RESIDENT REGISTRATION ACT
Wholly Amended by Act No. 8422, May 11, 2007
Amended by Act No. 8435, May 17, 2007
Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008
Act No. 9210, Dec. 26, 2008
Act No. 9574, Apr. 1, 2009
Act No. 10733, May 30, 2011
Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013
Act No. 12279, Jan. 21, 2014
Act No. 12600, May 20, 2014
Act No. 12844, Nov. 19, 2014
Act No. 14191, May 29, 2016
Act No. 14286, Dec. 2, 2016
Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017
Act No. 16662, Dec. 3, 2019
Act No. 16930, Feb. 4, 2020
Act No. 17385, jun. 9, 2020
Act No. 17354, jun. 9, 2020
Act No. 18304, Jul. 20, 2021
Act No. 18746, Jan. 11, 2022
Act No. 19228, Mar. 4, 2023
Act No. 19632, Aug. 16, 2023
The purpose of this Act is to promote convenience in the lives of residents and to properly process administrative affairs by clearly ascertaining the movement of the population, such as the residential situation of residents, through the registration of residents of local governments. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Jan. 11, 2022>
| Article 2 (Control over Administrative Affairs) |
| (1) | A Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing Province Governor, the head of a Si/Gun/autonomous Gu (hereinafter referred to as the "head of a Si/Gun/Gu") shall have the authority to control affairs regarding the registration of residents. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (2) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may delegate part of the relevant authority under paragraph (1), to the head of an administrative Si under Article 11 of the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Development of Free International City, the head of a non-autonomous Gu under his or her jurisdiction, or the head of the competent Eup/Myeon/Dong or branch office, as prescribed by municipal ordinance of the relevant local government. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (1) | The Minister of the Interior and Safety hereby has the authority to direct and supervise affairs regarding the registration of residents. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (2) | The Minister of the Interior and Safety may delegate part of his or her authority to the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor, or a Special Self-Governing Province Governor, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Apr. 1, 2009; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Jan. 11, 2022> |
| Article 4 (Vesting of Fees and Administrative Fines) |
Fees, service charges, and administrative fines received pursuant to this Act shall vest in the Special Metropolitan City, a Metropolitan City, a Special Self-Governing City, a Do, or a Special Self-Governing Province, or in a Si/Gun/autonomous Gu. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Jan. 11, 2022>
| Article 5 (Apportionment of Expenses) |
| (1) | Expenses incurred in performing affairs regarding the registration of residents, shall be borne by the relevant Special Self-Governing City, Special Self-Governing Province, and Si/Gun/autonomous Gu. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (2) | Expenses incurred in the issuance of resident registration certificates under Article 24 (1), shall be borne by the relevant Special Self-Governing City, Special Self-Governing Province, and Si/Gun/autonomous Gu and the State in accordance with the criteria prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| Article 6 (Residents subject to Registration) |
| (1) | Pursuant to this Act, the head of each Si/Gun/Gu shall register any person who has domicile or an abode (hereinafter referred to as “domicile”) within his or her jurisdiction, with intent to reside therein for at least 30 days (hereinafter referred to as “resident”) as follows: Provided, That the same shall not apply to foreigners: <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| 1. | Inhabitant: A person whose domicile is clearly established (excluding any Korean national residing abroad referred to in subparagraph 3); |
| 2. | Person of unknown domicile: A person whose domicile is registered as unknown under Article 20 (6); |
| (a) | Where a person whose resident registration was canceled, files a report to be re-registered as a resident after returning from abroad; |
| (b) | Where a person who has not been registered as a resident, files a report to be registered as a resident for the first time after returning from abroad. |
| (2) | With respect to registration under paragraph (1), a person who serves in the military and resides on a military base shall be registered with the administrative authority having jurisdiction over the domicile of the household to which the person belongs, according to a report filed by the person, himself or herself, or the relevant householder. |
| (3) | Deleted. <Jan. 21, 2014> |
| Article 7 (Preparation of Resident Registration Record Cards) |
| (1) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall prepare, keep, manage, and retain resident registration record cards for each individual and for each household (hereinafter referred to as "resident registration record cards") along with a log book for resident registration record cards by household, using an electronic information system (hereinafter referred to as the "resident registration information system") to keep records of resident registration details. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (2) | The resident registration record card for an individual shall contain and keep comprehensive records of the individual, while the resident registration record card for a household shall integrate and keep the records of the household. |
| (3) | Deleted. <May 29, 2016> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the forms of resident registration record cards and the log books for the resident registration record cards by household and the methods of keeping, managing, and preserving the records of such forms, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 29, 2016> |
[This Article is amended by Act No. 14191 (May 29, 2016) following the decision of nonconformity to the Constitution by the Constitutional Court on December 23, 2015]
| Article 7-2 (Allocation of Resident Registration Numbers) |
| (1) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall allocate a registered registration number (hereinafter referred to as “resident registration number”) to each resident. |
| (2) | Methods for allocating resident registration numbers prescribed in paragraph (1), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
| Article 7-3 (Correction of Resident Registration Numbers) |
| (1) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the registered domicile of a resident (hereinafter referred to as “resident’s registered domicile”) shall request the head of a Si/Gun/Gu who has allocated a resident registration number (hereinafter referred to as “head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the place where the number has been allocated”) to correct the resident registration number, if any of the following subparagraphs applies: Provided, That when the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident’s registered domicile, is the same as the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the place where the number has been allocated, he or she shall directly correct the resident registration number: |
| 1. | Where the resident registration number is to be corrected, following correction of registry entry prescribed in Article 14 (2) and (3); |
| 2. | Where an application is filed by the relevant resident to correct any error in the resident registration number; |
| 3. | Where any error is found in the resident registration number. |
| (2) | Upon receipt of a request to correct the resident registration number prescribed in paragraph (1), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the place where a number has been allocated shall correct it without delay and notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident’s registered domicile of the details of such correction: Provided, That when no error is found in the resident registration number or no allocation of the resident registration number is ascertained, he or she shall give notice of the grounds therefor to the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident’s registered domicile. |
| (3) | Other matters necessary for correcting resident registration record cards, re-issuing resident registration certificates, etc., following correction of resident registration numbers, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
| Article 7-4 (Change of Resident Registration Numbers) |
| (1) | Any of the following persons may file an application with the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over his or her registered domicile or domicile to change his or her resident registration number, along with supporting materials, as prescribed by Presidential Decree: Provided, That where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over an applicant's domicile other than his or her registered domicile receives an application for change of the applicant's resident registration number, the relevant head shall transfer it without delay to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the applicant's registered domicile and shall notify the applicant of such fact. <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| 1. | A person who suffers or is likely to suffer any danger or injury to his or her safety or health due to divulging of his or her resident registration number; |
| 2. | A person who suffers or is likely to suffer any damage to his or her property due to divulging of his or her resident registration number; |
| 3. | Any of the following persons who suffer or are likely to suffer any loss due to divulging of his or her resident registration number: |
| (a) | A victimized child or youth prescribed in subparagraph 6 of Article 2 of the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sexual Abuse; |
| 4. | Other persons equivalent to those provided for in subparagraphs 1 through 3, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | Upon receipt of an application or objection prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (4), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over a resident’s registered domicile shall request the Resident Registration Number Change Commission under Article 7-5, to determine whether it will change the relevant resident registration number. |
| (3) | Upon receipt of a notice of a determination on change of the resident registration number from the Resident Registration Number Change Commission under Article 7-5, the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident’s registered domicile shall change the applicant’s resident registration number pursuant to paragraph (1) without delay and notify the applicant thereof. |
| (4) | Upon receipt of a notice of a determination other than the determination of changing the resident registration number from the Resident Registration Number Change Commission under Article 7-5, the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident’s registered domicile shall notify the applicant of the fact and the grounds therefor; if the applicant is dissatisfied with such determination, he or she may raise an objection to the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident’s registered domicile within 30 days from receipt of such notice. |
