DOS Embassy Seoul Korea Seal

U.S. Passport Services

RENEW PASSPORTS VUA US EMBASSY SEOUL

Passport Wizard - Renew Your Passport Online

PASSPORT ONLINE WIZARD

Passport applications being submitted by mail or in-person must be filled out using the Department of States Passport Wizard at https://pptform.state.gov/. Follow these general steps:

  • Fill out the online wizard for either a Passport Book, Card or select Both
  • Print the completed PDF file and Sign
  • Obtain a photo as per instructions
  • Put completed form, photo, old passport and Payment in an envelope
  • If using the ILyang Logis Courier Service (highly recommended)
  • You can also mail it in or take it to the US Embassy in Seoul

When to Renew My Passport

Bottom line: you can renew your US passport anytime, before or even after it expires, but if your passport expires in a year or less, submit your renewal application now.

Many countries require six (6) months of validity remaining on your passport to enter. The U.S. Department of State recommends renewing it about nine (9) months before it expires to avoid any issues with travel plans, but as a good rule-of-thumb, the earlier you renew, the better. Airlines may refuse to board you if your passport doesn't meet the 6-month requirement. Passport processing times can vary taking anywhere from 3 weeks to 8 weeks, so applying early ensures you have your new passport in time for any travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can expedite the process.  Learn about destinations at travel.state.gov/destination.

Where & How to Renew Passports

Two options for retirees and their dependents to renew your passport: By Mail via Courier (recommended) via ILyang Logis Courier Service or In-Person via U.S. Embassy appointment.

Required Documents

  • DS-82 Form: You'll must fill out the DS-82 form online, print it and sign it.
  • Current passport
  • New passport photo
  • Pay Appropriate fees: you can now pay on-line

On-line payments can be made via Debit or Credit Card, or PayPal at https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1156527186/ (Official U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea Passport Online Fee Payment)

Renewal by Courier:

  • Contact Ilyang Logis Courier (see further below) to make a pickup appointment via phone, email or on-line reservation scheduling
  • Submit all documents to Ilyang Logis Courier in an envelope
  • Pay Ilyang 9,000Won for pickup, and another 9,000Won when they deliver back to you upon completion

Renewal in Person:

  • Schedule an Appointment: You must schedule anappointment online through the U.S. Embassy's website.
  • Required Documents: You'll need to bring your current passport, other documents if applicable, a passport photo, and the required fees.
  • Appear at the Embassy: Attend your appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul or Busan.

Schedule an Appointment: On-line Appointment Scheduler via the U.S. Embassy's website.

Requirements for Passport Application

For ADULT PASSPORT (APPLICANTS AGE 16 AND OVER) go to https://kr.usembassy.gov/services-adult-passport-applicants-age-16-and-over/.  Latest Passport information and updates go tohttps://kr.usembassy.gov/services/passports/

Some key points to Passport Renewal:

  • Must use the online Passport Wizard to generate the DS 82, Passport Renewal Application
  • Must only use ILyang Logis Courier (see below) if using a courier service to pick up your passport application, documents, and fees, who will also return your new passport. Cost is around 10,000 won each way
  • If both husband and wife are updating passports at the same time, ILyang Logis will pick up and return passports in one package saving on courier fees
  • You can use a Personal Check or obtain a USPS Domestic Money Order for the renewal fees from the on base Post Office (APO)
  • If able to pay online, you will not be able to pay for a Passport ID card, only for the Passport renewal
  • Normal turn-around time is 3-4 weeks to get your new passport back
  • Once you receive your new passport back, you have 15 days to report the passport number change to your immigration office

Passport Cards

You may also want to request a Passport Card, which gives you a second US photo ID and Real ID. The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. The card is not valid for international travel by air, but as a Real ID, can be essential when traveling domestic flights within the U.S. It can be an alternative to a state-issued Real ID (Real ID FAQ https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs).

Applying For a Passport Card
If you already have a passport book and are eligible to use Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card by mail as a "renewal" even if it is your first passport card. Go to the Renewal By Mail page https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html

NOTE:  Passport Cards will not be accepted at USFK Visitor Centers in place of a Passport for escorted entry.

APPLY FOR PASSPORT CARD

Emergency Passports

If you lose your passport while traveling, apply for an Emergency Passport at https://kr.usembassy.gov/services-emergency-passport-replacing-an-emergency-passport/, or to comply with the 6-month rule when traveling around the Pacific, you can apply at the US Embassy. These temporary passports are usually good for 1 year and takes only a few days.

If you OVERSTAY you Visa in Korea i.e. your Visa has expired, you must work directly with the US Embassy.

ILyang Logis Courier Service - The Only Authorized Embassy Courier

The U.S. Embassy currently authorizes only Ilyang courier service, a secure courier service to receive and return your passports/documents for mailing to the U.S. Embassy Seoul and return shipping to your door.  Read more about this service on the U.S. Embassy website at https://kr.usembassy.gov/services/conserv-info/#courier

Passport Renewal Applications via ILyang Logis Courier Service is easy and inexpensive.  Ilyang Logis will pickup at your house or anywhere you agree upon, and return your new passport in the same manner. Ilyang provides online tracking to and from the Embassy for your convenience. For courier-related questions schedule a pickup by calling Ilyang directly. Once your new passport is completed by the Department of State, the Embassy will contact Ilyang and Ilyang will deliver them back to you. Ilyang requests cash payments  when 1.) picking up your initial application package and 2.) when delivering your new passport and documents back to you. Ilyang cannot deliver to APO addresses, but can deliver to military bases as per the list on this U.S. Embassy website. Important Info:

This is the only authorized courier service the U.S. Embassy uses!

Fees are charged for both pickup and delivery and are around 10,000 Korean Won each way.

https://kr.usembassy.gov/services/conserv-info/#courier

https://kr.usembassy.gov/services/passports/

How to Schedule a Pickup Appointment with Ilyang

You can schedule a pickup reservation by either using the Ilyang On-Line Reservation Scheduler, or by calling them directly.

Option 1) Make a pickup appointment reservation on-line

Online Reservation website (English) at https://ilyanglogis.co.kr/board/board_delivery/reserve04.asp?scrID=0000000230&pageNum=5&subNum=1&ssubNum=4&page_lang=E

Tip: Making an online reservation requires a pretty exact Korea address when you click the Search Address button (see the forms screenshot below). Try using the  South Korea Postal Code websiteSouth Korea Postal Code website at https://kor.youbianku.com to find your actual address, and then copy/paste the Korean spelling of it vs the English translation

Ilyang Courier Service Online Pickup Reservation page

Option 2) Make a pickup appointment reservation by phone

Call 02) 3277-9544 or 02) 3277-9453 for an English speaking representative

ILyang Contact Info

Phone: 02) 3277-9544 or 02) 3277-9453 (English) or 02) 3277-9500 (Korean)

On-line Appointment Scheduler (English): Ilyang Courier Service (https://ilyanglogis.co.kr/board/board_delivery/reserve04.asp

Information about Ilyang: https://ilyanglogis.co.kr/eng/sub/bus/bus02_2.asp

Email: ACSDelivery@ilyang.com (not recommended as they rarely reply)

U.S. Embassy Seoul Korea

U.S. Embassy Seoul mailing address

U.S. Embassy
188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu
Seoul, Korea 03141
Phone: +82-2-397-4114

U.S. Embassy Manila Philippines

U.S. Embassy Manila mailing address

U.S. Embassy
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Philippines 1000
Phone: +63-2-5301-2000

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