Losing your ARC is stressful because it is your main ID document in Korea. The practical solution is usually straightforward: report the loss promptly, apply for reissuance, and keep the receipt while the replacement is being processed. The real mistake is waiting too long and then discovering you need the card for banking, travel, or another immigration filing.
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
April 22, 2026
Source references
Stay-manual sections covering ARC reissuance, fees, and replacement filing workflow.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
These points are drawn from Korea immigration manuals and recurring review patterns for higher-risk guide topics.
: Stay-manual sections on pending review handling, passport-validity limits, document validity, and departure risk.
The ARC is used for identity checks, banking, telecom registration, housing, insurance, and immigration appointments. Losing it does not automatically cancel your visa status, but it does remove your easiest proof of that status until you replace it.
Report the loss quickly and apply for reissuance with immigration. Bring your passport, a new photo if required, and any police loss report if you made one. Keep the reissuance receipt with you while waiting for the new card.
Standard ARC reissuance is currently ₩35,000 under the March 2026 stay manual fee schedule. Processing times vary by office and workload. During the waiting period, you may need to use the receipt plus your passport as temporary proof of status.
Keep a photo or scan of both sides of your ARC in a secure place before anything goes wrong.
If the ARC was stolen with your wallet, also review your bank, phone, and online identity exposure risks.
If you have travel or another immigration filing coming up, tell immigration that timing matters when you apply for reissuance.
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Do I have to report the loss to the police?
It is often a good idea, especially if theft is involved, but the key immigration step is the reissuance application. A police loss report can still be helpful evidence.
Can I still prove my status without the card?
Yes, temporarily, using your passport and the immigration receipt or other status documentation. But many banks and service providers will still prefer the physical card, so replace it quickly.
Does losing my ARC affect my visa status?
No, losing the card itself does not cancel the underlying status. The problem is documentary proof, not automatic loss of stay rights.
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All agents on Mr. Visa Korea are certified immigration administrative agents (행정사) registered in Korea.
Browse specialistsWritten by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed April 2026