Living in Korea·5 min read
What If I Lose My ARC Card In Korea?
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.
Review & source basis
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
Ministry of Justice Immigration Policy Bureau
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.
Important manual-based filing notes
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.
- ARC replacement is a reissuance problem, not a status-creation problem, but applicants should still file promptly and keep identity documents organized.
- Replacement fees and document requirements can change, so use current immigration guidance rather than older screenshots or forum posts.
- If your passport or underlying stay status has also changed, handle those reporting issues together rather than treating the lost card in isolation.
- Do not assume a missing ARC is harmless if you need to prove status to an employer, bank, or landlord before replacement is issued.
Why the ARC matters
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.
What to do first
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.
Replacement fee and timing
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.
Tips from 행정사s
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.
Need help with this?
Talk to a verified 행정사
Our specialists handle what if i lose my arc card in korea? cases regularly and know exactly what Korean immigration officers look for.
Immigration Specialists
Verified professionals who can help with your visa application
Verified Specialists
Find a certified immigration administrative agent.
Mr. Visa Korea lists certified immigration administrative agents (행정사) who have been verified by our team. Book a consultation directly — no cold calls, no guessing.
Verified profiles only
Direct consultation booking
Key Immigration Terms
Unfamiliar with a term?
Frequently asked questions
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.