| (5) | The application, notification, and objection under paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) may be filed in writing or by using the information system determined by the Minister of the Interior and Safety and Security. <Newly Inserted on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| (6) | Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (4), matters necessary for application to change resident registration numbers, request for a determination of change, notification of change, objection, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
| Article 7-5 (Resident Registration Number Change Commission) |
| (1) | A Resident Registration Number Change Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “Change Commission”) shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, to examine and resolve on matters regarding changing resident registration numbers. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (2) | The Change Commission shall independently perform the functions within its authority. |
| (3) | The Change Commission shall complete its examination and resolution within 90 days from receipt of a request prescribed in Article 7-4 (2) and shall notify the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the relevant resident’s registered domicile of the results (if a determination other than the determination of change is made, the grounds therefor shall be included): Provided, That when it is impracticable to complete examination and resolution within such period, the Change Commission may resolve to extend the period by up to 30 days. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (4) | Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if a person specified in any subparagraph of Article 7-4 (1) suffers harm to his or her life or body due to the divulgence of his or her resident registration number, or if such harm is imminent, and thus the gravity and urgency of the request for change is recognized, the Change Commission shall complete its examination and resolution within 45 days from receipt of the request as prescribed by Presidential Decree and shall notify the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the person's registered domicile of the results thereof (if a determination other than the determination of change is made, the grounds therefor shall be included): Provided, That where it is impracticable to complete examination and resolution within such period, the Change Commission may extend the period by up to 30 days by its resolution. <Newly Inserted on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| (5) | The Change Commission may, after examining the request, decide not to grant the request prescribed in Article 7-4 (2) if it is found that the request falls under any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| 1. | Where it is filed with intent to hide a criminal record or evade a legal obligation; |
| 2. | Where it is filed with intent to obstruct criminal investigations or trials; |
| 3. | Where it is contrary to good practices or other social order; |
| 4. | Where Presidential Decree prescribes otherwise. |
| (6) | The Change Commission shall be comprised of not more than 11 members, including one chairperson, one of whom shall serve as a standing member. <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| (7) | Members shall be appointed or commissioned by the Minister of the Interior and Safety from among the following persons; in such cases, the number of members who are not public officials shall be at least one-half of all the members including the chairperson and the standing member: <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Feb. 4, 2020; Aug. 16, 2023> |
| 1. | Public officials belonging to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and relevant administrative agencies; |
| 2. | Persons who have at least five years’ experience as a judge, prosecutor, attorney-at-law, or medical doctor; |
| 3. | Persons who have performed finance-related affairs for at least five years; |
| 4. | Persons who have extensive expert knowledge of and experience in business affairs regarding personal information protection or resident registration. |
| (8) | The chairperson shall be commissioned by the Minister of the Interior and Safety from among members who are not public officials. <Amended on Jul. 26, 2017; Aug. 16, 2023> |
| (9) | The term of office of the chairperson and members shall be two years, and they may be re-appointed only once: Provided, That a member who is a public official appointed pursuant to paragraph (7) 1 shall hold his or her membership only during his or her tenure of office. <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| (10) | The Change Commission may pass a resolution to perform any of the following activities if deemed necessary for its examination: <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| 1. | Inquiring into criminal records or credit information or conducting fact-finding investigations as prescribed by Presidential Decree; |
| 2. | Requesting an applicant, a relevant public official, or other persons to appear before the Commission; |
| 3. | Requesting an applicant or a relevant institution, etc., to submit materials. |
| (11) | A majority of the members of the Change Commission shall constitute a quorum and any resolution thereof shall require the concurring vote of a majority of those present. <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| (12) | A secretariat shall be established in the Change Commission to assist in the business affairs of the Change Commission. <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
| (13) | Matters necessary for the organization, operation, etc., of the Change Commission and the secretariat prescribed in paragraph (12) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Aug. 16, 2023> |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
| Article 8 (Principle of Registration Based on Reporting) |
The registration of a resident, or the correction or deletion of any registered matter shall be performed in accordance with a report filed by the relevant resident: Provided, That this shall not apply if there are any special provisions in this Act. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Dec. 3, 2019>
Resident registration record cards for individuals shall be kept in order of resident registration number; while resident registration record cards for households shall be kept in order of resident registration numbers of householders, and further details on this matter shall be determined by the Minister of the Interior and Safety. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017>
| Article 10 (Matters to Be Reported) |
| (1) | Each resident (excluding any Korean national residing abroad) shall report the following matters to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over his or her domicile: <Amended on May 17, 2007; Apr. 1, 2009; Jan. 21, 2014> |
| 4. | Relation to the householder; |
| 5. | If he or she resides in a dormitory, the manager of the dormitory; |
| 6. | Reference domicile prescribed in Article 10 (1) of the Act on the Registration of Family Relationships (hereinafter referred to as "reference domicile"); |
| 8. | If he or she has no registered family relationship or it is unclear as to whether he or she has made such registration, the grounds therefor; |
| 9. | If he or she is not a national of the Republic of Korea, his or her nationality or whether he or she has any nationality; |
| 10. | If he or she changes domicile, the previous address before changing domicile or the new domicile to which he or she moves and the occupancy date; |
| 11. | Deleted. <May 29, 2016> |
| (2) | No person shall dually report matters prescribed in paragraph (1). |
| Article 10-2 (Reporting by Korean Nationals Residing Abroad) |
| (1) | When a Korean national residing abroad enters the Republic of Korea with intent to reside therein for at least 30 days, he or she shall report the following matters to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over his or her domicile: |
| 1. | Matters referred to in each of the subparagraphs of Article 10 (1); |
| 2. | The name of the country or area where he or she has denizenship or residency, and the type of his or her status of sojourn. |
| (2) | No person shall dually report matters prescribed in paragraph (1). |
| (3) | Other matters necessary for the reporting under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014]
| Article 10-3 (Reports on Overseas Stay) |
| (1) | Where an inhabitant whose resident registration has been made pursuant to this Act or a person who is registered as of unknown domicile under Article 20 (6) intends to leave the Republic of Korea with intent to stay abroad for at least 90 days (excluding where he or she is required to file a report on emigration prescribed in Article 19 (1)), he or she may report in advance the domicile of a household to which he or she will belong after leaving the Republic of Korea, as his or her address prescribed in Article 10 (1) 7: Provided, That a person who will not belong to any household after leaving the Republic of Korea, may report the address of an Eup/Myeon/Dong office having jurisdiction over his or her domicile as at the time of filing such report, as his or her administrative address. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (2) | A report prescribed in the main clause of paragraph (1) shall be filed with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the address at which such report is to be made, and a report under the proviso of paragraph (1) shall be filed with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the domicile at which such report is to be made. |
| (3) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu under paragraph (2) may make and maintain resident registration of a person leaving the Republic of Korea after filing a report prescribed in paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as “Korean national staying abroad”). |
| (4) | Detailed matters necessary for the methods of reporting, accompanying documents, making and maintaining registration of Korean nationals staying abroad, etc., under paragraphs (1) through (3), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 2, 2016]
| Article 11 (Persons Obligated to Report) |
| (1) | The report under Article 10 shall be filed by the relevant householder within 14 days from the date the event subject to such reporting occurs: Provided, That when the householder is unable to report, any of the following persons may report on behalf of the householder: <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009> |
| 1. | A person who has custodianship of the household; |
| 3. | Any of the following persons to whom the householder has delegated such reporting: |
| (a) | Householder's spouse; |
| (b) | Householder's lineal blood relative; |
| (c) | A lineal blood relative of the householder's spouse; |
