If you are a foreign resident in Korea, you may sometimes be asked for a Korean personal seal (인감) or an official document proving your signature.
But what if you do not have a registered personal seal?
Foreign residents who meet the identification requirements can obtain a Signature Verification Certificate (본인서명사실확인서) at a local government office. Instead of using a personal seal, you confirm your identity and sign directly on an electronic signature pad.
According to guidance from the Korea Immigration Service, the certificate has the same legal effect as a Personal Seal Certificate (인감증명서).
Quick Answer
If someone in Korea asks you for an 인감증명서 (Personal Seal Certificate) but you do not have a registered Korean personal seal, ask whether they accept a 본인서명사실확인서 (Signature Verification Certificate) instead.
- Visit a Si/Gun/Gu Office or Eup/Myeon/Dong Community Service Center.
- Bring your valid Residence Card or Overseas Korean Resident Card.
- Ask for a 본인서명사실확인서.
- Verify your identity.
- Sign directly on the electronic signature pad.
- Receive the certificate.
You do not need to bring a personal seal to complete the signature itself.
What Is a Signature Verification Certificate?
A Signature Verification Certificate is an official document confirming that the signature on the certificate was made by the person identified by the issuing authority.
It provides an alternative to Korea’s traditional personal seal system.
This can be especially useful for foreign residents who are asked to provide an official proof of identity or intent for paperwork but do not have a registered personal seal.
The Korea Immigration Service explains that the Signature Verification Certificate has the same legal effect as a Personal Seal Certificate.
However, having the same legal effect does not necessarily mean that every company, bank, real estate office, or other receiving organization will automatically accept it for every transaction.
Before visiting the government office, ask the organization requesting your documents whether a 본인서명사실확인서 is acceptable for your specific purpose.
Who Can Apply?
Foreign residents should prepare one of the identification documents specifically recognized for this process:
- Residence Card
- Overseas Korean Resident Card
Do not assume that a passport alone will be sufficient.
If your identification situation is unusual, confirm the requirements with the issuing government office before visiting.
Where Can You Get It?
You can apply in person at an appropriate local government office, such as a:
- Si/Gun/Gu Office
- Eup/Myeon/Dong Community Service Center
How to Get a Signature Verification Certificate
Step 1: Ask the Receiving Organization First
Before applying, contact the bank, company, real estate office, government agency, or other organization requesting your documents. Ask: “Can I submit a 본인서명사실확인서 instead of an 인감증명서?”
Step 2: Prepare Your Residence ID
Bring your valid Residence Card or Overseas Korean Resident Card. Do not rely only on your passport unless the issuing office has specifically confirmed that it will be accepted for your situation.
Step 3: Visit a Local Government Office
Go to a Si/Gun/Gu Office or Eup/Myeon/Dong Community Service Center that provides the service.
Step 4: Request a 본인서명사실확인서
At the counter, tell the staff that you need a 본인서명사실확인서. Showing the Korean name on your phone can make the request easier if you do not speak Korean.
Step 5: Verify Your Identity
Present your eligible residence identification to the staff. Your identity must be verified before the certificate can be issued.
Step 6: Sign Electronically
Instead of presenting a registered personal seal, you sign directly on the electronic signature pad. This signature is used as part of the verification process.
After the required procedure is completed, the office can issue the certificate.
Do You Need a Korean Personal Seal?
No personal seal is required for the signature verification procedure itself. The traditional 인감증명서 is connected to Korea’s registered personal seal system. The 본인서명사실확인서, by contrast, verifies your signature through an in-person identity verification and signing process.
Does It Have the Same Legal Effect as an Ingam Certificate?
According to the Korea Immigration Service guidance, yes. A Signature Verification Certificate has the same legal effect as a Personal Seal Certificate.
But this should not be confused with a guarantee that every receiving organization will accept the certificate in every situation. Requirements can depend on the transaction and the organization requesting the paperwork.
Can You Get It Online?
Do not assume that the process you need can be completed entirely online. Online issuance and related procedures may have separate eligibility or registration requirements. Verify the current procedure with the relevant government office.
Can Someone Else Get It for You?
Do not assume that another person can obtain the certificate on your behalf. Because the procedure involves identity verification and your own signature, proxy issuance should not be relied upon without confirmation from the issuing authority.
What About the Issuance Fee?
Fees and administrative procedures can change. Confirm the current fee with the government office where you plan to obtain the certificate.
Useful Korean Words
Personal Seal Certificate
인감증명서
Signature Verification Certificate
본인서명사실확인서
Residence Card
외국인등록증 / 체류카드
Overseas Korean Resident Card
국내거소신고증
Community Service Center
행정복지센터 / 주민센터
Before You Go: Checklist
- Confirm that the organization receiving your documents accepts a 본인서명사실확인서.
- Bring your valid Residence Card or Overseas Korean Resident Card.
- Do not assume a passport alone is enough.
- Be prepared to verify your identity in person.
- Be prepared to sign on an electronic signature pad.
- Confirm current fees and any transaction-specific requirements with the issuing office.
FAQ
Can foreigners get a Signature Verification Certificate in Korea?
Eligible foreign residents can use the system with the required residence identification, including a Residence Card or Overseas Korean Resident Card.
Do I need a Korean personal seal?
No. The procedure allows you to verify your signature without using a personal seal.
Is it legally equivalent to an Ingam Certificate?
According to Korea Immigration Service guidance, the Signature Verification Certificate has the same legal effect as a Personal Seal Certificate.
Can I use my passport instead of a Residence Card?
Do not assume that a passport alone is sufficient. Foreign residents should prepare the recognized residence identification for the procedure.
Will every bank or company accept it instead of an Ingam Certificate?
Not necessarily. Even though the certificate has the same legal effect, the receiving organization may have specific document requirements for a particular transaction. Confirm acceptance before applying.
Where do I get the certificate?
Visit a Si/Gun/Gu Office or an Eup/Myeon/Dong Community Service Center that handles the service.
Bottom Line
If you are a foreign resident in Korea and someone asks you for a Korean Personal Seal Certificate, not having a personal seal does not necessarily mean you are stuck.
A Signature Verification Certificate (본인서명사실확인서) provides an official signature-based alternative. With eligible residence identification, you can visit a local government office, verify your identity, and sign electronically without bringing a personal seal.
The most important step is to ask the organization receiving your paperwork whether it accepts a 본인서명사실확인서 for your specific transaction before you visit the government office.
Information checked against Korea Immigration Service guidance. Official information last checked: September 8, 2026.
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