Legalization Process for Divorce Certificate for Use in Kuwait

A Divorce Certificate or Divorce Decree is an official document that verifies the legal termination of a marriage. It provides detailed information about the dissolution of a marital relationship and is often required for legal, immigration, or personal purposes, such as remarriage or name change.

For individuals who were divorced in the United States and need their divorce documents recognized in Kuwait, legalization by the Embassy of Kuwait is mandatory. This ensures that the document is authenticated and accepted for use by Kuwaiti authorities or institutions.

Divorce Certificate Legalization Process 

The Kuwait Divorce Certificate Legalization process includes multiple verification and authentication stages to ensure international validity and acceptance.

Step 1: Notarization
The first step involves having the divorce certificate or decree notarized by a recognized notary public. This confirms that the document is genuine and issued by a legitimate authority.

Step 2: State Certification
Once notarized, the document must be certified by the Secretary of State from the same state where the divorce was finalized. This step verifies the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal.

Step 3: U.S. Department of State Authentication
The next step involves authentication by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., ensuring that the state certification is legitimate for international use.

Step 4: Kuwait Embassy Legalization
Finally, the document is submitted to the Embassy of Kuwait for legalization. The embassy affixes its official seal and signature, confirming that the divorce certificate or decree is now legally recognized for use in Kuwait.

Personal Document Legalization Processing Time & Fees.

Service Fees Processing Time
Service fee $90 -
U.S. Department of State fee $20 9
Embassy of Kuwait fee $25 6
Total $135 15 business days

Importance of Legalizing a Divorce Certificate for Kuwait

Legalization of a Divorce Certificate or Divorce Decree for Kuwait validates the document’s authenticity and allows it to be used in legal and civil matters within the country. It is particularly important for:

  • Remarriage applications in Kuwait.

  • Immigration or residency procedures.

  • Property or inheritance settlements.

  • Legal name changes or personal status documentation.

Without proper legalization, foreign-issued divorce documents may not be accepted by Kuwaiti authorities or courts.