Civil Records for South Korea citizens in the United States — 2026

Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the South Korea authorities. Essential for citizens of South Korea living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.

South Korea consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

• Birth registration: children of South Korea parents born in the U.S. can be registered as South Korea nationals
• Marriage registration: marriages of South Korea citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
• Death registration: death of South Korea nationals in the U.S.
• Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in South Korea

Required documents

• Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
• Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
• Certified translation to the official language of South Korea
• Passport and ID of the South Korea citizens involved
• Application form completed

How to register

Most South Korea consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the South Korea civil registry office.

Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.

Costs and processing times

Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in South Korea can take additional months.