| (d) | The spouse of the householder's lineal blood relative; |
| (2) | The report under Article 10-2 shall be filed by the Korean national residing abroad himself or herself: Provided, That when the Korean national residing abroad is unable to directly make such report, any of the following persons may do so on behalf of the Korean national residing abroad: <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| 1. | The head of the household whereto the Korean national residing abroad belongs; |
| 2. | Any of the following persons to whom the Korean national residing abroad has directly delegated such reporting: |
| (a) | The spouse of the Korean national residing abroad; |
| (b) | A lineal blood relative of the Korean national residing abroad; |
| (c) | A lineal blood relative of the spouse of the Korean national residing abroad; |
| (d) | The spouse of a lineal blood relative of the Korean national residing abroad. |
| (3) | Further details on the way of reporting and confirmation of reported details under the proviso of paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014; Jun. 9, 2020> |
| Article 12 (Persons Obligated to Report in Dormitories) |
| (1) | With respect to residents of a dormitory, a sanatorium for senior citizens prescribed in Article 34 (1) 1 of the Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, a medical care facility for homeless persons prescribed in Article 16 (1) 4 of the Act on Support for Welfare and Self-Reliance of the Homeless, a child rearing facility prescribed in Article 52 (1) 1 of the Child Welfare Act, etc., where many people reside together, the manager of such accommodations shall file a report on the registration within 14 days from the date an event subject to such reporting occurs: Provided, That the relevant resident shall file the report, if the manager is unable to file it. <Amended on May 29, 2016; Jun. 9, 2020> |
| (2) | Matters regarding the way of filing a report and similar under proviso of paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jun. 9, 2020> |
| Article 13 (Corrective Report) |
| (1) | When there is a change in any fact reported, the person obligated to report in accordance with Article 11 or 12 shall file a corrective report within 14 days from the date such change occurs. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020> |
| (2) | Matters regarding the way of filing a corrective report under paragraph (1) and methods of correcting reported matters following a corrective report shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jun. 9, 2020> |
| Article 14 (Adjustment of Resident Registration Record according to Reports on Family Relations Registration) |
| (1) | If a fact reported in accordance with this Act is identical with one reported in accordance with the Act on the Registration of Family Relationships, the report under this Act shall be substituted by the report under the Act on the Registration of Family Relationship. <Amended on May 17, 2007> |
| (2) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over a resident's registered domicile shall make the relevant resident registration, or correct or delete the relevant registry entry, upon receipt of a report made under the Act on the Registration of Family Relationship in substitution for a report made under this Act pursuant to paragraph (1). <Amended on May 17, 2007; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (3) | Where the place for reporting prescribed in Articles 4 and 4-2 of the Act on the Registration of Family Relationships (hereinafter referred to as "place for registration of family relationship") of a resident subject to reporting differs from the resident's registered domicile, the head of a Si/Gu/Eup/Myeon (including a family relation registrar pursuant to Article 4-2 (1) of that Act; hereinafter the same shall apply) having jurisdiction over the place for registration of family relationship shall promptly notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident's registered domicile of the fact reported when he or she alters any entry in a family relations register according to a report pursuant to that Act, and the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident's registered domicile shall, upon receiving such notice, make the relevant resident registration or correct or delete the relevant registry entry accordingly. <Amended on May 17, 2007; Apr. 1, 2009; Dec. 2, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (4) | Facts reported under this Act which can be reported in lieu thereof under the Act on the Registration of Family Relationship pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 17, 2007> |
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
| Article 15 (Relation between Resident Registration and Registration of Familial Relationship) |
| (1) | Where the reference domicile of a resident differs from the resident's registered domicile, if the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident's registered domicile, registers the resident with details identical to matters entered in the family relations register under Article 9 (2) of the Act on the Registration of Family Relationship or corrects or deletes any registry entry, he or she shall notify the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident's reference domicile (referring to the place for registration of family relationship in cases under Article 14 (3)) of the entries registered, corrected or deleted, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on May 17, 2007; Apr. 1, 2009> |
| (2) | Upon receipt of notification under paragraph (1), the head of a Si/Gu/Eup/Myeon shall notify the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident's registered domicile, without delay, of the entries inconsistent with the entries recorded on the family relations register if such inconsistent entry exists in the notified entries. <Amended on May 17, 2007; Apr. 1, 2009> |
[Title Amended on May 17, 2007]
| Article 15-2 (Request for Provision of Electronic Data from Family Relationship Registration) |
Where it is necessary for verifying whether any matter reported under the Act on the Registration of Family Relationships in lieu of a report made under this Act is changed, etc. the head of a Si/Gun may request the Minister of the National Court Administration to provide computerized information and data on registration pursuant to Article 11 of that Act. In such cases, the Minister of the National Court Administration shall comply therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. [This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
| Article 16 (Change of Domicile) |
| (1) | If all or some of the members of a household change domicile, the person obligated to report in accordance with Article 11 or 12 shall file a move-in report with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the new domicile within 14 days from the date they move to the new domicile. |
| (2) | Upon receipt of a move-in report under paragraph (1), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the new domicile shall notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the previous domicile of the details of the move-in report without delay and shall request him or her to transfer the resident registration record card and relevant public records through the resident registration information system. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (3) | Upon receipt of a request for the transfer under paragraph (2), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the previous domicile shall without delay rearrange resident registration record cards and relevant public records, if all or some of the household, including the householder, move out to the new domicile, or resident registration record cards for individuals and public records relevant only to those moving out, if some of the household, excluding the householder, move out to the new domicile, and shall transfer them to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the new domicile, through the resident registration information system. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (4) | Upon receipt of resident registration record cards and relevant public records in accordance with paragraph (3), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the new domicile shall check and verify them with the move-in report under paragraph (1) and shall organize or prepare them in good order without delay. |
| (5) | The procedures and method for making entries on a move-in report shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 16-2 (Notification of Move-in Report) |
| (1) | Where the owner of a household having place of residence or the owner or lessor of a building or facility in place of residence in district under jurisdiction files an application, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may, whenever he or she receives a move-in report over the place of residence as a new domicile, notify the owner of a household, or the owner or lessor of the building or facility, of the fact of receiving such report. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the application for notification of move-in reports under paragraph (1) and the method of notification shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jun. 9, 2020]
| Article 17 (Relation to Reports under Other Statutes and Regulations) |
| Article 18 (Method of Reports) |
| (1) | Reports under this Act shall be made orally or in writing. |
| (2) | The period for preservation of documents relating to reports and other relevant matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019> |
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
| Article 19 (Reports on Emigration) |
| (1) | If an inhabitant or a person of unknown domicile whose resident registration has been made pursuant to this Act intends to have his or her domicile outside the territory of the Republic of Korea, he or she shall file a report thereon, in advance, with the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over his or her current domicile. In such cases, a report on emigration under Article 6 of the Emigration Act may be filed in lieu of the report required under the main clause. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| (2) | When a Korean national residing abroad who has filed a report pursuant to Article 10-2 (1) intends to leave the Republic of Korea with intent to reside in a foreign country for at least 30 days, he or she shall report such fact, in advance, to the head of a Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over his or her current domicile. In such cases, the report required under the former part may be substituted by the registration made under Article 2 of the Registration of Korean Nationals Residing Abroad Act. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| (3) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall designate the address of the Eup/Myeon/Dong office having jurisdiction over the domicile of a person who has filed a report pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2), as his or her administrative address. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| (4) | If an inhabitant or a person of unknown domicile whose resident registration has been made leaves the Republic of Korea after filing a report on emigration under Article 6 of the Emigration Act or qualifies to emigrate locally under subparagraph 3 of Article 4 of that Act, the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu shall make and maintain registration of such person as a Korean national residing abroad under Article 6 (1) 3 of this Act. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| (5) | Detailed matters regarding the reporting on emigration, the reporting on departure by Korean nationals residing abroad, the designation of administrative addresses, making and maintaining registration as Korean nationals residing abroad, etc., under paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014> |
