Home / Passport Services
June 7, 2025
For VISA Information go to our Korean Visa and Immigration page
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:
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.
Two options for retirees and their dependents to renew your passport:
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:
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.
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.
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:
You can schedule a pickup reservation by either using the Ilyang On-Line Reservation Scheduler, or by calling them directly.
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 website at https://kor.youbianku.com to find your actual address, and then copy/paste the Korean spelling of it vs the English translation
Call 02) 3277-9544 or 02) 3277-9453 for an English speaking representative
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 mailing address
U.S. Embassy
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Philippines 1000
Phone: +63-2-5301-2000
