Driving legally in Korea usually requires one of three things:

Table of Contents

A valid Korean driver’s license
A recognized international driving permit, or IDP
A foreign license specifically covered by a direct mutual-recognition arrangement

For most tourists, an international driving permit is the simplest option.

For foreign residents who expect to drive regularly, exchanging an eligible foreign license for a Korean driver’s license is usually more practical.

These two systems are different. An IDP provides temporary driving privileges, while a license exchange gives you an actual Korean driver’s license.

Information checked: July 13, 2026
License-recognition lists, fees, embassy services, and document requirements can change. Check the latest Korea Road Traffic Authority guidance before applying.

Foreign License, IDP, or Korean License: Which One Do You Need?

Your situation	Most likely option
Tourist or short-term visitor	Use a recognized IDP with your original license
Foreign resident planning to drive regularly	Exchange an eligible foreign license
License issued by a country or region recognized by Korea	Exchange may be possible without a written test
License issued by a non-recognized jurisdiction	Exchange generally requires a written test
Expired, learner, provisional, or temporary license	Usually cannot be exchanged
No valid exchange-eligible foreign license	Complete the standard Korean licensing process
License specifically covered by direct mutual recognition	Direct use may be possible, but confirm the exact jurisdiction

A normal foreign domestic license by itself is generally not enough to drive in Korea. Direct use without an IDP is limited to licenses covered by specific mutual-recognition rules, so travelers should not assume that their home-country license is automatically valid.

Key Terms Explained

Foreign Driver’s License

A foreign driver’s license is the domestic license issued by another country, state, province, or licensing region.

For a Korean license exchange, it must normally be a valid full license.

The Korea Road Traffic Authority does not generally accept documents such as:

Learner’s permits
Provisional licenses
Probationary licenses
Temporary licenses
Driving certificates
General driving permits that are not full licenses
Expired licenses

License Exchange

A license exchange means converting an eligible foreign license into a Korean driver’s license.

It is not always an automatic one-for-one conversion. Korean authorities review:

Whether the license is genuine
Whether the license is still valid
Where it was issued
Whether Korea recognizes that jurisdiction
Whether you lived in the issuing jurisdiction
Whether your passport and travel records support the application
Whether a written test is required

Most successful exchanges result in a Korean Class 2 Ordinary License, called 제2종 보통 in Korean. This is the standard license used for ordinary passenger cars.

Under separate reciprocal arrangements, licenses from Belgium, Poland, Spain, Italy, and Ireland may be exchangeable for a corresponding Korean license category rather than only Class 2 Ordinary.

International Driving Permit

An international driving permit, commonly abbreviated as IDP, is an internationally standardized document that translates and classifies your domestic driving privileges.

It does not replace your original driver’s license.

An IDP is valid only when:

It was issued by an authorized organization
Your original domestic license remains valid
The vehicle category is covered
The permit is accepted under Korean law
You remain within the permitted period of use

Driver’s License Examination Office

A Driver’s License Examination Office is called 운전면허시험장 in Korean.

Despite its name, it does more than administer driving tests. These offices also handle:

Foreign license exchanges
Korean license issuance
Written examinations
Physical or aptitude examinations
License renewals and replacements
International driving permits for Korean license holders

Foreign license exchanges are handled at Driver’s License Examination Offices nationwide.

Police Station

A Korean police station, called 경찰서, can process some driver’s license services.

For example, a person who already holds a Korean driver’s license may be able to apply for a Korean-issued international driving permit at a participating police station.

However, police stations do not normally process foreign-to-Korean license exchanges. For an exchange, you must visit a Driver’s License Examination Office.

Part 1: Using an International Driving Permit in Korea

Can Foreigners Drive in Korea with an IDP?

Yes, provided that the IDP is recognized and all other requirements are satisfied.

Korea recognizes valid international driving permits issued under:

The 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic
The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic

Korea is a Geneva Convention country. Since January 1, 2002, Korea has also allowed valid IDPs issued by Vienna Convention countries.

A recognized IDP may generally be used for up to one year from the date you enter Korea.

How Long Is an IDP Valid in Korea?

The maximum period is generally:

Up to one year from your date of entry into Korea

This is different from simply counting one year from the IDP’s issue date.

Your right to use the IDP may end earlier if:

The IDP expires
Your original license expires
Your permitted vehicle category does not cover the vehicle
Your driving privileges are suspended or canceled
The permit was issued by an unauthorized organization
Korean law otherwise restricts your driving

For example, suppose you enter Korea on September 1, 2026, with an IDP that expires on December 31, 2026. You cannot continue driving until August 31, 2027. The earlier IDP expiration date controls.

What Should You Carry While Driving?

The safest approach is to carry all three documents:

Your original domestic driver’s license
Your valid international driving permit
Your passport

A rental company may also ask for your Korean Residence Card if you live in Korea.