[Title Amended on Jan. 21, 2014]
| Article 19-2 (Request for Materials such as Records of Entry into and Departure from Country) |
| (1) | If necessary to clearly ascertain the residential status, etc., of Korean nationals residing abroad and reporters pursuant to Article 10-3 (1), the head of each Si/Gun/Gu and the Minister of the Interior and Safety may request the head of the Overseas Koreans Agency to furnish the records of their entry into and departure from the Republic of Korea and the records of their reporting on domestic abodes; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to furnish the records of their reporting on emigration and the records of their registration as Korean nationals residing abroad. In such cases, the Minister of Justice and the head of the Overseas Koreans Agency shall comply with such requests, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Nov. 19, 2014; Dec. 2, 2016; Jul. 26, 2017; Jan. 11, 2022; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (2) | If necessary for maintaining records of reporters on domestic abodes, for registering Korean nationals residing abroad, or for performing similar functions, the Minister of Justice and the head of the Overseas Koreans Agency may request the head of each Si/Gun/Gu and the Minister of the Interior and Safety to furnish the resident registration records of Korean nationals residing abroad. In such cases, the head of the Si/Gun/Gu and the Minister of the Interior and Safety shall comply with such request, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Jan. 11, 2022; Mar. 4, 2023> |
| (3) | With respect to furnishing of materials prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2), those materials shall be exempt from usage fees, commissions, etc. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014]
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
| Article 20 (Factual Investigation and Discretionary Measures) |
| (1) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may conduct a factual investigation into a person obligated to report, if the person falls under any of the following subparagraphs: <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| 1. | If the person fails to file a report on matters specified in Articles 10 and 10-2 within a period prescribed by this Act; |
| 2. | If matters specified in Articles 10 and 10-2 are not reliable; |
| 3. | If reasonable grounds exist to believe that entries reported with respect to matters provided for in Articles 10 and 10-2, are untrue. |
| (2) | If the head of a Si/Gun/Gu discovers in the course of the factual investigation under paragraph (1), that a person obligated to report fails to report on matters that he or she was required to state in the report or that any entries in the report filed by him or her is untrue, he or she shall issue a peremptory notice to the person, requesting him or her to file a report on actual facts within a prescribed period. The same shall apply where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu has received a notice under Article 15 (2). |
| (3) | If the head of a Si/Gun/Gu is unable to deliver a peremptory notice to a person obligated to report, he or she shall make a public announcement requiring the person to file a report within a prescribed period, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (4) | Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu issues a peremptory notice under paragraph (2) or makes a public announcement under paragraph (3), a statement shall be included therein that the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may register the resident, or correct or delete any registered matters, if a person obligated to report fails to report within the prescribed period. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (5) | If a person obligated to report fails to report within the period prescribed pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall register the resident, or correct or delete any registry entries, in accordance with the result of a factual investigation under paragraph (1), the entries in public records, or with confirmation by the head of the competent Tong/Ri. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (6) | Where it is deemed unclear as to where a person obligated to report has resided, through verification under paragraph (5), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall register his or her domicile as unknown by registering the address last reported by a person obligated to report as the administratively managed address: Provided, That where the person of unknown domicile fails to register at the legitimate domicile even after one year passes after his or her domicile is registered as unknown, and public announcements under paragraph (3) are issued at least twice, the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may register the address of the competent Eup/Myeon/Dong office as the administrative address. <Newly Inserted on Apr. 1, 2009; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (7) | Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu takes a discretionary measure in accordance with the entries of public records or with confirmation by the head of the competent Tong/Ri pursuant to paragraph (5) or (6), he or she shall notify the person obligated to report of such measure within 14 days, and if he or she is unable to deliver such notice to the person, he or she shall issue a public announcement, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (8) | Public officials who conduct an investigation pursuant to paragraph (1) shall carry identification indicating their authority with them, to present it to interested persons. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009> |
| Article 20-2 (Fact-Finding Investigation and Discretionary Measures of Persons of Unknown Domicile) |
| (1) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall conduct a fact-finding investigation into residential status, etc. of persons of unknown domicile to manage persons of unknown domicile, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, Article 20 (2) and (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the peremptory notice and public announcement to persons of unknown domicile. |
| (2) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall, in accordance with the results of fact-finding investigation, the entries of public records, or with confirmation by the head of the competent Tong/Ri pursuant to paragraph (1), take any of the following measures: |
| 1. | Registration of persons of unknown domicile as a resident or a Korean national residing abroad; |
| 2. | Cancellation of registered matters (limited to cases where the fact of death is confirmed or where it is deemed unnecessary to maintain the resident registration of the person of unknown domicile, which is prescribed by Presidential Decree); |
| 3. | Maintenance of registration of unknown domicile. |
| (3) | Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu takes a discretionary measure pursuant to paragraph (2) 1 and 2, he or she shall inform a person obligated to report of the fact within 14 days, and if it is infeasible to give such notice, he or she shall make public announcement thereof, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
| Article 20-3 (Provision of Data for Fact-Finding Investigation and Discretionary Measures) |
| (1) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu or the Minister of the Interior and Safety may request the heads of relevant State organs, local governments, and public institutions to provide data necessary for fact-finding investigation and discretionary measures under Articles 20 and 20-2. In such cases, the heads of the State organs, local governments, and public institutions in receipt of such request shall comply therewith unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (2) | The State organs, local governments, and public institutions to which the head of a Si/Gun/Gu and the Minister of the Interior and Safety may request the provision of data pursuant to paragraph (1) and the specific scope of data to request shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
| (1) | If a person who receives a disposition from the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu to register the resident, correct or delete any registered matters, or register his or her domicile as unknown pursuant to Article 20 (5) or (6) or subparagraphs 1 or 2 of Article 20-2 (2) is dissatisfied with the disposition, he or she may raise an objection with the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu in writing within 30 days from the date such disposition is made, or a notice is delivered, or a public announcement is made pursuant to Article 20 (7) or Article 20-2 (3). <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (2) | Upon receipt of an objection raised under paragraph (1), the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu shall examine and decide on the objection within 10 days from the date the objection is raised, and if it is decided that the person's objection is justified, he or she shall make a resident registration or correct or delete the registered matters accordingly. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (3) | Where the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu makes a determination to dismiss or reject the objection, he or she shall issue a notice of the determination under paragraph (2) to the objecting person, including a statement that the objecting person has a right to file for an administrative appeal or administrative litigation. |
| Article 22 (Preparation of Replacement Resident Registration Record Card) |
| (1) | In any of the following events, the head of each Si/Gun/Gu shall prepare a replacement resident registration record card in accordance with applications filed previously in connection with the resident registration and shall obtain confirmation thereon from the person obligated to report: Provided, That if he or she is unable to prepare a replacement resident registration record card in accordance with applications previously filed in connection with the resident registration, he or she shall prepare the relevant resident registration record card in accordance with the report filed by the person obligated to report after issuing a notice or public announcement of his or her intent to prepare the replacement resident registration record card to the person obligated to report, but shall prepare the resident registration record card only for the household in cases where the event falling under subparagraph 2 occurs: |
