South Korea's Resident Registration Card (주민등록증) uses the same photo as a Korean passport — 35×45mm, white background, 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. If you have a passport photo taken within the past 6 months, the same photo works for your Resident Registration Card.
Korea Resident Registration Card Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35×45mm |
| Digital size | 413×531 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | White (RGB 255,255,255) |
| Glasses | Allowed |
| Smile | Not allowed |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Issued by | District office (주민센터 / 구청) |
| Processing time | 3–4 weeks |
| Fee | Free (first issue) |
| Validity | Lifetime (issued at age 17) |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Same Photo Specification as the Korean Passport
The Resident Registration Card (주민등록증) and the Korean passport (여권) are identical in photo specification.
| Specification | Resident Registration Card | Korean Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Print size | 35×45mm | 35×45mm |
| Digital size | 413×531px | 413×531px |
| Background | White | White |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
No resizing. No different crop. If you're applying for both a passport and a Resident Registration Card at a similar time, one set of photos works for both — provided the photos are within 6 months of each submission.
This is practical. Koreans applying for their first passport at age 17 often apply for both documents simultaneously. One visit to a photo studio, one set of photos.
When Do Korean Citizens Get a Resident Registration Card?
All Korean citizens receive their Resident Registration Card at age 17. It is not optional. The card is issued automatically when a citizen turns 17 and registers at their local district office.
The 주민등록증 is the foundation of Korean civic life. It is required to:
- Open a bank account
- Apply for government services
- Sign a rental contract
- Register for school or university
- Get a mobile phone plan
- Vote in elections
Korean citizens have a 주민등록번호 (resident registration number) — a 13-digit number that appears on the card and functions as a national identification number from birth. The card physically presents this number along with a photo and basic personal data.
Before age 17, Korean minors use the 주민등록번호 in records but do not carry a physical card. At 17, the card is issued for the first time.
How to Apply for a Korean Resident Registration Card
Apply at your local district office (주민센터 or 구청). The process is straightforward.
What to bring:
- Your family register certificate (가족관계증명서) or notification from your school or office
- A 35×45mm photo taken within the past 6 months
- Your 주민등록번호 (resident registration number)
- For first-time applicants at age 17: a parent or guardian's written consent and ID may be required
The initial card is free. The district office processes your application on-site and mails the physical card within 3–4 weeks.
Replacement cards (for lost, stolen, or damaged cards) are available at the same offices. There is a small fee for replacement — check with your local 주민센터 for the current amount.
Updating Your Resident Registration Card Photo
The photo on a Resident Registration Card does not expire automatically, but you can apply for a new card with an updated photo at any time. Many Koreans choose to update their card photo after significant appearance changes.
To update: visit the district office, bring a new 35×45mm photo, pay the replacement card fee, and submit the update request. The new card arrives within 3–4 weeks.
Some district offices in major cities now accept digital photo uploads for card updates through the Government24 portal (정부24). Check whether your local office supports this option before making a trip.
Common Resident Registration Card Photo Questions
Can foreigners get a Resident Registration Card?
No. The 주민등록증 is for Korean citizens only. Foreign residents in Korea receive the Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) instead. The ARC uses a different photo size — 30×40mm, not 35×45mm. See the Korea Alien Registration Card photo guide if you need ARC specifications.
Does the photo need to be in colour?
Yes. Colour photo only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
What if the photo is slightly older than 6 months?
The 6-month rule is enforced. Bring a fresh photo taken recently. District offices may reject applications with older photos.
Can I smile slightly?
No. Neutral expression is required. Even a slight smile may be flagged during processing.
Expression and Appearance Rules for Korean RRC Photos
The expression requirements mirror the Korean passport standard:
- Mouth closed — no teeth visible, lips together gently
- Neutral expression — no smiling, no frowning
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- Prescription glasses allowed — clear lenses only, no tinted or coloured lenses, no visible glare or reflections
- Hair away from face — forehead visible, hair should not obscure eyes or eyebrows
- Head coverings — only for religious reasons; face from chin to forehead must be fully visible
- No heavy makeup — the photo should represent your everyday appearance
Korea allows glasses in biometric photos. This contrasts with countries like France, Australia, India, and the United States (for passports), which have banned glasses entirely. If you wear prescription glasses daily, keep them on — just ensure there's no lens glare.
Getting Compliant Korean Resident Registration Photos
Photo studio (사진관): Professional photo studios across South Korea are familiar with the 35×45mm biometric standard. Ask for "증명사진" (ID photos). Most studios can produce both prints and digital files at the correct pixel dimensions. Studios typically charge ₩5,000–₩15,000 for a set of ID photos.
Photo booth (즉석사진): Automated photo booths at subway stations, convenience stores, and shopping centres can produce 35×45mm biometric photos. Cost is approximately ₩5,000–₩8,000 per session.
At home: Take the photo yourself against a plain white wall with even lighting. Use the passportsize-photo.online checker to verify compliance and crop to 35×45mm / 413×531px. Ensure no shadows on the background.
How Korean Photo Standards Compare to Other Documents
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Registration Card (주민등록증) | 35×45mm | White | Allowed |
| Korean Passport (여권) | 35×45mm | White | Allowed |
| Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) | 30×40mm | White | Allowed |
| Korean Driver's Licence (운전면허증) | 35×45mm | White | Allowed |
The Resident Registration Card, passport, and driver's licence all share the same 35×45mm specification. Only the Alien Registration Card (ARC) uses a different size (30×40mm). If you're a Korean citizen, one set of photos covers three of the four major Korean identity documents.
Quick Checklist for Korean Resident Registration Photos
- Size: 35×45mm (print) or 413×531px (digital)
- Background: white (#FFFFFF)
- Expression: neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses: allowed (no glare, no tinted lenses)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- Apply at local 주민센터 or 구청
- First card is free (at age 17)
For the full list of Korean document photo requirements, visit the South Korea country page. Also check the South Korea passport photo size guide for passport-specific guidance. Verify your photo now →
