Change Your Name in South Korea

Family Court Application (가정법원 개명허가)

Submit an application for name change approval (개명허가신청) at your local Family Court. Required for most legal name changes. Provide grounds and supporting documents.

Family Registry Update (가족관계등록부 정정)

After court approval, notify your local Eup/Myeon/Dong office (읍·면·동 행정복지센터) to update the Family Registry. This is the master record — all other updates flow from this.

Resident Registration Update (주민등록증 재발급)

Visit your local community service centre (주민센터) with your updated family register certificate (가족관계증명서) to have your Resident Registration Card reissued.

Passport (여권 재발급)

Apply for a new passport at a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부) passport office or authorised local office. Bring your new resident registration card and family register certificate.

Driver's Licence (운전면허증 갱신)

Visit a Driver's Licence Test Centre (운전면허시험장) or police station with your updated resident registration to have your licence reissued in your new name.

National Health Insurance (국민건강보험)

Notify the National Health Insurance Service (건강보험공단) of your name change. This also updates your associated medical records.

Banks & Financial Accounts (금융기관)

Visit each bank branch with your updated ID documents to update all accounts, credit cards, and debit cards. Most major Korean banks (KB, Shinhan, Hana, Woori) require an in-person visit.

Employment & Payroll Records (고용주 통보)

Notify your employer's HR department to update payroll, tax withholding, and company ID records. Also update with the National Pension Service (국민연금공단).

Mobile Carrier (통신사 명의변경)

Visit a carrier store (SKT, KT, LG U+) with your updated ID to update the registered account holder name on your mobile plan. Required under Korean real-name verification laws.

Immigration / Visa Records (외국인 해당)

Foreign nationals must also update their Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) at the local immigration office (출입국관리사무소) if their name change was processed outside Korea.