If you finished a divorce in the U.S. and are preparing a marriage-record cancellation in Korea, the U.S. court divorce decree needs an apostille. The U.S. and Korea are both Hague members, so an apostille gives it legal effect in Korea without separate consular confirmation. Apostille Korea handles issuance through apostille and certified translation remotely, in one stop.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an international certification under the 1961 Hague Convention that simplifies the legalization of foreign public documents. Among members, a document is recognized abroad once the designated authority of the issuing country affixes an apostille — without separate consular or embassy legalization. Both the U.S. and Korea are members, so a U.S. divorce decree holds legal effect in Korea with an apostille alone.
When do you need it?
- Cancelling the marriage record on a Korean marriage certificate after a U.S. divorce
- Applying for recognition of a foreign divorce judgment at a Korean family court
- Proving the divorce for remarriage, property division, or custody procedures
- Updating documents for a visa, status change, or permanent residence after divorce
- Submitting proof of divorce when requested by a financial institution or insurer
Key documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Divorce documents | Divorce decree, certificate of divorce |
| Marriage documents | Marriage certificate, marriage registration confirmation |
| Identity documents | Birth certificate, death certificate |
| Certified Korean translation | Required for submission to Korean bodies |
The apostille process, step by step
- Document issuanceObtain originals from the issuing body (school, court, police, registry, etc.).
- Notarization (if required)Private documents or documents needing translation are notarized at a notary office.
- ApostilleThe competent authority affixes the apostille; recognized directly between member states.
- Certified translation (if required)Add a certified translation where the receiving body requires one.
- SubmissionSubmit the completed documents to the relevant body.
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles all U.S. apostille processing in one stop — issuance support, certified translation, and the apostille, entirely online.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a U.S. divorce decree need an apostille for Korea?
Both countries are members, so an apostille gives the decree official effect in Korea without separate consular confirmation.
Can it be processed without going to the U.S.?
Yes. Apostille Korea handles U.S. court-document issuance support and the apostille remotely.
Is it used for marriage-record cancellation?
Yes. An apostilled, certified-translated decree is used to cancel the marriage record or to seek recognition of the foreign divorce judgment.
Is certified Korean translation required?
Yes. Korean bodies require a notarized Korean translation alongside the apostilled original.
How long does it take?
It varies by state and court, 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.