How to Get an Apostille for Korea: Driver’s License, Background Check, and More

Last Updated on June 23, 2026

Moving to Korea involves a surprising number of small but crucial document steps that nobody warns you about until you’re already in the middle of the process. One of the more confusing ones: the apostille.

You could need an apostille for any number of things including getting a visa, but there could be other documents that you need while abroad and the only way to ensure their authenticity is to get an apostille.

In Korea, if you want to exchange your driver’s license for a Korean license (FYI if you have a resident visa then you can’t drive with an International Driver’s License legally technically), you need to get an apostille on your driver’s license. You also need an apostille on your criminal record or background check, and you might need one on academic records.

The good news: it’s less complicated than it sounds once you understand what it actually is and where to get it.

How to get an apostille on your documents, what to know, and what to do:

• What Is an Apostille?
• What Documents Need An Apostille?
• Where to Get an Apostille (US-Focused)
• What Documents Do I Need To Teach English In Korea?
• Steps To Get An Apostille
• If You’re Not American
• FAQ

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What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a government-issued certificate authenticating a document for use in another country. It looks like a formal stamp or attached certificate carrying the seal of the issuing authority. Without it, documents like diplomas, criminal background checks, and driver’s licenses may not be recognized as legitimate by foreign governments or institutions.

Apostilles are only required for countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention. Korea is a member, so documents used in Korea need a Hague apostille rather than a simple notarization. Countries outside the Hague Convention have a different authentication process, the US Department of State handles those separately.

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What Documents Need An Apostille?

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Where to Get an Apostille (US-Focused)

The issuing authority depends on the type of document:

State-level documents (driver’s license, diploma, transcript, birth certificate, marriage certificate, state background check): Your state’s Secretary of State office handles these. Every US state has one, and most offer both in-person and mail options. Processing speed varies dramatically by state.

Federal documents (FBI background check, IRS documents, federal agency certificates): These go to the US Department of State. The process has evolved significantly in recent years, check the current State Department website for the most up-to-date process, as online options have been added since this guide was first written.

From abroad: If you’re already in Korea and need to get documents apostilled back home, in-person visits aren’t feasible. Third-party apostille services can handle the process on your behalf in the US. They take your documents to the relevant state or federal offices, often navigate the specific hours and requirements that vary by location, and mail the apostilled documents back to you.

Search current reviews for “apostille service Korea expat” and you’ll find a number of these kinds of companies and services. I used a company named Monument years back and it was a super easy process.

Important: An apostille must typically be placed on a notarized version of your document, not the original. This means for most documents you need two things: the original (or a notarized copy), and then the apostille goes on the notarized version. Check your specific state’s requirements, as this varies.

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What Documents Do I Need To Teach English In Korea?

Obtaining a visa is quite a lengthy process, but bear with me, we can get through this together. If you want more information, check out this guide for getting a job teaching in Korea which will also help lay out EVERYTHING not just the apostille process. I want to simplify this and list every document that you will need to get your visa confirmation number. BUT I’ve highlighted which documents you also need to get an apostille on. Whether you’re coming to Korea to teach at a public school or a hagwon, you will need the same documents.

• Visa application form
• A copy of your resume
• A color copy of the information page in your passport
• At least 8 color, passport-style photos: You will need 4 of them for the visa, and use the extra ones for when you come to Korea.
• A copy of your signed contract
• Self-check medical form: This is a document that includes very basic health questions. It is important to answer the questions honestly. If you don’t, it can cause a lot of issues when you come to Korea between you and your employer.
• Apostille copy of your bachelors degree: You are required to have a bachelor’s degree to teach in Korea. If you only have an associate’s or are in the process of getting a 4-year degree, you are not eligible.
• Apostille copy of your FBI background check: This is your national-level background check to verify that you have not committed any serious crimes.
• TEFL Certificate (This is optional unless you’ll be teaching at a public school. You don’t need it for the visa, but you’ll need it for the job so I’ll list it here.)

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Steps To Get An Apostille

Step 1: Identify which documents need apostilling and which issuing authority applies.

State documents go to your state Secretary of State. Federal documents (FBI background check) go to the US Department of State. Driver’s licenses go to your state authority.