Check that your English name is consistent across your passport, domestic license, and IDP. Differences in spelling, name order, omitted middle names, or initials can cause problems when renting a vehicle or proving that the documents belong to the same person.

The vehicle category shown on the IDP must also cover the vehicle you intend to drive.

Apply for the IDP Before Traveling to Korea

A foreign IDP must normally be issued by an authorized organization in the country or jurisdiction that issued your domestic license.

Korean authorities do not convert a foreign license into a foreign IDP after you arrive.

Korea issues IDPs for overseas use to people who already hold Korean driver’s licenses. That is a separate service from using a foreign-issued IDP in Korea.

Warning: “International Driving License” May Not Be a Real IDP

Some websites sell documents with names such as:

International Driver’s License
International License Card
International Driver Document
Worldwide Driving License
Driver’s License Translation

These documents are not automatically valid international driving permits.

The official document should normally be described as an International Driving Permit and must be issued by an authorized organization.

The Korea Road Traffic Authority specifically warns that unofficial documents issued by private organizations cannot be used merely because they resemble an IDP or provide a translation of a domestic license.

Can You Rent a Car with an IDP?

A recognized IDP may allow you to drive legally, but the rental company can impose additional conditions.

Depending on the company and vehicle type, you may need:

Your original driver’s license
Your passport
Your IDP
A credit card in the main driver’s name
A minimum amount of driving experience
A minimum driver age
A Korean phone number
Additional insurance

A person may satisfy Korea’s legal driving requirements but still be refused a rental vehicle under the company’s internal policy.

Confirm the following before making a non-refundable reservation:

Accepted IDP type
Minimum age
Minimum license-holding period
Accepted payment cards
Insurance coverage
Additional-driver rules
Whether your license category covers the booked vehicle

Can a Foreign Resident Continue Using an IDP?

A foreign resident may be able to use a valid IDP within the legal one-year period after entry.

However, exchanging your foreign license is usually more practical if you plan to:

Live in Korea long term
Buy or register a vehicle
Obtain Korean auto insurance
Drive regularly
Use your license as local identification
Avoid relying on your passport when driving

An IDP should be viewed as a temporary driving solution rather than a permanent substitute for a Korean license.

Part 2: Exchanging a Foreign Driver’s License in Korea

Who Can Exchange a Foreign License?

You may apply if you hold a valid full license issued by a competent foreign government or licensing authority.

You must also be able to prove that the license was legitimately obtained while you were staying in the issuing country or region.

The examination office may review:

The license issue date
Your passport stamps
Entry and departure records
Previous passports
Your period of residence abroad
Your nationality and residence status
Whether the license is authentic
Whether your name and date of birth match

The Korea Road Traffic Authority must be able to verify a qualifying stay of at least 90 days in the license-issuing jurisdiction. In practice, prepare records that clearly show more than 90 days whenever possible, since incomplete travel history can prevent the exchange.

Recognized and Non-Recognized License Jurisdictions

Korea divides foreign licenses into two practical groups.

Licenses from Recognized Countries or Regions

A recognized jurisdiction is generally one that allows a Korean driver’s license to be exchanged for its own local license without a separate test.

When Korea provides reciprocal treatment, the Korean written test is usually waived.

The applicant normally completes:

Document verification
Physical or aptitude examination
Korean license issuance

Licenses from Non-Recognized Countries or Regions

Applicants with licenses from non-recognized jurisdictions generally complete:

Document verification
Physical or aptitude examination
Written knowledge test
Korean license issuance

The exchange test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and is available in:

Korean
English
Chinese
Vietnamese

As of the Korean National Police Agency notice dated April 6, 2026, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada require a written test even though they are treated as mutually recognized U.S. jurisdictions.

Recognition can be determined at the state, province, or regional level. Do not assume that every license from the same country receives identical treatment.

Why State and Provincial Rules Matter

Large countries often have separate local licensing systems.

Recognition may therefore differ between:

Individual U.S. states
Canadian provinces
Australian states and territories
Indian states
Chinese administrative regions
Other territories with independent licensing systems

The relevant jurisdiction is the one printed on your license, not simply your nationality.

For example, two U.S. citizens holding licenses from different states may face different Korean exchange requirements.

Documents Required for a Foreign License Exchange

Exact requirements depend on your nationality, residence status, issuing jurisdiction, and license type.

A typical foreign applicant should prepare the following documents.

1. Original Foreign Driver’s License

The license must normally be:

Original
Valid
Unexpired
Issued by a competent authority
A full driver’s license

Photocopies, digital images, learner’s permits, and temporary documents are generally insufficient.

2. Original Passport

The passport helps confirm:

Your identity
Your nationality
Your travel history
Your presence in the license-issuing jurisdiction
Your date of entry into Korea

Bring previous passports if the required entry and departure stamps are not shown in your current passport.