| 1. | If it is impossible to restore the resident registration record card lost or destroyed by a natural disaster or accident; |
| 2. | If the householder changes. |
| (2) | The replacement resident registration record card prepared due to an event falling under paragraph (1) 1 shall contain a description of the ground for the replacement, and the previous resident registration record card before the revision due to an event falling under paragraph (1) 2, shall be preserved and maintained, but matters necessary for the preservation and maintenance of such card, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 23 (Status of Registered Resident) |
| (1) | Except as otherwise provided in any other Act, a resident's domicile registered in accordance with this Act shall be deemed his or her address for purposes of public law. |
| (2) | A resident's registration with the administrative authority having jurisdiction over his or her new domicile, shall be deemed complete on the date he or she files a move-in report, when the resident's registered domicile is deemed his or her address for purposes of public law pursuant to paragraph (1). |
| Article 24 (Issuance of Resident Registration Certificates) |
| (1) | The head of each Si/Gun/Gu shall issue a resident registration certificate to a person who has registered his or her domicile within the jurisdiction of such Si/Gun/Gu and who is at least 17 years of age: Provided, That where a person with a severe visual impairment, who falls under Article 2 (2) of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, applies for an issuance of a resident registration certificate, the head of each Si/Gun/Gu may issue a resident registration certificate printed in Braille designed for persons with vision disabilities. <Amended on May 30, 2011; Jun. 9, 2020> |
| (2) | Each resident registration certificate shall contain the name, identification photo, resident registration number, address, and finger prints, of the holder; the date of issuance; and the authority with which the resident is registered. <Amended on Jul. 20, 2021> |
| (3) | The head of each Si/Gun/Gu shall additionally include in a resident registration certificate issued to a Korean national residing abroad a statement that he or she is a Korean national residing abroad. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| (4) | A person (excluding any Korean national residing or staying abroad) who attains the age of eligibility for issuance of the resident registration certificate pursuant to paragraph (1), shall file an application for issuance of the resident registration certificate with the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu may issue a peremptory notice to a person (excluding any Korean national residing or staying abroad) who has not filed an application for issuance of the certificate, by a deadline prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014; Dec. 2, 2016> |
| (5) | If a Korean national residing or staying abroad aged at least 17 who has yet to be issued a resident registration certificate enters the Republic of Korea with intent to reside therein for at least 30 days, he or she shall file an application for issuance of a resident registration certificate with the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 21, 2014; Dec. 2, 2016> |
| (6) | If deemed necessary, the Minister of the Interior and Safety may require the head of each Si/Gun/Gu to simultaneously renew or affix a seal of approval to all resident registration certificates already issued. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (7) | The forms of and procedures for applying for the issuance of resident registration certificates, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| (8) | No fee shall be collected in return for the issuance of resident registration certificates, except as otherwise expressly provided for in Article 27, and no tax or public charge, for any reason, shall be collected for issuing resident registration certificates. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014> |
| Article 25 (Verification with Resident Registration Certificate) |
| (1) | When it needs to verify the name, identification photo, resident registration number, or address of a person of at least 17 years of age on any of the following occasions for conducting its affairs, every State agency, local government, public organization, social organization, business entity, or similar institution shall verify such information of the person with his or her resident registration certificate without necessarily requiring him or her to submit other supporting documents: Provided, That the same shall not apply in any case prescribed by Presidential Decree: <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| 1. | When it receives a civil petition or any other document; |
| 2. | When it issues a certificate to recognize the qualification of a certain person; |
| 3. | When it needs to verify the identity of a person for any other reason. |
| (2) | The Minister of the Interior and Safety may provide resident registration verification services (referring to services enabling the verification of names, identification photos, resident registration numbers, or addresses under the main clause of paragraph (1), with information communications devices such as mobile phones) through the resident registration information system. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (3) | Where a name, identification photo, resident registration number, or address is verified by using resident registration verification services, the name, identification photo, resident registration number, or address shall be deemed verified with the resident registration certificate of the relevant person pursuant to paragraph (1). <Newly Inserted on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for applying for resident registration verification services, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 11, 2022> |
[Title Amended on Jan. 11, 2022]
| Article 26 (Demands to Produce Resident Registration Certificates) |
| (1) | If necessary to verify the identity or domicile of a resident of at least 17 years of age, in arresting a criminal or performing his or her duties, every judicial police officer may demand the person to produce his or her resident registration certificate. In such cases, if the person does not produce his or her resident registration certificate and it is impossible to verify his or her identity or domicile by any other means of identity or in any other way, the judicial police officer may demand him or her to go to the nearest police station with the officer to prove his or her identity or domicile, only if reasonable grounds exist to suspect that the person has probably committed a crime. |
| (2) | Every judicial police officer shall behave kindly and courteously when he or she verifies the identity or other information of a person pursuant to paragraph (1), and shall carry a card indicating his or her identity with him or her, except for performing duties in uniform, to produce it to the relevant people. |
| Article 27 (Replacement of Resident Registration Certificates) |
| (1) | Any person who wishes to obtain a replacement of his or her resident registration certificate due to any of the following reasons, shall file a report on the relevant facts with the head of competent Si/Gun/Gu along with an application for replacement as prescribed by Presidential Decree: |
| 1. | Where he or she has lost his or her resident registration certificate or it has become defaced; |
| 2. | Where there is a change in his or her name, date of birth, or gender; |
| 3. | Where any other ground exists, prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | If a public official in charge of resident registration has difficulty in performing any of his or her duties for any of the following reasons, he or she shall collect a resident registration certificate, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and shall require the relevant person to file an application for replacement with the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu: |
| 1. | Where it is impracticable to read an entry thereon because it is defaced or due to any other ground; |
| 2. | Where the entry of important information on the resident registration certificate has been altered. |
| (3) | The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may collect fees from a person who applies for a replacement resident registration certificate in accordance with paragraph (1), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety: Provided, That the same shall not apply in any of the following cases: <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| 1. | Where the replacement is issued due to an error in issuing the resident registration certificate; |
| 2. | Where any other ground exists, prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. |
| Article 27-2 (Issuance and Replacement of Resident Registration Certificates for Persons with Severe Disabilities) |
| (1) | Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu determines that it is impractical for a person to be self-sufficient due to a physical and/or mental disability (hereafter in this Article referred to as “person with severe disability") and for such person to apply in person for the issuance and replacement of his or her resident registration certificate, the head may allow a public official in charge to personally visit the person with severe disability, to issue and replace a resident registration certificate, (but only applicable to persons with severe disability who has registered his or her domicile within the competent jurisdiction, in the case of issuance) at the request of the relevant person with severe disability, his or her legal representative, or guardian prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for establishing the criteria, methods and procedures for applying for the issuance and replacement of resident registration certificates for persons with severe disabilities, and procedures for visits by related public officials, etc., shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 30, 2011]
| Article 28 (Establishment of Electronic Information Center for Resident Registration) |
| (1) | The Minister of the Interior and Safety shall establish an electronic information center for resident registration, which shall manage electronic data of resident registration, issuance of resident registration certificates, and other relevant matters; and may authorize the electronic information center for resident registration, to issue resident registration certificates vicariously at the request of the head of each Si/Gun/Gu. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (2) | The Minister of the Interior and Safety shall establish an electronic information backup system for resident registration, in preparation for natural disasters and accidents. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (3) | Matters necessary for operating the electronic information center for resident registration prescribed in paragraph (1), and the electronic information backup system for resident registration prescribed in paragraph (2), and other relevant matters, shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 29 (Inspection or Issuance of Certified Copies or Abstracts) |
