MilSpouse in Korea: How to Apply For And Renew A Tourist Passport
This guide is for renewing your tourist passport as an American living in South Korea, especially for military families stationed overseas. If you’re trying to renew your official no-fee/SIP passport needed for PCS travel, that process is handled through your base’s DEERS office—not the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. The paperwork will be the same, though.
During our 4+ years in Korea, we’ve navigated just about every passport situation you can imagine: renewing adult passports, applying for a baby’s first passport, renewing a child’s passport, and even requesting an emergency passport when we realized too late that one wouldn’t have the 6 month validity needed for a trip. At this point, you could say we’re pros at passport renewal in Korea.
The good news? The process is similar to renewing in the States—but faster. While the embassy website lists processing times at 6–8 weeks, most families receive their passports back in 2–3 weeks via Korean courier, delivered straight to your home or base gate.
Unless this has changed, this costs about 9,000₩ cash and exact change. If you hand over a 10, be prepared to not get your 1,000₩ back. A specific date will not be given by the embassy, only a general time period. I recommend making a note on your calendar to remind yourself.
Keep in mind that your courier drive may not speak any English but he will say “PASSPORT PASSPORT” repeatedly, in hopes that you’ll catch on and know that he’s at your apartment/military base gate or will be very shortly.
The gates for each base that the Korean courier will deliver your passport to IF you live ON base.
Here’s everything you need to know about renewing your passport at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
First off - you’ll need to visit the US Embassy Passport Services webpage. This page has all the forms needed for each different type of application and if you answers the questions on this page, it’ll also direct you to the correct forms you’ll need. (Make sure to choose the international location option.)
US Embassy Seoul passport service options.
Applying/Renewing a Child’s Passport (Age 15 & Under)
Minor applications and renewals (for ages 15 and under) must be done in person at the US Embassy and both parents must be present, unless you have a notarized consent form (DS-3053). This page has each step needed to apply for a minor’s passport.
Visual of the birth certificate requirements for a passport application
Printed, filled out form DS-11 (Do not sign your child's application until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent.)
Evidence of child’s citizenship: US birth certificate that meets the requirements (see image); Consular Report of Birth Abroad or any birth document issued by the U.S. Department of State; Certificate of Citizenship; Undamaged valid or expired U.S. passport (Paper only: You cannot submit digital evidence of U.S. citizenship such as a mobile or electronic birth certificate. You must submit physical evidence of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the document.)
Proof of your relationship with your child: a birth certificate covers #2 and #3, but if you don’t have that available you can also show a foreign birth certificate, adoption decree, divorce or custody decree, or a court order. (If you don’t have your children’s birth certificates take this opportunity to order them because you’ll need them for other things like registering for school.)
Both parents or guardians must bring a physical, photo ID to apply for a child’s passport. A valid driver’s license, military id, green card and passport are 4 options.
You must also provide a photocopy of your child’s citizenship evidence (along with the original or replacement version that has the seal or stamp), and a photocopy of the front and back of the parent(s)/guardian(s) photo ID(s).
A 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) photo NOT STAPLED to the application
If you’re renewing a minor’s passport, you will also need:
The child’s previous U.S. passport
Photos of your child’s development: If the most recent passport was issued when your child was under four years old you’ll need to bring sufficient printed images (often 1 per year) of the applicant to show how their appearance has changed. These may be printed on standard printer paper, but you must print out hard copies (and organize them chronologically) to submit with your application since you will not have access to electronic devices at the time of the interview.
Click here to make an appointment. Be sure to write down your appointment date, time and password. The confirmation email will only contain the appointment date, not the appointment time, and you will need the password to reschedule or cancel your existing appointment.
How to Renew an Adult Passport at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul (Age 16+)
An adult renewal will be done by courier BOTH directions. An appointment at the embassy is not required. You’ll need to mail in the following documents:
1. An original, signed copy of your completed DS-82 U.S Passport Renewal Application form (You will download and partially fill this out online. This form has a specific number to it that coincides with YOUR passport application.)
2. A new 2 inch X 2 inch passport photo on white background
3. Your current expiring passport (Your expired passport will be returned to you, hole punched, marking it invalid.)
4. A printed copy of the confirmation email
5. (Optional) A self-addressed envelope if you wish to have your new passport returned to you by mail
If you’re renewing multiple adult passports (i.e. for you and your spouse), you can send them in the same envelope to the embassy. Once you’ve gathered all your paperwork together, you’ll need to go to the courier website here to schedule a pick up. I recommend putting each individual application in its own envelope inside a larger envelope so the documents don’t get jumbled together.
You’ll need to enter your address in hanguel on the courier website - I recommend this korean keyboard website.
If you need to get a first time adult passport, you’ll need the documents listed above and to make an appointment.
I mentioned at the top of this blog that this post is specifically relevant to those getting renewing/applying for a tourist passport. If you’re applying for a first time passport, you’ll notice the application asks if you’ve ever had a US passport. If you have a no-fee/government passport for PCS travel, you’re probably thinking you’d answer yes here but the answer is NO. Pretend it doesn’t exist.
