Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA

According to Korean Nationality Act 14, individual with dual nationality who wishes to choose foreign nationality may declare to renounce Korean nationality to Minister of Justice within the time period on Nationality Act Article 12 at the jurisdictional foreign mission(based on individual’s residence)

□ Renunciation Process

 1. Jurisdiction check

   (based on your residing state)

 Consulate General in your jurisdiction

 (For all inquiries & application processes)

 ※Our jurisdiction: DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia

 2. Check Required

     documents & fees

 See [Required Documents] below

 3. Apply in person

※Consulate General in DC 

ONLY ACCEPTS IN-PERSON APPLICATION

 Online Reservation(link) (Required)

 ▵Select [Nationality] → [Renunciation of Nationality]

 ※ Seniors: 65 or older may visit between 1:30pm~2:30pm without an appointment (please bring your ID card)

□ Required Documents

[Attachment 1] Report on Renunciation of Nationality.pdf

1 passport photo (2“x2”) taken within last 6 months to be attached on [Attachment 1]

[Attachment 2] Renunciation Report Confirmation Form.pdf

[Attachment 3] Proof of Residency Abroad.pdf

[Attachment 4] Verification of Identity.pdf

※Only if name has changed due to marriage, or if the name on Certificate of Identification is different compared to U.S. birth certificate.

U.S. Birth Certificate: original & copy

U.S. Passport: original & copy

※must have at least 1 year validity

◦Permanent resident parent(s): parent(s)’s Korean passport and permanent resident card (original and copy)   ※passport with at least 1 year validity

◦U.S. citizen parent(s): parent(s)’s U.S. passport and Certificate of naturalization (original and copy)    ※passport with at least 1 year validity

◦Parent(s) with nationality other than U.S.: Birth certificate and passport (original and copy)    ※passport with at least 1 year validity

Applicant's Certificate of Identification(detailed) and Certificate of Family Relations(detailed)   

※Certificate of Identification and Certificate of Family Relations must be issued within the last 3 months

Parent(s)’s Certificate of Identification(detailed) and Korean Marriage Relationship Certificate(detailed)

※Certificate of Identification and Korean Marriage Relationship Certificate must be issued within the last 3 months

2 regular USPS postage stamps 

※return envelope for the outcome of your application will be provided by the consulate

Fees: $18 (cash)

□ Important Notes

※ Processing time: Response in about 12-18 months from the Ministry of Justice.

                                   Contact Ministry of Justice: Nationality Division for details.

※ If the applicant is 15 or older, the applicant must appear in person, write his or her name in Korean, and sign the application.

※ Applicant aged under 15 may be represented by a proxy(immediate family, parents, spouse, etc.) and must provide a copy of the proxy's valid passport

※ If any of parents had Korean citizenship at the time of child’s birth, the child acquires Korean citizenship automatically even if child's birth was not registered in Korea: Information on Multiple Nationals’ Renunciation of Korean Nationality

※ If the parent(s) is a U.S. citizen and has not reported his/her Loss of Nationality yet, the parent(s) may report Loss of Nationality on the same day as the child's Renunciation of Nationality report, in which case the parent's original U.S. passport and Certification of naturalization must be provided(original and copy)