A Personal Signature Verification Certificate (본인서명사실확인서) is an official document issued based on your signature alone, with no need for a registered personal seal. It carries exactly the same legal weight as a traditional Seal Impression Certificate (인감증명서). Any foreigner who holds an Alien Registration Card or a Domestic Residence Report Card can use this system, so there is no need to worry about the complicated process of registering a personal seal.

Process at a Glance

  1. 1. Visit your local Administrative Welfare Center

    Go to the nearest Eup/Myeon/Dong Administrative Welfare Center (community center), or your city/county/district office.

  2. 2. Present your ID

    Show your Alien Registration Card or Domestic Residence Report Card to the staff member in charge.

  3. 3. Sign and receive your certificate immediately

    Sign on an electronic pad using your usual signature, and the certificate will be issued on the spot.

Common Use Cases

This certificate is most commonly required in the following four situations.

  1. Real estate contracts (lease and purchase) It is needed when signing a jeonse (long-term deposit lease) or monthly rental agreement, or when buying or selling a property. The landlord or licensed real estate agent requests it to prevent disputes such as claims that “no signature was ever given on the contract.”

  2. Bank loans and collateral registration Banks require this certificate when you take out a loan or open an overdraft account. It officially confirms that you personally accept legal responsibility for the loan conditions.

  3. Powers of attorney (appointing a legal representative) If you are temporarily leaving Korea or cannot handle certain matters yourself, you may authorize a friend, lawyer, or other person to carry out tasks such as banking or selling a vehicle on your behalf. The certificate is attached to the power of attorney to officially prove that you have formally granted that authority.

  4. Other documents submitted to public agencies or financial institutions Government offices, insurance companies, courts, and similar bodies may require this certificate alongside documents that need confirmation of your personal intent.

How to Apply

No prior registration is needed. You can visit at any time and receive the certificate immediately.

  1. Visit in person: Go to the nearest Eup/Myeon/Dong Administrative Welfare Center (community center) or your city/county/district office.
  2. Present your ID: Show your Alien Registration Card or Domestic Residence Report Card.
  3. Sign and receive: Following the staff member’s guidance, sign on an electronic pad using your usual signature, and the certificate will be issued on the spot.

Fees

From April 2, 2024 through December 31, 2028, the issuance fee (previously 600 won per copy) is temporarily waived in order to encourage wider use of this system. At present, the certificate is available free of charge.

Who Is Eligible?

Foreigners who have completed alien registration, as well as overseas Koreans who have completed a domestic residence report, are eligible to obtain this certificate (Act on Confirmation of Personal Signature Facts, Article 5, Paragraphs 1 and 2).

  • Holders of an Alien Registration Card (foreigners who have completed alien registration)
  • Holders of a Domestic Residence Report Card (overseas Koreans who have completed a domestic residence report)

Online Issuance

You can also obtain an Electronic Personal Signature Verification Certificate through Government24 (gov.kr, formerly known as Minwon24) (Act on Confirmation of Personal Signature Facts, Article 7, Paragraphs 1 and 2). However, online issuance requires a means of identity verification such as a Joint Certificate (공동인증서). Availability for foreigners may vary depending on individual circumstances, so please check in advance on the Government24 Personal Signature Verification Certificate information page.

Details such as fees, eligibility requirements, and forms are subject to change. Before visiting, please contact the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 or your nearest Eup/Myeon/Dong Administrative Welfare Center to confirm the latest information.