Daejeon, South Korea – Starting March 28th, South Korean citizens across the nation will be able to obtain a 'Mobile Resident Registration Card' regardless of their registered address, the Daejeon Metropolitan City Government announced. This marks a significant expansion of the digital identification system, which underwent pilot testing and a phased rollout since December of the previous year.

The initiative allows citizens aged 17 and older who already possess a physical resident registration card to acquire a digital version on their smartphones. This mobile card will hold the same legal validity as the traditional physical ID, enabling its use at various institutions including government offices, banks, and hospitals.

Two primary methods for obtaining the mobile ID have been introduced:

QR Code Issuance: Citizens can visit any local administrative welfare center and scan a temporary QR code. This process instantly generates a mobile resident registration card at no cost. However, users will need to repeat this process if they change their mobile phone.
IC Resident Registration Card Issuance: This method requires citizens to possess a physical resident registration card equipped with an embedded IC chip. By physically touching this card to their smartphone, they can register it and activate the mobile version. This method incurs a fee of 10,000 KRW. Individuals needing an IC-enabled physical card can apply for reissuance via the Government24 online platform and then visit an administrative welfare center to collect the physical card before activating the mobile version.
The mobile resident registration card aims to enhance convenience and security for citizens in their daily transactions and interactions. Authorities have also addressed security concerns related to loss or theft. Reporting a physical resident registration card as lost will automatically invalidate the corresponding mobile ID. Conversely, reporting a lost mobile phone or just the mobile resident registration card to the mobile carrier will only suspend the digital credential.

Jeon Jae-hyun, Director of Daejeon City's Administrative and Autonomous Affairs Bureau, expressed optimism about the nationwide implementation. "Following the successful pilot operation, we are pleased to offer this enhanced convenience to all citizens, regardless of their location. We anticipate that the mobile resident registration card will significantly contribute to the improvement of administrative services across the country."

The nationwide launch of the mobile resident registration card underscores South Korea's ongoing efforts to leverage digital technologies to streamline public services and enhance citizen convenience.