Foreign Driver License Exchange and International Driving Permit Guide

First, Tell Them Apart

• Exchange: the procedure of turning a foreign driver license into a Korean driver license.
• International Driving Permit: a system for driving in Korea with an International Driving Permit for 1 year from your date of entry.

Foreign Driver License to Korean License Exchange

Where to Apply

• You apply at a driver license test center (Korea Road Traffic Authority) nationwide.
• You cannot apply online, and only the person themselves can apply (applying by proxy is in principle not possible). Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service guide
• To verify identity, you need the original alien registration card and passport.

What to Bring

• Original foreign driver license
• Passport
• ID (alien registration card)
• 3 photos (3.5x4.5)
• Embassy confirmation or apostille (apostille guide)
• Certificate of entry and exit facts (certificate of entry and exit facts guide)

Fees

These follow the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service guide.

Scope of Test Exemption

• The scope of test exemption differs depending on whether the country has mutual recognition.
• The list of mutual recognition countries is available on the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service.

Driving with an International Driving Permit

• You can drive in Korea for 1 year from your date of entry. It applies to International Driving Permits issued by a country party to the Geneva Convention or the Vienna Convention.
• You must carry the International Driving Permit, your home country driver license, and your passport together.
• You cannot drive during a period of disqualification from a Korean driver license.
• Permits issued by unofficial issuing bodies (for example, IAA) are not recognized. Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service guide
• Driving in Korea with an International Driving Permit involves no payment of any fee.

Deadline

• The period during which you can drive with an International Driving Permit is 1 year from your date of entry.