What to Do When You Lose Your ARC (Alien Registration Card)

Lost your ARC? First of all, breathe. It’s stressful, I know but totally fixable. Whether your card was stolen, dropped, or simply disappeared into thin air, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do. 1. Report It ASAP Within 14 days of losing your ARC, you're required to report it to immigration. If you don’t, you might face a fine. You can either: Visit the nearest immigration office in person, or Call 1345 (Immigration Helpline) for guidance in English Tip: Some offices may ask for a lost item report from the police station, so it’s a good idea to file one at your local 지구대 (police box). 2. Prepare Documents for Reissue To get a new ARC issued, you’ll need: Passport One passport-size photo (recent, white background) Application form (available at the office or online) Reissue fee: usually around 30,000 KRW Lost item report (if requested) 3. Make an Appointment via HiKorea Go to HiKorea > "Reserve Visit" > Select Reissue of Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증 재발급). Appointments can fill up fast, so book as early as you can. 4. Wait for Your New ARC After applying, it takes around 2–3 weeks to get your new card. You’ll get a pick-up slip don’t lose that one too!