachusetts RMV, Translation Certification Requirements, checked August 2026).
  • Minnesota: Not accepted — sworn translation by a listed credential holder required. The translation must be sworn to by a translator who is not related to the applicant and holds one of the listed credentials, such as ATA accreditation or court certification (Minn. Stat. §168A.085 subd. 2; Minn. R. 7410.0400 subp. 5; DVS Title Certification: New to Fleet, May 2026, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Mississippi: Accepted. Any document printed in a language other than English must come with a certified English translation; no certification form specified (Mississippi DOR, Motor Vehicle Frequently Asked Questions, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Montana: Accepted. For Japanese mini-trucks, the Japanese export certificate and its translation must be submitted; no certification form or notarization specified. We could not retrieve the current edition of the manual (Montana MVD Title Manual, last updated 16 February 2022, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Nebraska: Accepted. The document must be translated into English. Universities, companies and others may translate it; there is no specific procedure and no designated translation company (Nebraska DMV Driver and Vehicle Records Division, written reply to our email inquiry, checked 5 October 2026).
  • Nevada: Not accepted — notarization required. Under the DMV’s internal policy, the translation must cover the complete document, state the translator’s title or the translation company they represent, be signed by the translator at the bottom, and be notarized (Nevada DMV Customer Services Division – Titles, written reply to our email inquiry, checked 8 October 2026).
  • New Hampshire: Not accepted — notarization required. A foreign certificate of title must be printed in English or come with a notarized translation (N.H. RSA 261:4, III(a), checked 3 October 2026).
  • New Mexico: Accepted. A certified translation is required of foreign documents in a language other than English; no certification form or notarization specified (NM MVD Vehicle Procedures Manual, ch. 8, Section U, revised 9 May 2018, checked 3 October 2026).
  • New York: Accepted. Certified English translation of imported-vehicle documents; certifier not specified. The same page states that NY DMV will not register or title a Kei-class vehicle without proof of compliance with federal safety (FMVSS) and EPA emission standards (NY DMV, Register an imported vehicle, checked 19 September 2026).
  • North Dakota: Accepted. A translation is needed but does not need to be notarized; the translator cannot be the buyer or the seller of the vehicle. No manual sets out the procedure (North Dakota DOT Motor Vehicle Division, written reply to our email inquiry, checked 5 October 2026).
  • Ohio: Not accepted — institution letterhead required. Translation by an accredited institution, on its letterhead (Ohio BMV, Titles from out of state, checked August 2026).
  • Oklahoma: Not accepted — notarization required. For a vehicle not made for sale in the US and never titled in the US, the foreign ownership documents need a notarized translation (47 O.S. §1105(F)(1), as worded in enrolled HB 2111 of 2025, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Oregon: Accepted. Certified translation for documents in a language that does not use the English alphabet; no translator or notarization specified (Oregon DMV, Titling and registering your vehicle, checked 19 September 2026).
  • Pennsylvania: Accepted. English translations for all documents written exclusively in a foreign language; no certification form specified (PennDOT, Import and export FAQs, checked 19 September 2026).
  • Rhode Island: Not required — the DMV says no translation is needed. The original Japanese ownership document and the original import documents are required; no English translation is required, according to the DMV’s enforcement department. Vehicles from out of the country are processed only at DMV headquarters in Cranston (Rhode Island DMV Research & Title Office, written reply to our inquiry, checked 5 October 2026).
  • South Carolina: Not accepted — requirements an independent translator cannot meet. Form 4030: accredited translator plus an employer verification letter (SCDMV Form 4030, Translation Document, checked August 2026).
  • South Dakota: Confirm first — the only guidance found is from one county. No state rule found. One county treasurer asks for an English translation to be attached to foreign-language documents, without specifying the form (Oglala Lakota County Treasurer, Import Vehicle Requirements, as of January 2024, checked 3 October 2026).
  • Tennessee: Accepted. Documents written only in a foreign language need an English translation (County Clerk article “Imported Vehicles”). The translator’s signed certificate of accuracy is sufficient; the translator must be a third party (Tennessee Department of Revenue, written reply to our email inquiry, checked 5 October 2026).
  • Texas: Not accepted — use a US-based provider that can notarize locally. The translation must contain a notarized or acknowledged affidavit from the translator; the underlying statute is Transportation Code §501.030(d) (TxDMV Motor Vehicle Title Manual, ch. 19, checked 19 September 2026).
  • Utah: Accepted. Certified translation of the foreign ownership documents into English; certifier not specified (Utah Code 41-1a-225(2), checked August 2026).
  • Virginia: Accepted. English translations for documents written exclusively in a foreign language; no certification form specified. If the export certificate is in the exporter's name, a bill of sale or invoice is also needed (Virginia DMV, Imported vehicles, checked 19 September 2026).
  • Washington: Confirm first — ask whether a translator’s certificate without notarization is accepted. The translator must provide a "notarized or certified affidavit" attesting to the accuracy of the translation. We have not confirmed whether the Department of Licensing treats a translator’s signed certificate without notarization as a certified affidavit (WAC 308-56A-115(5)(b), checked 3 October 2026).
  • West Virginia: Not accepted — notarization required. Notarized translation of foreign ownership documents (W. Va. Code §17A-3A-3, checked August 2026).

