Exchanging a Foreign Driver License for a Korean License

At a Glance

• Eligible: a valid regular license issued by a competent foreign authority. Temporary and learner licenses cannot be exchanged.
• The license must have been obtained while staying more than 90 days in the issuing country.
• Licenses from recognized countries need only the aptitude test; licenses from non-recognized countries need both the aptitude test and the written test.
• Where: 27 driver license examination offices nationwide (Korea Road Traffic Authority). Online applications are not possible.

Who Needs It

• Holders of a driver license issued by a competent foreign authority who have completed alien registration or are exempt from it, recognized refugees, and foreign nationals of Korean descent who have reported a domestic residence, among others, can be exempted from part of the driver license test.
• The foreign license must have been obtained while staying more than 90 days in the issuing country; temporary and learner licenses do not qualify.
• Only the license holder can apply (holders of an ID card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are an exception).

Driving before the exchange (International Driving Permit)

• An International Driving Permit under the Geneva Convention (1949), the Vienna Convention (1968) and similar, or a mutually recognized foreign license, can be used for driving in Korea only for 1 year from the date of entry, and only for the vehicle types stated on it.
• With an International Driving Permit or a mutually recognized foreign license you cannot drive commercial vehicles; renting and driving a rental car (a vehicle for rental business) is an exception.
• Even if the International Driving Permit is still valid, it may not be recognized once 1 year has passed since entry. Korea Road Traffic Authority International Driving Permit guide

Where to Apply

• Applications are taken at 27 driver license examination offices nationwide (Korea Road Traffic Authority). Online applications are not possible.
• Inquiries: Korea Road Traffic Authority 1577-1120.
• You must apply by 1 hour before closing (17:00); if you need to take the written test, visiting before 16:00 is recommended.

What to Bring

• Original valid regular foreign driver license
• Embassy confirmation or apostille for the foreign license (issued within 1 year of the application date)
• Certificate of entry and exit facts (from date of birth to the present)
• Original passport
• ID (alien registration card, etc.)
• 3 color photos taken within the last 6 months (3.5cm × 4.5cm)
• If the name or date of birth differs between the passport, the foreign license and other documents, additional documents are required.

Costs

Based on the Korea Road Traffic Authority Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service notice.

Procedure

• Step 1: Document review. The embassy confirmation or apostille, the certificate of entry and exit facts and other documents are checked.
• Step 2: Aptitude test (physical check). For licenses from recognized countries only the aptitude test is given and the written test is exempted.
• Step 3: Licenses from non-recognized countries require both the aptitude test and the written test (40 multiple-choice questions).
• Step 4: The Korean license is issued in exchange.

Common Sticking Points

• The embassy confirmation or apostille must have been issued within 1 year of the application date.
• If a stay of 90 days or more in the issuing country cannot be confirmed through the certificate of entry and exit facts or similar, the exchange is refused.
• The license you receive is in principle limited to a Korean Class 2 ordinary license; some exception countries (Belgium, Poland, Spain, Italy, Ireland, etc.) can exchange for the corresponding license class.
• In the United States it differs by state; licenses from Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Nevada exceptionally require tests.
• Check yourself whether your country is a recognized country in the country list of the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service; there is also a Government24 service disclosing mutually recognized driver license countries.
• A foreign license held by a person staying for purposes set by Presidential Decree, such as diplomacy, official duties or research, is treated as a license from a recognized country.
• The Korea Road Traffic Authority can collect the foreign license only when there is a reason set by Presidential Decree, such as a request from the issuing country.

This guide is general information and does not judge whether something is possible in your individual case. Laws and fees can change, so check the original text through the official links and with the competent authority.