Online South Korean Passport Application and Photo Requirements in 2026

Though first-time applicants and certain other cases still require an in-person visit, the South Korean government offers a convenient online system for passport reissuance. The process primarily operates on a "one-visit" model: applicants apply online and then visit an office once to collect their passports.

Read this article to learn about the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) passport requirements, application process, fees, and necessary supporting documents.

Table of contents

• Can you apply for a South Korean passport online? Eligibility and requirements
• Documents required for an online South Korean passport application
• Digital passport photo requirements
• Get a photo for a South Korean passport application online!
• Step-by-step online South Korean passport application process
• South Korean passport fees and processing times
• Passport tracking, pick-up, and delivery options
• FAQ

Can you apply for a South Korean passport online? Eligibility and requirements

Eligible South Korean citizens have the convenience of applying online for passport reissuance. However, first-time applicants and those in other specific cases must visit a passport office in person. Read on to learn what you need to know before using the Republic of Korea's online passport application system.

When you CAN apply online for a Korean passport reissuance:

• Apply if your passport has expired or will expire soon.
• You must be 18 or older.
• Ensure you're free from any administrative penalties.
• This must not be your first electronic passport.
• Your Romanized name spelling should remain unchanged.
• You must not have a history of frequently losing passports.
• If you have not fulfilled the military service requirement, online applications typically allow for a passport valid for five years.

When you CANNOT apply fully online and must visit an office in person:

• First-time applicants need to apply in person.
• Those under 18 must visit a passport office.
• Applications for diplomatic or official passports require in-person submission.
• Emergency passport requests must be done face-to-face.
• Individuals wishing for a 10-year passport who have not completed military service duties need to apply in person.
• Applicants wishing to alter the Romanized spelling of their name need to visit a local office.
• Lost or damaged passports require an in-person application.
• If you haven't fulfilled the military service requirement yet and need a 10-year passport, you must apply in person.

If you are eligible, you will need to complete your application on the Government24 website or the KB Star Banking app. However, you must pick up the passport in person; mailing is not an option.

Overseas Korean citizens can submit applications via Consular Civil Service 24 and collect their passports at their local embassy or consulate.

Documents required for an online South Korean passport application

Submitting a passport application online requires accurate personal information and supporting documents that match official requirements. Below, we explain which documents you should prepare before submitting your application.

Ensure you have the following:

• Completed passport application form.
• Digital passport photo that meets specific Korean photo standards, detailed below.
• Identification document: Bring an ID card, citizenship card, or driver’s license.
• Previous passport, if available.
• For military personnel: Provide documentation related to your service, as it affects passport validity.
• For adults without ID: If you lack a valid ID or passport at collection, you need a Certificate of Family Relations or a Resident Registration copy for identity verification.

Digital passport photo requirements

Your digital photo must meet precise technical and content criteria for approval. Non-compliance leads to application rejection. Here you'll find out about the requirements your digital passport photo must meet.

Here are the rules for the Korean passport digital photos:

• The photo file format must be JPG or JPEG.
• File size is under 500 KB.
• Recommended specifications for a Korean passport photo in pixels are 413 px in width and 531 px in height.
• Recommended resolution is 300 DPI.
• Recommended color profile is SRGB or AdobeRGB.

General passport photo rules are as follows:

• The photo must have been taken within the past six months.
• The background must be plain white and free of shadows or objects.
• Face forward with your eyes open and visible, and maintain a neutral expression. Keep your mouth closed.
• The head must be positioned straight and centered without any tilt.
• Avoid wearing white clothing that might blend with the background.
• Hats are not allowed unless for religious reasons, and ensure that the face remains fully visible.

Here's a photo example:

Get a photo for a South Korean passport application online!

Here you'll learn how to create a South Korean passport photo online that meets official requirements and is ready for submission.

You no longer need to visit a photo studio to get a compliant document photo. Online photo tools make it possible to prepare a high-quality passport image in minutes. With Visafoto, a trusted photo editing service, you can create a ready-to-use South Korean passport photo in two quick steps:

1. Upload a photo taken in good natural lighting to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Choose the country and document type (South Korea, passport).

That's it! Visafoto handles the Korean passport photo conversion, including cropping, replacing backgrounds with plain white, and formatting the file size to official dimensions. You receive both a digital version for online applications and a printable copy.

The service can also improve image quality when necessary. Visafoto can correct lighting for a cleaner studio-style result, increase image sharpness and resolution, and adjust framing if the original photo was too close or uneven. You can even use your phone to take a picture of an existing printed passport photo and let the system improve the image quality.

If your photo already meets the required standards, Visafoto keeps it unchanged and only applies adjustments when needed.

