Since the introduction of the mobile public official ID card in 2021, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety(MOIS), has been actively developing a mobile ID ecosystem to enhance identity verification both online and offline. The initiative has seen the launch of several mobile ID services, including the Mobile Driver’s License in 2022 and the Mobile National Veteran Card in 2023. The Mobile Resident Registration card is expected to be launched in December 2024.
In collaboration with the Presidential Committee on the Digital Platform Government(DPG), and the Overseas Koreans Agency(OKA), MOIS has introduced the “Mobile Overseas Korean Identity Verification Card”(Mobile Overseas Korean ID) as of July 3. This new service aims to address the identity verification challenges faced by Korean citizens living abroad, who previously had to maintain a Korean phone number for this purpose. With the Mobile Overseas Korean ID, these individuals can now use their local carrier's mobile phone for identity verification.
The Mobile Overseas Korean ID is initially available on a pilot basis in selected regions, with plans for expansion to all overseas missions. It is currently usable on platforms like “GOV.KR” and the “365 Overseas Korean Portal” and will soon extend to services such as “Apostille
*” and the “Family Relations Registration System.”
* Apostille is an agreement that abolishes the requirement for authentication of official documents issued by foreign countries, to which 126 countries, including Korea, are signatories.
MOIS will work with the relevant authorities to improve laws and systems that allow the Mobile Overseas Korean ID for financial services, such as non-face-to-face account opening and offline civil services at diplomatic missions.
· Source : Ministry of the Interior and Safety