EMERGENCY PASSPORT
Emergency passports are also available and since walk-in’s are not an option, you still need an appointment. Good news though - most emergency passports can be printed on the same day. An emergency passport is limited to one year or less and does not have an embedded electronic chip. Some countries may not accept an emergency passport, therefore you may be refused entry by immigration officials or denied airplane boarding by airline personnel.
One year we had to get London an emergency passport and I can confirm that an emergency passport looks like the absolute fakest passport you’ll ever see.
If you’re thinking that you’ll have to pay twice - for an emergency passport and then a passport renewal - you’d be wrong. An emergency passport is valid for one year, and during that time you can schedule another renewal appointment, bring in your emergency passport and have it renewed for a new passport FREE OF CHARGE. You’ll also be given a letter with replacement instructions and the fee waiver that you must turn in with your emergency passport.
According to the website, if you’re traveling within 5 days and an appointment isn’t available please send the following information to support-acs-southkorea@usvisascheduling.com and write “Emergency Passport Request” in the subject line of your email.
Flight itinerary (attach as a PDF, JPEG, or PNG file)
Name on the current U.S. passport
Accompanying parents’ full names WHEN an applicant is a minor
Date of birth
Current U.S. passport (attach as a PDF, JPEG or PNG file) if applicable
Local Phone number
Three preferred appointment dates within 5 working days before your travel date (@9:00am):
Reason for an emergency passport
We will try to accommodate your requested dates, however given the number of requests we receive, we appreciate your flexibility if we are unable.
Passport payment options at the US Embassy Seoul
GETTING TO THE EMBASSY
The embassy is located near Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Purple Line) in central Seoul. You can drive, take public transportation, or stay overnight nearby if you have an early appointment. If you have a morning appointment, I highly recommend going up the night before.
Hotel Tip: We love staying at Nine Tree Hotel Insadong (recently renamed Nine Tree by Parnas Insadong). It’s family-friendly, has parking, and is just a 15-minute walk to the embassy. There are a ton of shops and restaurants nearby to entertain you.
Military Tip: Many families stay at Dragon Hill Lodge, but if you have an early appointment, consider using a taxi or uber rather than driving.
PASSPORT PHOTO
“Where to have your passport taken?” is a question that I see regularly on the local Facebook pages. I don’t have the information for each base, but if you’re at Osan Air Base, you can have your passport photos taken on base in the Photo Booth located inside the Officer’s Club. (Current as of August 2025.)
If you don’t want to have your pictures done on base, I can also recommend the Kodak store in the SED. We’ve had passport photos, visa photos and ARC card photos done by him. This Naver pin is not the exact location for him, but he’s right next door. He will specify which country you need the photo for and if it’s for a visa/passport/etc so you get the correct one.
If you forgot, or didn’t have time to get your passport photo taken, there is a Photo Booth in the US Embassy waiting room. It only takes accepts KRW10,000 and $10 USD bills and the cashier will not make change.
FAQ’S:
Is it stroller friendly? Yes! It will be screened by security same as if you were in an airport.
What does it mean by “Applicants visiting the Embassy will be allowed to check in only one cell phone and one set of electronic car keys before entering the building. “? Any electronic devices in your possession will be left in a box with security and you’ll be given a number that corresponds with your box. The box is not very big and it doesn’t hold much more than keys and phones.
If I show up early, will they allow me in? No. They open the doors at specific intervals and they check your id and your appointment time before allowing you in. You will only be allowed to enter 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
Can I renew my U.S. passport by mail in Korea? YES - and currently if you’re over 16 and renewing a passport, it can only be done via mail in Korea.
Do they accept credit cards or is it cash only? They accept cash, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, American Express cards, International Money Orders and USPS Domestic Money Orders (but not USPS International Money Orders) at the Embassy.
What if I forgot to have a passport photo taken? There is a photo booth available and it only accepts KRW10,000 or $10 USD bills. The cashier cannot make change for larger bills.
Do I have to make another appointment to pick up my passport? No. If you’re an adult, your passport will be delivered to you via Korean courier. It costs about 9,000￦ cash.
I live in Daegu. Can I get my passport renewed at the US Consulate in Busan? No. The Consulate does not conduct consular services, you can only renew your tourist passport at the US Embassy in Seoul.
I need to have several of my children’s passports renewed. Can I make just one appointment? No. An appointment is required for each applicant. HOWEVER, when you go up to the window to submit your application, let them know you’re there for several applicants and it can all be handled together.
How long does a U.S. passport renewal take in South Korea? Typically you can expect to have it returned to you within 2-3 weeks.
Can I check the status of my passport? Yep! Click on this passport application status website to keep up to date with the progress of your passport.
Renewing your U.S. passport in South Korea may feel overwhelming at first, but that’s only because we’re in a foreign country! Whether you’re applying for your child, mailing in an adult renewal, or rushing for an emergency passport, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul makes it manageable for military families stationed here. My biggest tip? Don’t wait until 3 weeks before a trip to check expiration dates - renew early and give yourself peace of mind.
If this guide helped you, share it with other military families stationed in Korea!
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