Thai marriage certificate for use abroad
Couples already married in Thailand who must present the Kor.Ror. 2 / Kor.Ror. 3 to a foreign authority: translate into the destination language, legalise the translation at the Department of Consular Affairs, then have the destination embassy endorse it.
Thailand issues two marriage documents that carry different weight: the marriage certificate (Kor.Ror. 3) handed to the couple, and the certified copy of the marriage register (Kor.Ror. 2). Many foreign authorities ask for the Kor.Ror. 2 because it carries fuller particulars, so request a freshly certified copy before starting the translation chain.
Use a newly issued certified copy rather than a photocopy kept in a drawer for years: several countries require the civil-status document to have been issued within a set window before filing. That window varies by authority and should be checked against that authority's own published rule.
Order matters more than people expect. The translation must be legalised by the Department of Consular Affairs first, and only then endorsed by the destination country's embassy. Skip a step and the embassy will refuse, sending you back to the start.
Romanisation must follow both passports. Where the Thai register spells a foreign spouse's name phonetically in Thai script, the translator must restore the passport spelling rather than transliterate the sound again — otherwise the receiving authority reads it as a different person.
Once the Apostille Convention is in force for Thailand, documents destined for other contracting states will carry an apostille instead of the double embassy endorsement. For non-contracting states the traditional chain continues to apply.
Documents to prepare
- Certified copy of the marriage register (Kor.Ror. 2) issued by the district office
- Marriage certificate (Kor.Ror. 3)
- Passports or ID cards of both spouses
- Translation into the destination language or English
- Power of attorney if an agent will file on your behalf
Order of steps
- Obtain a freshly certified copy of the marriage register
- Translate into the destination language or English
- Legalise the translation at the Legalisation Division, Department of Consular Affairs
- Have the destination embassy endorse the legalised document (or use an apostille once the Convention is in force, for contracting states)
- File with the receiving authority in the format it prescribes
Pre-filing checklist
- Use a newly certified copy, not an old photocopy
- Latin-script names match both passports
- Correct order: Consular Affairs first, then the embassy
- Confirm which language the receiving authority requires
- Confirm whether originals or certified copies must be filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the foreign authority want the Kor.Ror. 2 or the Kor.Ror. 3?
Most ask for the certified copy of the register (Kor.Ror. 2) because it shows the full particulars; some want both. Prepare both and confirm with the receiving authority.
Is a decades-old marriage certificate still usable?
The marriage itself remains valid, but receiving authorities usually want a recently issued certified copy, so obtain one from the district office before starting translation and legalisation.
Is embassy endorsement always required?
It depends on the destination. Many countries require the second embassy endorsement; some authorities accept Consular Affairs legalisation alone. Check that authority's own published requirement.
When will the apostille shorten this?
The Apostille Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027 according to HCCH. From then, documents used in contracting states can carry an apostille instead of the embassy endorsement.
How do I get a quote?
Contact our team by phone, LINE or email with the destination country and the number of documents, and we will quote against your actual file.
For a document review before filing, contact us by LINE @nycli, phone +66-83-249-4999 or email nycli@ilc.ltd.