Original photo:

Edited result:

Visafoto has delivered over 1,000,000 approved images with a 99.7% acceptance rate. If authorities reject your photo, you receive a full refund. Customer support is available 24/7 whenever you need assistance.

Step-by-step online South Korean passport application process

The online application process for a Korean passport reissuance involves a series of actions that must be completed in the correct order. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you avoid mistakes. Read on to learn what you need to do at each step of the application process.

Here is how to renew a Korean passport online:

1. Go to the Government24 website or the KB Star Banking app to start your application.
2. Log in or create an account using your Korean government-issued digital certificate or another authentication method.
3. Verify your Resident Registration Number and confirm personal details.
4. Upload your digital passport photo, ensuring it meets the required specifications.
5. Complete the fee payment online.
6. Select a Passport Civil Service Office or designated agency for passport collection. Note that once selected, you cannot change this location.

Important: Sign your name in the designated signature line on page 3 of your new passport. Failure to do so may cause entry issues in some countries.

South Korean passport fees and processing times

Passport costs and processing periods depend on the applicant's age, passport validity period, and the service option selected during the application. Processing times may also vary depending on demand and administrative factors. Below, we explain what fees to expect and how long passport issuance usually takes.

Processing times

Usually, it takes about three to ten days to get the passport. The processing times for applications from abroad and expedited services are as follows:

• Expedited service: Available in 3 business days for urgent situations, but requires an in-person application. Provide evidence of your urgent need, such as flight tickets or visa documents, and expect extra fees.
• International applications: Applying through a Korean embassy or consulate abroad takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

Fee structure

On March 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs increased issuance fees by 2,000 won. Here's a breakdown of the new costs:

• 10-year validity (58 pages): KRW 52,000
• 10-year validity (26 pages): KRW 49,000
• 5-year validity for minors (8-17 years): KRW 42,000 (26 pages) or KRW 45,000 (58 pages)
• 5-year validity for children under 8: KRW 30,000 (26 pages) or KRW 33,000 (58 pages)
• Single entry (one-time use): KRW 20,000
• Emergency passport: KRW 53,000

Passport tracking, pick-up, and delivery options

After submitting an application, you can monitor its status and prepare for the final stage of receiving your passport. Here you'll find out about tracking options and the ways you can receive your passport.

How can I track the status of my passport application? You can easily track its status online using the Government24 platform or mobile app. You can see whether your passport is being processed, ready for printing, or available for pick-up at your chosen location.

Pick-up procedure

Due to security protocols, online applicants must collect passports in person. Home delivery isn't an option. Here's how to collect your passport:

1. Go to the passport issuance agency that you specified during your application, such as the city hall, district office, or passport office.
2. Bring your government-issued ID, like a Resident Registration Card, or bring your old passport if it is still valid.
3. Once you receive it, sign on page 3 to ensure its validity for international travel.

You must collect your passport within six months of application; otherwise, it will be destroyed.

Special services and scenarios

If you applied at an embassy or consulate, you generally need to collect your passport there. Some locations (e.g., in China) provide an express DHL courier service for an additional fee (approximately USD 14), delivering your passport from Korea to your address abroad in 3-4 days.

Special delivery services

Certain district offices, like Jung-gu in Seoul, offer unique services:

• Home delivery for seniors/disabled: Officials personally deliver passports to seniors (75+) or individuals with severe disabilities.
• Evening service center: Extended hours (e.g., 6 PM - 8 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays) accommodate office workers for passport pick-up.

Check if your local area offers similar services. Since passport issuance is managed locally by city halls and district offices, contact them directly for information on delivery or special pick-up options available to residents. For assistance, you can also reach the Government24 helpline at 02-3703-2500.

FAQ

Can first-time applicants apply online?

No, first-time applicants need to apply in person at a passport office or designated agency like a city hall or district office.

Do I need to print out a photo when applying for a South Korean passport online?

No, a printed photo isn't required. Upload a digital photo file (JPG/JPEG format, under 500 KB) directly to the Government24 website.

Do I need to visit a passport office after applying online?

Yes, an in-person visit is generally necessary for picking up at a passport office or consulate.

Can I renew my passport online if it has already expired?

Yes, if you meet general eligibility requirements. As long as you are 18 or older and have previously held an e-passport, you can apply for reissuance online.

How do I write my foreign/English name on a Korean passport? Romanization rules

Your English name should be the Romanized form of your legal Korean name as on your Resident Registration Card, following the Revised Romanization of Korean. If you wish to change the Romanized spelling, such as after marriage or divorce, you must apply in person. Ensure your passport name matches that on airline tickets, visas, and travel documents to avoid travel complications.