| (1) | Any person who wishes to inspect a resident registration record card or to obtain a certified copy or abstract of such record card, shall pay the fee prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and file an application with the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu (including the head of a non-autonomous Gu) or the head of the competent Eup/Myeon/Dong or branch office (hereinafter referred to as the "head of the agency allowing the inspection of a resident registration record card or issuing a certified copy or abstract thereof"). <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (2) | Any application to inspect a resident registration record card or to issue a certified copy or abstract thereof, may be filed by the relevant resident in person or by a member of the relevant household: Provided, That this shall not apply if a person has been delegated by the relevant resident or household member, to file an application or where any of the following grounds exist: <Amended on May 17, 2007; Apr. 1, 2009; May 29, 2016> |
| 1. | Where the State or a local government requires it for providing public services; |
| 2. | Where it is required for a lawsuit, a non-contentious case filed with a court, or an auction prescribed in any relevant statutes or regulations; |
| 3. | Where a ground exists provided for in any other statutes or regulations to request data relevant to resident registration; |
| 4. | Where other statutes or regulations make it compulsory for any person other than the relevant resident or household member, to submit a certified copy or an abstract of the resident registration record card of the resident or the household; |
| 5. | Where any of the following persons files an application: |
| (a) | Householder's spouse; |
| (b) | A lineal blood relative of the householder; |
| (c) | A lineal blood relative of the householder's spouse; |
| (d) | The spouse of the householder's lineal blood relative; |
| (e) | Household member’s spouse (limited to an abstract of the resident registration record card); |
| (f) | Household member’s lineal blood relative (limited to an abstract of the resident registration record card); |
| 6. | Where a person who has a claim, obligation, or legitimate interest prescribed by Presidential Decree, files an application (limited to an abstract of the resident registration record card); |
| 7. | Where it is required for any other public interest, prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (3) | The inspection of a resident registration record card or issuance of a certified copy or abstract thereof prescribed in paragraph (1), may be allowed or processed by the resident registration information system: Provided, That an electronic document or an unmanned civil petition processing machine may be used only for issuing certified copies or abstracts of the resident registration record card directly to the relevant resident or a member of the relevant household. <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (4) | Deleted. <May 29, 2016> |
| (5) | Upon receipt of an application from any person other than the relevant resident or household member for the inspection of the resident registration record card or the issuance of a certified copy or an abstract thereof, the head of the agency allowing the inspection of a resident registration record card or issuing a certified copy or abstract thereof may reject such application for inspection or issuance of a certified copy or abstract, if he or she concludes that accepting such application will lead to intrusion of the privacy of the relevant person or breach of public interests. In such cases, he or she shall notify the applicant of the grounds for his or her conclusion. |
| (6) | A victim defined in subparagraph 5 of Article 2 of the Act on Special Cases concerning the Punishment of Crimes of Domestic Violence may request the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu to restrict the inspection of the resident registration record card of the principal, his or her household members, and lineal ascendants and descendants (hereafter in this Article referred to as "domestic violence victim, etc."), or the issuance of a certified copy or abstract thereof by designating persons subject to such restriction among those under paragraph (2) 5, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, if a domestic violence offender defined in subparagraph 4 of Article 2 of that Act has a place of resident registration different from his or hers. <Newly Inserted on Apr. 1, 2009; Jul. 20, 2021> |
| (7) | Where a request for restriction prescribed in paragraph (6) is made, the head of the agency allowing the inspection of a resident registration record card or issuing a certified copy or an abstract thereof may disallow the inspection of the resident registration record card of a domestic violence victim, etc. to persons subject to such restriction, or need not issue a certified copy or abstract thereof to them. In such cases, the reason for such restriction shall be notified in writing to the persons subject to the restriction. <Newly Inserted on Apr. 1, 2009; Jul. 20, 2021> |
| (8) | Notwithstanding paragraph (2) 6, the head of the agency allowing the inspection of a resident registration record card or issuing a certified copy or an abstract thereof may disallow the inspection of an abstract of the resident registration record card of a domestic violence victim, etc. to persons subject to such restriction under paragraph (7), or need not issue such abstract to them. In such cases, the reason for such restriction shall be notified in writing to the persons subject to the restriction. <Newly Inserted on Jul. 20, 2021> |
| (9) | Notwithstanding paragraph (2), where a divorcee's lineal descendant who is of another household requests the inspection of the divorcee's resident registration record card or issuance of a certified copy or abstract thereof, the head of the agency allowing the inspection of a resident registration record card or issuing a certified copy or an abstract thereof, may permit the inspection of an abstract of the divorcee's resident registration record card, or issue the abstract thereof only. <Newly Inserted on Apr. 1, 2009; Jul. 20, 2021> |
| (10) | Matters necessary for inspecting resident registration record cards or issuing certified copies or abstracts thereof; the methods of verifying the identity of the relevant resident as at the time a certified copy or abstract of a resident registration record card is issued by an unmanned civil petition processing machine; the installation and operation of unmanned civil petition processing machines; and other relevant matters prescribed in paragraph (1) through (9), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Jul. 20, 2021> |
| Article 29-2 (Inspection or Issuance of Certificates of Moved-In Households) |
| (1) | A person who intends to inspect, or be issued with, documents (hereinafter referred to as "certificate of a moved-in household") with which the names and move-in dates of the householder registered as a resident in the location of the relevant building or facility and his or her cohabiting family members in the same resident registration card (including persons whose resident registration has been canceled or whose domicile has been registered as unknown) out of the relevant resident registration card may file an application therefor with the head of the agency allowing the inspection of a resident registration record card or issuing a certified copy or abstract thereof, after paying fees prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Interior and Safety . |
| (2) | A person who may file an application for inspection or issuance of the certificate of a moved-in household under paragraph (1) shall be as follows: |
| 1. | The owner of the relevant building or facility or a member of his or her household, a lessee of such building or facility or a member of his or her household, or a person entering into a sale or purchase agreement or a lease agreement regarding such building or facility; |
| 2. | A person delegated by the owner of the relevant building or facility, a lessee of such building or facility, or a person entering into a sale or purchase agreement or a lease agreement regarding such building or facility; |
| 3. | A person who intends to file an application for inspection or issuance in any of the following cases: |
| (a) | Where a bid participant intends to participate in a bidding under Article 29 (2) 2; |
| (c) | Where a financial company, etc. prescribed by Presidential Decree intends to establish an open-end mortgage on a mortgaged house; |
| (d) | Where an execution officer intends to conduct an investigation of the current status under the court’s order to investigate the current status; |
| (e) | Where the State or a local government requires it for providing public service pursuant to Article 29 (2) 1. |
| (3) | The inspection and issuance of a certificate of a moved-in household under paragraph (1) shall be conducted through the resident registration information system. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for inspecting and issuing certificates of moved-in households referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 11, 2022]
| Article 30 (Use of Electronic Information Data of Resident Registration) |
| (1) | A person who intends to have access to or utilize electronic data of resident registration recorded in a resident registration record card (hereinafter referred to as "electronic data") shall obtain approval from the Minister of the Interior and Safety, following examinations by the head of the competent central administrative agency: Provided, That examination by the head of the competent central administrative agency is unnecessary in cases prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (2) | The scope of persons eligible to access or utilize electronic data, shall be limited to persons eligible to inspect the relevant resident registration record card or to issue a certified copy or abstract thereof under Article 29 (2); but shall also be limited to cases where it is appropriate to supply such information in the form of electronic data. |
| (3) | The scope of electronic data that may be supplied shall be limited to the information in the relevant resident registration record card and shall also be limited to the data in the certified copy or abstract of the relevant resident registration record card if the case falls under any provision of Article 29 (2) 2 through 7. |
| (4) | The Minister of the Interior and Safety shall supply electronic data pursuant to paragraph (3) to the minimum extent necessary, taking into consideration the purposes of the access to or utilization of the data. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Apr. 1, 2009; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (5) | No person who has access to or utilizes electronic data pursuant to paragraph (1), shall have access to or utilize such data for other than the originally intended purpose. |