Before you hand in your documents

If the certificate is in the exporter’s name

The owner shown on an export certificate is often a Japanese company, such as the exporter, rather than you. Virginia DMV states that when the export certificate is in the exporting company’s name, a bill of sale or invoice showing the transfer to you is also required. Virginia is the only state where we have confirmed this. In other states, ask the office that will issue your title what proof of the transfer it needs, and keep the bill of sale or invoice from your exporter.

Keep a copy of the original

Some states keep the foreign ownership document. Illinois requires originals, not copies (VSD 272.23), and Arizona law requires the foreign certificate of ownership to be surrendered when you apply (A.R.S. §28-2052). Before you hand in the original export certificate, photograph or scan both sides so that you keep a record of it.

What to choose for notarization on the order form

The order form asks whether the receiving office requires notarization, an apostille, or a sworn translator. Our translation for vehicle titling comes with the translator’s signed certificate and is not notarized. If your state is listed as accepted, select No. If you have not been able to find out, select Not sure, and we will tell you what we know about your state in the quote, before you pay.

When the website and the manual differ

Titling counters work from the state’s procedure manual, which can ask for more than the public web page or the rule it cites. In Texas, the public page asks only for a "certified English translation", while the Motor Vehicle Title Manual used by county tax offices requires the translation to "contain a notarized or acknowledged affidavit from the translator". In Florida, Rule 15C-1.013 asks only that the translator certify the translation, while procedure manual TL-10 adds that "The translation must be signed by the translator before a notary public." For both states, the table follows the manual. This is also why it is worth asking the titling office when your state has no published rule.

New Zealand: an exception

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) vehicle inspection manual specifically exempts Japanese deregistration certificates, export certificates, and certificates of completion from its translation requirements. If your vehicle is being imported solely into New Zealand, you may not need the export certificate translated at all, though supporting documentation such as sales evidence still requires a certified translation.

Sources

Montana’s entry is based on the February 2022 edition of its title manual, read from an archived copy, because the current edition could not be retrieved. The District of Columbia is listed as confirm-first because we could not trace its requirement to a published DC DMV document. Titling rules are amended without notice, so confirm with the office that will issue your title before you order.

How to order

Our certified export certificate translation is $29.95 per document, delivered within 48 hours, with batch discounts available from 3 documents. The order form asks for your state. It stops the order for states we have verified as not accepted, asks you to confirm that you have checked for confirm-first states, and for states not in the table shows what to ask the titling office, without stopping the order.

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