Basic Guide to Driver’s License Reissue in Korea
If you lose your driver’s license in Korea, or if your license is damaged and hard to use, you can apply for a reissued driver’s license online. You do not always have to visit a driver’s license examination office or police station first. The online application can be completed through the official Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website.
However, there is one important point to remember. Even if you apply online, you must visit the selected pick-up location in person to receive the new license. The online service helps you submit the application more conveniently, but it does not mean the license will automatically be delivered to your home.
When You Can Apply Online
Online reissue is commonly used when a driver’s license has been lost. It can also be used in situations where a reissue is needed due to damage or other personal information changes, depending on the case. If the license was lost, you will need to verify your identity during the application and again when receiving the new license.
If the license is damaged, you may need to bring the damaged license when receiving or applying for the replacement. If the damaged license cannot be used to confirm your identity, you may be asked to show another valid ID.
Online Application Steps
First, visit the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website. Go to the driver’s license menu and select the driver’s license reissue application option. After that, complete identity verification using one of the available methods, such as mobile phone verification, digital certificate verification, or simple authentication.
Next, choose the reason for reissue. If your driver’s license was lost, select the lost license reissue option. Then choose the type of license you want to receive. In Korea, you may be able to choose between a regular physical driver’s license and a Mobile IC driver’s license. You may also choose between a Korean-language license and an English-language license.
After selecting the license type, choose the pick-up location and available date. You can usually select a nationwide driver’s license examination office or a police station civil affairs office. Please note that Gangnam Police Station is excluded. Once you choose the pick-up details and pay the fee, the online application is completed.
Required Documents
For a lost driver’s license reissue, you need a valid ID. During the online application, identity verification is completed digitally, but you still need to bring identification when picking up the new license.
For a damaged license reissue, you should bring the damaged driver’s license. If the damaged license cannot clearly prove your identity, another valid ID may be required. For a name change, you may need the previous driver’s license and a document showing both the old and new names, such as a basic certificate or resident registration extract.
Photo Submission
In most reissue cases, you do not need to submit a new photo. The reissued driver’s license is usually made using the photo already registered in the driver’s license system. This means you generally do not need to visit a photo studio or prepare a new ID photo just for a simple reissue.
If you want to change the photo on your license, visiting a driver’s license examination office may be a better option. Photo change availability can depend on the situation, so it is safer to check before visiting.
Reissue Fees
The reissue fee depends on the type of driver’s license you choose. A Mobile IC driver’s license costs 15,000 KRW, whether it is Korean-language or English-language. A regular driver’s license costs 10,000 KRW, whether it is Korean-language or English-language.
A Mobile IC driver’s license can be useful if you plan to use mobile ID services in Korea. If you only need a standard physical card, the regular driver’s license may be enough.
Pick-Up Locations
After applying online, you must pick up the new driver’s license at the location you selected. Available locations include driver’s license examination offices nationwide and police station civil affairs offices. Gangnam Police Station is not available for this service.
Korean nationals overseas and overseas Koreans currently residing in Korea may also be able to use the Overseas Koreans Agency Service Support Center located at 6 Yulgok-ro, Seoul. This option is only for eligible applicants, so checking eligibility before visiting is recommended.
In-Person Pick-Up Rule
Even when the application is completed online, the issued driver’s license must be received by the applicant in person. This is an important rule under Korean driver’s license procedures. When you visit the selected pick-up location, bring a valid ID for identity verification.
A proxy application may be possible in some cases. If someone applies on your behalf, both the applicant’s ID and the proxy’s ID are required. A power of attorney signed by the applicant is also required. However, receiving the issued license generally requires the applicant to visit in person, so do not confuse proxy application with proxy pick-up.
Temporary Driving Certificate
If you apply for driver’s license reissue online, a temporary driving certificate is not issued. This is very important if you need to drive before receiving your new license.
If you lost your license and need a temporary driving certificate, visiting a police station may be the better choice. A temporary driving certificate can be issued when applying through a police station, depending on the case.
