How to get an International Driving Permit in Korea
Obtaining a driver's license in South Korea can be a straightforward process, especially if you already hold a driver's license from your home country.
There are 3 ways to get the license to drive in Korea
1. International Driving Permit
An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to drive a motor vehicle in a foreign country where your home country's driver's license may not be recognized on its own. It serves as a translation of your native license into multiple languages and contains essential driver information. Typically, you need to have a valid driver's license from your home country to obtain an IDP. The IDP is not a standalone license but a supplement to your existing one, making it easier for you to drive internationally and comply with local regulations.
2. Trading your Foreign Driver's License
One of the most convenient paths to acquiring a Korean driver's license is by exchanging your existing foreign license. Don't worry, you can get your license back when you leave the country. This process is made even more hassle-free if your home country has a reciprocity agreement with South Korea, as it exempts you from the written test requirement.
Required Documents:
- Original Driver's License
- Apostille/Certification issued in Korean or English
- Passport
- Resident Card (ARC)
- Recent Colored Passport size Photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm or 3 x 4) (3pcs)
- Application fee (mobile IC: 15,000 won, Regular: 10,000 won)
- Immigration History Document
출입국사실 증명서 : 출생년도부터 현재까지
Fees:
- Application fee: Depending on your country of origin
- Processing fee: 7,500 won
- Medical Assessment: 5,000 won
- Health Certificate: 6,000 won
- Exam fee: 10,000 won
Steps on how to Trade your Foreign Driver's License in Korea
- Step 1: Gather all your documents
- Step 2: Visit your nearest (도로교통공단)
- Step 3: Tell the staff that you would like to trade your foreign driver's license
- Step 4: Submit your requirements
- Step 5: Take the written exam (if needed)
- Step 6: Take the Medical Assessment
- Step 7: Take your new license if it is availble on the day, or it may be delivered to your selected address.
- Don't forget to trade back your original license before you leave Korea
Countries with reciprocity agreements
- Asia (25)
Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Cook Islands, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Mongol, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Palau, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam
- America (22)
Antigua Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Commonwealth of Dominique, Rep. of Dominique, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Granada, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent Grenadines, Uruguay, USA(Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, Oregon, Michigan, Idaho, Alabama, West Virginia, Iowa, Colorado, Georgia) ※For Oregon and Idaho, you must take a simple written exam.
- Europe(37)
Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cypress, Czech Rep., Denmark, England, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine
- Middle East(12)
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq (Arbil), Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen
- Africa(34)
Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Rep., Chad, Comoro, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Basau, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland,Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
3. Getting a Korean License
Required Documents:
- Original Driver's License
- Passport
- Resident Card (ARC)
- Colored Passport size Photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm or 3 x 4) (3pcs)
- Application fee (depends on your country of origin)
- Immigration History Document
Steps on how to get a Korean Driver's License in Korea:
- Step 1:
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