Driver’s License Reissue Photo Rule
When you apply for a driver’s license reissue in Korea because your license was lost or damaged, the photo rule can be confusing. In many online reissue cases, the existing photo already registered on your license is used again. This means you may not be able to upload or change to a new photo through the online application.
Required Photo Size
If you need to submit a new photo for a driver’s license reissue in Korea, prepare a passport-style color photo taken within the last 6 months. The required size is 3.5cm × 4.5cm. The photo should clearly show your face, and items that cover the face, such as hats or sunglasses, should be avoided.
Online Application Photo Use
For a lost or damaged driver’s license in Korea, online reissue may be available in some cases. However, online application is generally based on the existing license photo. If you want to change your photo, online application may not be suitable. In that case, it is better to check the in-person application option at a driver’s license test center or police station.
In-Person Application Photo Change
If you want your reissued license to show a new photo, an in-person application is usually the better option. Bring your current driver’s license if you still have it. If your license was lost, bring another valid ID, such as a resident registration card or passport. For a new photo, prepare a passport-style color photo taken within the last 6 months, sized 3.5cm × 4.5cm.
Photo Preparation Tips
Use a recent photo that looks close to your current appearance. A dark photo, blurry photo, heavily edited photo, or photo with a complicated background may cause problems during application. If you are also applying for a mobile driver’s license or IC driver’s license in Korea, photo suitability can be even more important.
Reissue Fee Guide
The reissue fee depends on the type of driver’s license. A mobile IC driver’s license costs 15,000 KRW for both Korean and English versions. A regular driver’s license costs 10,000 KRW for both Korean and English versions. In some cases, reissue due to contamination may be free, but reissue due to loss or damage usually requires a fee.
Before You Apply
Before applying online, check whether you are okay with using the existing photo. If you want to change your photo, or if the old photo is no longer suitable for identification, an in-person application is usually the safer choice. Also, even when online application is available, the reissued license may need to be collected by the applicant in person.
Quick Photo Guide
For a Korean driver’s license reissue, a new photo should be a passport-style color photo taken within the last 6 months. The size should be 3.5cm × 4.5cm. Online reissue usually uses the existing photo, so anyone who wants to change the photo should check the in-person application option before applying.
Conclusion
When applying for a driver’s license reissue in Korea, the most important thing is to check whether you want to change your photo. Online reissue applications usually use the existing photo already registered on your license, so if you want a new photo, you may need to apply in person at a driver’s license test center or police station. If a new photo is required, prepare a passport-style color photo taken within the last 6 months, sized 3.5cm × 4.5cm. For a lost license, bring a valid ID, and for a damaged license, bring the existing driver’s license if you still have it.
FAQ
Do I need a new photo for a driver’s license reissue in Korea?
Not always. If you apply online and use the existing photo on your license, a new photo may not be required. However, if you want to change your photo or the old photo is no longer suitable for identification, you should prepare a new one.
What is the required photo size for a driver’s license reissue?
The required photo size is 3.5cm × 4.5cm. This is the same size commonly used for passport-style color photos in Korea.
How recent should the photo be?
The photo should be taken within the last 6 months. Using a recent photo helps avoid problems during identification.
Can I change my photo when applying online?
In many cases, online reissue applications use the existing photo. If you want to change your photo, it is better to check the in-person application option.
What should I bring if I lost my driver’s license?
If your driver’s license was lost, bring a valid ID such as a resident registration card or passport. The ID is needed to confirm your identity.
What should I bring if my license is damaged?
If your driver’s license is damaged, bring the damaged license with you. If the license is too damaged to confirm your identity, another valid ID may also be required.
How much is the reissue fee?
A regular driver’s license reissue costs 10,000 KRW for both Korean and English versions. A mobile IC driver’s license reissue costs 15,000 KRW for both Korean and English versions.
Does the same photo rule apply to a mobile IC driver’s license?
Yes, the photo should still be suitable for identification. If the existing photo is not appropriate for a mobile driver’s license, you may need to apply for reissue with a suitable photo.
Can someone else receive the reissued license for me?
In many cases, someone else may be able to apply on your behalf with proper documents, but the reissued license often must be collected by the applicant in person. It is best to check the pickup rule before visiting.