| (6) | Matters necessary for accessing and utilizing electronic data shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree; while matters necessary for service charges for electronic data shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| Article 31 (Obligations of Agencies Keeping Resident Registration Record Cards) |
| (1) | The head of an agency keeping resident registration record cards, shall take measures for security and safety to prevent them from being destroyed, stolen, divulged, or defaced. |
| (2) | No person responsible for managing resident registration record cards, shall process them by the computation system for other than the purposes of safekeeping and utilization under this Act. |
| (3) | A person who is currently or formerly in charge of resident registration or any other person shall not disclose, to a third party, resident registration details he or she has learned in the course of his or her service. |
| Article 32 (Guidance for and Supervision over Persons Accessing or Utilizing Electronic Data) |
| (1) | If deemed necessary, the Minister of the Interior and Safety may direct or supervise persons who have access to or utilize electronic data concerning matters related to the safekeeping or management of such data. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017> |
| (2) | Matters necessary for persons subject to guidance and supervision prescribed in paragraph (1); the procedures for such guidance and supervision, and other relevant matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 33 Deleted. <Apr. 1, 2009> |
| Article 34 (Processing Civil Petitions Related to Resident Registration by Electronic Document) |
| (1) | An application to inspect a resident registration record card or to issue a certified copy or abstract thereof, an objection under Article 21 (1), or any other report or application related to resident registration, may be filed by electronic document. |
| (2) | As to the certification method (referring to a way of authenticating the real name of a signer) in using electronic document under paragraph (1), the Digital Signature Act shall apply mutatis mutandis. <Amended on Jun. 9, 2020> |
| (3) | Matters necessary for issuing certified copies or abstracts of resident registration record cards under paragraph (1), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 35 (Verification of Authenticity of Resident Registration Details) |
The Minister of the Interior and Safety may verify as to whether resident registration details are true if it is required for any of the following purposes: <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Nov. 19, 2014; Jul. 26, 2017; Jan. 11, 2022>
| 1. | If an online media company, a political party, or a candidate needs in accordance with the Public Official Election Act, to verify the name and resident registration number of a person who intends to post his or her opinion on an election in an open message board, a chat room, or similar device of the relevant Internet site; |
| 2. | If it is required to verify the authenticity of a resident registration certificate by the resident registration information system; |
| 3. | If it is necessary to verify the authenticity of resident registration details provided through resident registration verification services under Article 25 (2). |
| Article 36 (Subscription to Insurance Policy or Entering into Mutual Aid Agreement) |
The head of each Si/Gun/Gu may subscribe to an insurance policy (including a personal fidelity insurance policy) or enter into a mutual aid agreement or similar arrangement in preparation for losses caused by a fault of any employee under his or her control, prescribed by ordinance of the relevant local government.
| Article 36-2 Deleted. <Jun. 9, 2020> |
| Article 36-3 (Maintenance of Confidentiality) |
Any person who is currently or formerly engaged in the affairs of the Change Commission shall be prohibited from divulging to any third person, any confidential information learned while performing his or her duties or from using it for purposes other than his or her duties: Provided, That the same shall not apply where any other Act expressly provides for otherwise.
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
| Article 36-4 (Legal Fiction as Public Officials for Purposes of Applying Penalty Provisions) |
Members who are not public officials among the members of the Change Commission shall be deemed public officials for the purposes of penalty provisions of the Criminal Act or other Acts. [This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
| Article 37 (Penalty Provisions) |
| (1) | Any of the following persons shall be punishable by imprisonment with labor for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won: <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; Jan. 21, 2014; May 29, 2016; Dec. 2, 2016; Jan. 11, 2022> |
| 1. | A person who fabricates a resident registration number by allocating a resident registration number prescribed in Article 7-2, and uses the number for his or her own or a third person's property or proprietary interests; |
| 2. | A person who offers or receives a resident registration certificate to ensure performance of an obligation; |
| 3. | A person who dually reports, in violation of Article 10 (2) or 10-2 (2); |
| 3-2. | A person who files a false report or application in relation to a resident registration or resident registration certificate; |
| 4. | A person who conveys to a third person a program for fabricating resident registration numbers or who distributes such program; |
| 4-2. | A person who manipulates and uses resident registration details provided to an information and communications device through resident registration verification services under Article 25 (2) or uses them improperly; |
| 5. | A person who inspects a third person's resident registration record card or who is issued with a certified copy or abstract of such record card, by fraud or other improper means, in violation of Article 29 (2) or (3); |
| 7-2. | A person who divulges any confidential information learned while performing his or her duties, or uses it for other than its original purposes, in violation of Article 36-3; |
| 8. | A person who uses a third person's resident registration certificate improperly; |
| 9. | A person who discloses information on a third person's resident registration number for profit, in violation of a statute; |
| 10. | A person who uses a third person's resident registration number improperly: Provided, That if a victim is a lineal blood relative, the spouse, a cohabiting relative, or the spouse of a cohabiting relative of the offender, the public prosecution shall not prosecute the offender against the victim's will. |
| (2) | A person who inspects or is issued with a certificate of a moved-in household by fraud or other improper means, in violation of Article 29-2 (2), shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 11, 2022> |
| Article 38 (Penalty Provisions) |
| Article 39 (Joint Penalty Provisions) |
If the representative of a corporation or an agent or employee of, or any other person employed by, the corporation or an individual commits any violation described in Article 37 (1) 2 , 4-2, 5, 6, or 8 or paragraph (2) of that Article in conducting the business affairs of the corporation or individual, the corporation or individual shall be punished by a fine prescribed in the relevant provisions: Provided, That the same shall not apply where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in exercising due attention and supervision concerning the relevant affairs, to prevent such violation: <Amended on Jan. 11, 2022> | 1. | Deleted; <Jan. 11, 2022> |
| 2. | Deleted; <Jan. 11, 2022> |
| 3. | Deleted. <Jan. 11, 2022> |
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 26, 2008]
[Enforcement Date: Jul. 12, 2022] The provisions regarding Article 37 (1) 4-2 in the amended provisions of Article 39 [Enforcement Date: Jan. 12, 2023] The provisions regarding Article 37 (2) in the amended provisions of Article 39
| Article 40 (Administrative Fines) |
| (1) | A person who violates Article 7-4 (1) by submitting false evidentiary materials shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 10 million won. <Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016> |
| (2) | A person who refuses or evades a factual investigation conducted under Article 20 (1) or Article 20-2 (1) without good cause shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 500 thousand won. <Amended on May 29, 2016, Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (3) | A person who fails to file a report or application within a prescribed period without good cause after receiving a peremptory notice or being publicly announced under Article 20 (2) or (3) (including cases applicable mutatis mutandis under the latter part of Article 20-2 (1)) or the latter part of Article 24 (4) shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 100 thousand won. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014; May 29, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019> |
| (4) | A person who fails to file a report or application under Articles 11 through 13 and Article 16 (1) or the former part of Article 24 (4) within the prescribed period without good cause shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 50 thousand won. <Amended on Jan. 21, 2014; May 29, 2016> |
| (5) | Administrative fines prescribed in paragraphs (1) through (4) shall be imposed and collected by the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Apr. 1, 2009; May 29, 2016; Jan. 11, 2022> |
| (6) | Deleted. <Apr. 1, 2009> |
| (7) | Deleted. <Apr. 1, 2009> |
ADDENDA <Act No. 8422, May 11, 2007>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Special Cases Concerning Time to Issue Resident Registration Certificates Following Amendment to Previous Act)
| (1) | If it is necessary to issue a resident registration certificate or replace such certificate before the resident registration certificate is issued under the Amendment (Act No. 5987) of the Resident Registration Act, such certificate or replacement thereof may be issued in accordance with previous provisions. In such cases, the resident registration certificate issued or replaced shall be deemed a resident registration certificate under the same Act, but may not be used as of June 1, 2000. |
| (2) | A resident registration certificate issued before July 1, 1999, which is the date the Amendment (Act No. 5987) of the Resident Registration Act enters into force, shall be deemed a resident registration certificate under the same Act, but may not be used as of June 1, 2000. |
Article 3 (General Transitional Measures Concerning Dispositions)
Acts done by or in relation to an administrative agency, pursuant to any previous provisions, effective as at the time this Act enters into force, shall be deemed acts done by or in relation to the administrative agency pursuant to the corresponding provisions of this Act.