Step 2: Notarize your documents.

Before an apostille can be placed on most documents, they typically need to be notarized. Notaries are available at most banks. For each document, you’ll end up with the original and the notarized version, the apostille goes on the notarized version.

Step 3: Submit to the appropriate authority.

In-person at your state Secretary of State office (fastest for state documents, if accessible). By mail, if the office allows it, timelines vary widely by state. Via a third-party service if you’re abroad or can’t reach the office yourself. Verify current fees directly with the issuing authority, as these change.

GO IN PERSON: There are two options when it comes to the apostille process. One way you can do it is through your state government. Here is a list of all of the addresses for the locations to get an apostille in each state of the US, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. But it gets messy because only certain offices do it at certain hours of the day.

My experience: In Ohio, you need to go to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office and visit the Client Service Center. You can visit in-person without an appointment and get documents authenticated within minutes. It costs a fee, but it’s minimal per document. You could also mail them your documents and they’ll be processed in 2-3 days. Ohio seems to make it a clear cut process, however in-person isn’t always possible and if you mail documents, it’s easy enough if you’re in the state, but if you’re abroad you might want to go a safer route which could lead you to Option 2.

DO IT ONLINE: The smartest and most efficient way you can do it is through a third party company. This is especially useful if you’re already abroad. I used a site called Monument Visa. I found so many third party companies that authenticate documents. This is by far the most affordable option, and most expats in Korea use it.

They essentially do all the dirty work for you. The company will take your documents to the federal government during apostille hours, which again, may be different by state and by office. They even translate the documents to languages such as Spanish, Italian, French, and more. They charge $55 per document. If you prefer another company, USA Authentication is a great option as well.

To prepare, print off the pdf version of your FBI background check (be sure to request the electronic version of the results) and a scanned copy of your degree. Then you can fill out the form with a money order to the Monument Visa or whatever third party company you decide to use. The address will be provided on the website, then you can mail it to them.

The second and most efficient way is to create a pdf version of your degree and FBI background check. Then fill out the form online, put in your card information, and submit it. You will get a call from the company to confirm the request. They were so helpful, and sent me an email when they would take it to the State Department for the apostille, and when they would send it back to me with the authentication. Once they send copies of all your stamped documents then you are good to go.

Step 4: Receive your apostilled documents and verify they’re complete.

Check that the apostille seal is present and the document information matches before mailing anything internationally.

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If You’re Not American

The apostille process is broadly similar across countries that are part of the Hague Convention, though the specific offices and procedures vary. For UK, South African, Australian, and most European nationals, the equivalent of a Secretary of State or national documentation authority handles apostilles. If you’re unsure of your country’s specific process, search your home country’s government website for “apostille” and the document type you need.

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FAQ

What is an apostille and why do I need one for Korea?

An apostille is a government certification that authenticates a document for use in another country. Korea is part of the 1961 Hague Convention, which means documents used officially in Korea (for visa applications, license exchanges, etc.) need to be apostilled to be recognized as legitimate.

Which documents need an apostille to move to Korea?

For an E2 teaching visa: your bachelor’s degree and FBI background check. For exchanging a foreign driver’s license: your home country driver’s license. For other purposes (marriage registration, child enrollment, etc.): varies by requirement.

Can I get an apostille from abroad?

Yes, via a third-party apostille service that handles the process on your behalf in the US or your home country. If you’re already in Korea, this is the most practical approach. Search for currently active, well-reviewed services rather than relying on any specific company name in this guide.

How long does an apostille take?

It depends on the state or agency and whether you’re doing it in person, by mail, or through a third party. In-person at offices that allow walk-ins, it can be same-day. By mail, one to three weeks is common. Third-party services add their own processing time on top of the government timeline.

Does an apostille expire?

The apostille itself doesn’t technically expire, but some institutions in Korea may require documents to be recently apostilled (often within the past six months to a year). Check the specific requirement for your situation.

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The apostille sounds intimidating before you understand what it is, and then it turns into a fairly mechanical process: identify the document, notarize it, submit to the right authority, wait. The main thing that trips people up is discovering the requirement at the last minute, so the earlier you identify which documents you’ll need apostilled, the smoother the process goes.

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