Single Status Certificate Apostille for United States

Korean single-status certificates apostilled for the United States are required when a Korean national marries abroad or registers a marriage to a foreign national who needs proof the Korean party is legally free to marry. Korea does not issue a standalone "certificate of no impediment" — the 혼인관계증명서 (Certificate of Marital Relations), issued by any 시·군·구청 or via the Government24 portal, serves the same function by showing current marital status as unmarried.

How to apostille a Korean single status certificate for United States

1Request a 혼인관계증명서 (Certificate of Marital Relations) showing unmarried status from a Korean 시·군·구청 or online via Government24
2MOFA apostille — standard 3–5 business days, express 1–2 business days
3Certified English translation
4Submit to the US county clerk, marriage license office, or embassy/consulate as required

Requirements for United States

혼인관계증명서 must be recent — most US marriage license offices require one issued within 3–6 months
MOFA apostille
Certified English translation
Some US states additionally require an affidavit of eligibility to marry, notarized separately

What to look for in a specialist

Experience distinguishing 혼인관계증명서 from other family register documents for US marriage license offices unfamiliar with Korean civil records

Knowledge of state-by-state US marriage license documentation requirements

Certified English translation formatted for county clerk acceptance

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Korea issue a "certificate of no impediment to marriage" like other countries?

Not under that name. The 혼인관계증명서 (Certificate of Marital Relations) serves the equivalent function — it shows whether a person is currently married, and a version confirming unmarried status is what US marriage license offices and foreign authorities accept in its place.

How recent does the single-status certificate need to be?

Most US county clerks and marriage license offices require it issued within 3–6 months of the marriage application — confirm the specific window with your local office before requesting the apostille.