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.
Base de relecture et sources
Relu à partir de
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). Licence n° 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Association coréenne des agents administratifs). Verifie selon le manuel HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 et recoupe avec les publications du Ministere de la Justice.
Dernière relecture
4 septembre 2026
Références de source
Stay-manual sections covering ARC reissuance, fees, and replacement filing workflow.
Prudence avant dépôt
Les exigences peuvent varier selon la nationalite, le bureau d'immigration competent et le canal de depot. Avant de deposer, confirmez les exigences exactes avec HiKorea, le consulat coreen competent ou un specialiste de l'immigration habilite.
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.
Conseils des 행정사
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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Nos spécialistes traitent régulièrement les dossiers de what if i lose my arc card in korea? et savent exactement ce que les services d'immigration coréens exigent.
Questions fréquentes
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.