For overseas university or graduate admission, employment, or a visa, being asked to submit hard-to-reissue documents like a graduation or degree certificate is daunting. Submitting the original risks loss, and reissuance is often difficult. The solution is copy notarization — officially certifying that a copy matches the original, giving a private document effect equivalent to a public document. Apostille Korea handles copy notarization through apostille and certified translation remotely, in one stop.
What is copy notarization?
Copy notarization officially certifies that a copy, compared against the original, matches it completely. This gives a privately issued document public credibility equivalent to a public document. A degree certificate, which is often hard to reissue under school rules, is a primary candidate for copy notarization. The order is: present the original to the notary, the notary compares original and copy, and the notary certifies — so presenting the original is required.
When is a degree certificate used?
- Overseas university or graduate admission as proof of academic credentials
- Overseas employment or work permits (Vietnam work permit, China employment permit, etc.)
- Professional-license registration abroad
- North American credential evaluation (WES, ECE, ICAS) — sealed and sent directly to the evaluator
Key documents
| Document | Note |
|---|---|
| Degree / graduation certificate | Original required for copy notarization |
| Transcript | Often copy-notarized together |
| Certified translation | Local-language translation plus notarization where required |
| Apostille / embassy legalization | Added depending on destination |
After copy notarization — apostille or embassy legalization
- Present the originalPresent the original to the notary for comparison.
- Copy notarizationThe notary certifies the copy matches the original.
- Apostille or embassy legalizationApostille for a member destination; embassy legalization for a non-member.
- SubmissionSubmit the certified copy to the overseas body, keeping your original safe.
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles copy notarization, certified translation, and certification in one stop, entirely online — protecting your original document.
Frequently asked questions
What is copy notarization?
It officially certifies that a copy matches the original, giving a private document effect equivalent to a public document — so you can submit a certified copy and keep your original.
Do I need the original?
Yes. The notary compares the original and the copy, so the original must be presented.
Why use it for a degree certificate?
Degree certificates are often hard to reissue under school rules, so copy notarization protects the original while you submit a certified copy.
Do I need an apostille too?
It depends on the destination — apostille for a Hague member, embassy legalization for a non-member.
How long does it take?
It varies by document and route, but typically about 5 to 15 business days. Contact us for urgent handling.
Why Apostille Korea
- Specialist team — apostille, certified translation, and embassy legalization handled directly by experts.
- One-stop service — from issuance support to the finished certification, resolved together.
- Fully remote — apply online from anywhere and receive your documents — no in-person visit.
- Fast handling — urgent cases processed quickly with real-time status updates.
- Accurate guidance — tailored advice analyzing each country's and document's requirements.