Article 4 (Transitional Measure Concerning Penalty Provisions and Administrative Fine)
In applying penalty provisions or provisions on administrative fines, offences committed before this Act enters into force, shall be governed by the previous provisions.
Article 5 Omitted.
Article 6 (Relations to Other Acts and Subordinate Statutes)
Any citation of any provision of the former Resident Registration Act or to the provisions thereof, by any other statute in force as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a citation of this Act or the relevant provision of this Act in lieu of the former provision, if this Act includes any provisions corresponding thereto.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8435, May 17, 2007>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2008. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 9 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. Provided, ... <omitted> ..., amended provisions of ···
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 9210, Dec. 26, 2008>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 9574, Apr. 1, 2009>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Special Cases concerning Registration as to Unknown Domicile following Amendment to the Former Act)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 20 (6), the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall register a resident whose resident registration has been deleted under the former provisions as at the time this Act enters into force, as his/her domicile being unknown by registering the address of the relevant Eup/Myeon/Dong office where the place of resident registration as at the time of deletion is located as his/her administrative address when one year passes after this Act enters into force: Provided, That where a person whose resident registration is deleted as at the time this Act enters into force, files an application for re-registration while his/her domicile is unknown, the registration on his/her domicile as unknown may be filed even within one year after this Act enters into force. Article 3 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10733, May 30, 2011>
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
| (1) | This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. |
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 12279, Jan. 21, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Relationship with other Acts and Subordinate Statutes)
Any citation of any provision of the former Resident Registration Act or to the provisions thereof, by any other statute in force as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a citation of this Act or the relevant provision of this Act in lieu of the former provision, if this Act includes any provisions corresponding thereto.
ADDENDA <Act No. 12600, May 20, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso omitted.)
Article 2 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 12844, Nov. 19, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amendments to the Acts to be amended pursuant to Article 6 of the Addenda, which were promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement dates of which have yet to arrive, shall enter into force on the enforcement date of the relevant Act. Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14191, May 29, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 10 (1) 11, 12 and 36-2, shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation; and the amended provisions of Article 29 and subparagraph 5 of Article 37 shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. Article 2 (Preparation for Enforcement of This Act)
Preparations for this Act to enter into force, such as commissioning and appointing the members of the Change Commission and the appointment of secretariat staff, may be made before this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability of System to Change Resident Registration Numbers)
The amended provisions of Article 7-4 shall apply to any person who files an application for change of his/her resident registration number due to any cause that has occurred even before this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14286, Dec. 2, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 14 (3), shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation; the amended provisions of Article 37, six months after the date of its promulgation; and Article 3 (1) and (3) of these Addenda, on May 30, 2017. Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Reporting of Addresses by Korean Nationals Staying Abroad)
| (1) | Any Korean national staying abroad already after leaving the Republic of Korea with intent to stay abroad for at least 90 days (excluding any person who is required to file a report on emigration under Article 19 (1)) before this Act enters into force, may report the domicile of a household to which he/she belongs after this Act enters into force, as his/her address prescribed in Article 10 (1) 7, notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 10-3 (1): Provided, That a person who does not belong to any household as at the time of filing such report, may report the address of an Eup/Myeon/Dong office having jurisdiction over his/her domicile as at the time of filing such report, as his/her administrative address. |
| (2) | Any person who has filed a report prescribed in paragraph (1) shall be deemed a Korean national staying abroad. |
Article 3 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14839, Jul. 26, 2017>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
| (1) | This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amendments to the Acts to be amended pursuant to Article 5 of the Addenda, which were promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement dates of which have yet to arrive, shall enter into force on the enforcement date of the relevant Act. |
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16662, Dec. 3, 2019>
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16930, Feb. 4, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 10 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17354, Jun. 9, 2020>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso omitted.)
Articles 2 through 8 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 17385, Jun. 9, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 16-2 shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 18304, Jul. 20, 2021>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 18746, Jan. 11, 2022>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 25, subparagraph 3 of Article 35, Article 37 (1) 4-2, and Article 39 (limited to the provisions regarding Article 37 (1) 4-2) shall enter into force six months after the date of the promulgation; and Articles 7 (1), 16 (2) and (3), and 20-3 (1) and (2) (limited to the provisions regarding State organs and local governments), Articles 29 (3) and 29-2, subparagraph 2 of Article 35, Articles 37 (2) and 39 (limited to the provisions regarding Article 37 (2)), and Article 40 (5) shall enter into force one year after the date of the promulgation. Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Shortening Period for Examination and Resolution by Resident Registration Number Change Commission)
Notwithstanding the amended provisions of Article 7-5 (3), the previous provisions shall apply where the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over the resident’s registered domicile requests the Resident Registration Number Change Commission to determine whether to change the relevant resident registration number before this Act enters into force. Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Enforcement Dates)
"Resident registration information system" in the amended provisions of Article 25 (2) shall be deemed "computation system" until one year elapses from the date six months elapse after this Act is promulgated.
ADDENDA <Act No. 19228, Mar. 4, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That among the statutes amended under Article 7 of the Addenda, where the amendment is made to a statute which was promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement date of which has yet to arrive, such amendment shall enter into force on the enforcement date of the relevant statute. Articles 2 through 8 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 19632, Aug. 16, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Shortening Period for Examination and Resolution by the Resident Registration Number Change Commission)
The amended provisions of Article 7-5 (4) shall begin to apply where the head of the Si/Gun/Gu having jurisdiction over a resident’s registered domicile requests the Resident Registration Number Change Commission to determine whether to change the relevant resident registration number after this Act enters into force.