Accepted Identification
Accepted IDs may include a resident registration card, overseas Korean resident registration card, driver’s license, passport, and youth ID card within the valid period. A mobile resident registration verification service may also be accepted.
Other government-issued IDs may also be accepted if they clearly show a photo, date of birth, and name. Examples include public official ID cards, seafarer’s books, national technical qualification certificates, student IDs with enrollment certificates, disability welfare cards, alien registration cards, and domestic residence report cards for overseas Koreans.
If an ID has an expiration date, it must still be valid. If the photo on the ID looks significantly different from the applicant, or if the ID is damaged, another form of identification may be requested.
Passport Without Resident Registration Number
If you submit a passport that does not show a resident registration number, additional identity verification may be required in Korea. After being informed that the resident registration number is needed for identity verification, you may be asked to confirm your identity through a fingerprint verification system with your consent.
For minors or applicants who do not agree to fingerprint verification, a passport information certificate may be required. If that certificate is not available, identity confirmation may be handled through administrative information verification after submitting the required consent form.
Things to Check Before Applying Online
Before applying online, prepare a valid identity verification method. A mobile phone under your name, a digital certificate, or an available simple authentication method can make the application easier.
Also check whether you need to drive immediately. Online application is convenient, but it does not provide a temporary driving certificate. If you need to drive before receiving the new license, visiting a police station may be a more practical option. If you do not need to drive right away and can visit the selected pick-up location later, online reissue is usually the easiest method.
Conclusion
Reissuing a lost driver’s license online in Korea is a simple option if you do not need to drive immediately. You can apply through the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website, complete identity verification, choose the license type, select a pick-up location and date, and pay the required fee. A new photo is usually not required, and the fee is 10,000 KRW for a regular driver’s license or 15,000 KRW for a Mobile IC driver’s license. However, an online application does not provide a temporary driving certificate, so anyone who needs to drive before receiving the new license should consider applying at a police station instead. Also, the reissued driver’s license must generally be picked up in person, so it is important to choose a location and date you can actually visit.
FAQ
Can I apply online for a lost driver’s license in Korea?
Yes. If you lose your driver’s license in Korea, you can apply for a reissue online through the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website. You will need to complete identity verification, choose the type of license, select a pick-up location, and pay the fee.
Will the reissued driver’s license be delivered to my home?
No. Even if you apply online, the reissued driver’s license is not delivered to your home. You must visit the selected pick-up location, such as a driver’s license examination office or an eligible police station civil affairs office.
Do I need to submit a new photo for driver’s license reissue?
No. In most reissue cases, a new photo is not required. The reissued driver’s license is usually made using the photo already registered in the driver’s license system.
How much is the driver’s license reissue fee in Korea?
A regular driver’s license costs 10,000 KRW for both Korean-language and English-language versions. A Mobile IC driver’s license costs 15,000 KRW for both Korean-language and English-language versions.
Can I get a temporary driving certificate when applying online?
No. If you apply online, a temporary driving certificate is not issued. If you need to drive before receiving your new license, applying in person at a police station may be a better option.
Can someone else receive my reissued driver’s license for me?
In general, the reissued driver’s license must be received by the applicant in person. A proxy application may be possible with the applicant’s ID, the proxy’s ID, and a power of attorney, but receiving the issued license usually requires the applicant to visit directly.
What ID can I use for driver’s license reissue?
Accepted IDs may include a resident registration card, driver’s license, passport, youth ID card, or overseas Korean resident registration card. Other government-issued IDs showing a clear photo, name, and date of birth may also be accepted.
Can I use a passport without a resident registration number?
Yes, but additional identity verification may be required in Korea. You may need to agree to fingerprint verification or submit a passport information certificate, depending on the situation.
Can I apply for reissue if my driver’s license is damaged?
Yes. If your driver’s license is damaged, you can apply for a reissue. You should bring the damaged license when required. If the damaged license cannot clearly confirm your identity, you may need to show another valid ID.
What documents are needed after a name change?
If you changed your name, you may need your previous driver’s license and a document showing both your old and new names. A basic certificate or resident registration extract may be used for this purpose. If the previous license was lost, a valid ID may be required instead.
