Thai marriage certificate and marriage registration translation
In short
Translate both the marriage certificate and the marriage registration record where the receiving authority relies on relationship evidence, keeping the registration number and registrar's endorsement in the translation. Add a NAATI certified translation for Australia, or legalisation where the destination requires a Thai government endorsement.
Thailand issues two related records: the marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) and the marriage registration record (Kor Ror 2), which contains the fuller particulars recorded at registration. Partner and spouse visa assessors often want both, because the registration record shows details the certificate summarises.
Issued by: District registrar (Amphoe / Khet) under the Department of Provincial Administration
When it is used
- • Partner, spouse and prospective marriage visa applications
- • Adding a spouse to an application as a dependent family member
- • Overseas registration or recognition of a marriage performed in Thailand
- • Name change evidence where a surname changed on marriage
What to prepare
- • Marriage certificate (Kor Ror 3) and, where available, the marriage registration record (Kor Ror 2)
- • Passport copies for both spouses
- • The receiving authority and country
- • Any prior divorce record where a previous marriage is referred to
Step by step
Collect both records
Request the registration record from the district office where the marriage was registered if only the certificate is on hand.
Confirm what the authority asks for
Some bodies accept the certificate alone; those assessing the relationship in detail often want the registration record as well.
Translate in full
Registration number, date, registrar's name and endorsement, and both spouses' details are all reproduced, with passport spellings used for names.
Certify for the destination
NAATI certified translation for Australian bodies, or lodge original plus translation for legalisation where that is required.
Common reasons for rejection
- • Submitting only the certificate when the assessor asked for the registration record.
- • Surname on the certificate not matching the current passport with no change-of-name evidence attached.
- • Cropping the registrar's endorsement out of the scan.
- • Translating one spouse's details and abbreviating the other's.
FAQ
What is the difference between Kor Ror 2 and Kor Ror 3?
Kor Ror 3 is the marriage certificate; Kor Ror 2 is the registration record with the fuller particulars entered at registration. Where relationship evidence matters, both are usually worth translating.
Is a marriage registered in Thailand valid overseas?
Recognition is decided by the destination country's law and authorities. The translation makes the Thai record readable; it does not determine recognition.
My surname changed on marriage. What else is needed?
Include the change-of-name or surname certificate so the authority can follow the name from the older documents to the current passport.
Do both spouses need to be present for translation?
No. Translation works from scans. Government certification steps may require the original document and identification of the person lodging it.
Related pages
Reviewed August 2026. Sources: https://consular.mfa.go.th/, https://www.bora.dopa.go.th/, https://pcscenter.sb.police.go.th/, https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/, https://www.naati.com.au/. General information for document preparation only, not immigration assistance. We are not a registered migration agent (OMARA).