3. Korean Residence Card

Foreign residents normally submit their original Residence Card.

This card was previously widely known in English as an Alien Registration Card, or ARC.

Eligible overseas Koreans may instead use a Domestic Residence Report Card.

4. Three Passport-Style Photographs

The general requirement is:

Three color photographs
Taken within the previous six months
Size: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm
Passport-style format

Use recently taken photographs that meet the Korean passport-photo standard.

5. Embassy Confirmation or Apostille

You must normally prove that your foreign license is genuine.

This usually requires one of the following:

A confirmation issued by your country’s embassy in Korea
A confirmation issued by a Korean embassy in the license-issuing country
An Apostille certificate issued in an eligible Apostille Convention country

The confirmation or Apostille should normally:

Verify the authenticity of the license
Be issued in Korean or English
Have been issued within one year of the exchange application
Remain physically attached if originally certified as a bound document

Not every embassy provides license-verification services. Contact the embassy before preparing your application.

A notarized translation and an authentication document are not necessarily the same thing. A translation explains what the license says, while an embassy confirmation or Apostille helps prove that the license is genuine.

6. Certificate of Entry and Departure Records

You will normally need a Certificate of Entry and Departure Records, called 출입국에 관한 사실증명 in Korean.

The official checklist asks for records covering your history from your year of birth to the present.

The certificate helps the examination office confirm:

When you lived outside Korea
Whether you were in the issuing jurisdiction when the license was issued
Whether the required stay period can be verified
Whether your passport records are complete

The document can generally be requested through Government24 or an appropriate government service office.

Dual nationals and people who changed nationality may be asked for additional or previous travel records.

7. Supporting Documents for Name or Birth-Date Differences

Additional proof may be required if your documents do not match exactly.

Possible issues include:

Different name order
Missing middle name
Different English spelling
Maiden name and married name
Changed nationality
Different date formats
Typographical differences
Previous passport information

Supporting documents may include:

Embassy confirmation
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Legal name-change document
Previous passport
Citizenship or nationality document

Do not assume that a small spelling difference will be ignored.

Foreign License Exchange Fees in Korea

As of July 13, 2026, the main listed fees are:

Service	Official fee
Standard Korean license issuance	KRW 10,000
Mobile IC Korean license issuance	KRW 15,000
Exchange written test, when required	KRW 10,000
Physical examination for an ordinary license at an equipped examination office	KRW 6,000
Physical examination for Class 1 Large or Special	KRW 7,000

A hospital may charge a different amount if the selected examination office does not have an on-site physical-examination center.

The Chuncheon, Gangneung, Taebaek, Chungju, Gwangyang, and Mungyeong examination offices do not currently have on-site physical check-up centers, according to the official guidance. Applicants using those locations should arrange an eligible hospital examination.

Step-by-Step Foreign License Exchange Process

Step 1: Check the Exact Issuing Jurisdiction

Find the current Korean recognition list and check the exact:

Country
State
Province
Territory
Administrative region

Do not check only your nationality.

The April 6, 2026 National Police Agency notice is the current recognition reference shown on the Korea Road Traffic Authority exchange page. Check again before applying because the list may later change.

Step 2: Confirm How to Authenticate the License

Contact the relevant embassy or authority and ask:

Does the embassy provide driver’s license confirmation?
Can I use an Apostille instead?
Must the document be written in Korean or English?
Is a separate translation required?
Does the confirmation show the original issue date?
How long will the document remain valid?
Does the embassy require an appointment?

Authentication is often the most time-consuming part of the process.

Step 3: Collect Your Korean Records

Prepare:

Original passport
Previous passports, when relevant
Original Residence Card
Certificate of Entry and Departure Records
Three photographs
Embassy confirmation or Apostille
Original foreign license
Supporting name or identity documents

Review all dates and spellings before visiting the examination office.

Step 4: Visit a Driver’s License Examination Office

Foreign license exchanges are accepted at Driver’s License Examination Offices nationwide.

The applicant must normally appear in person. Proxy applications are generally not permitted, except for limited holders of certain diplomatic identification documents.

Because document review can take time, the Korea Road Traffic Authority recommends submitting an exchange application before 5:00 p.m.

Applicants who need the written test are advised to arrive before 4:00 p.m.

An earlier visit is safer, particularly if your documents require additional review.

Step 5: Complete the Physical Examination

The Korean term aptitude test in this context generally refers to a basic physical examination used to confirm that you meet driving-license health standards.

The examination may include:

Eyesight
Corrected eyesight with glasses or contact lenses
Basic physical eligibility checks
Other checks relevant to the requested license type

Some Driver’s License Examination Offices provide the examination on-site.

If your selected office does not have a physical-examination center, obtain the required medical form from an eligible hospital.

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you normally use them while driving.

Step 6: Take the Written Test If Required

Applicants from recognized jurisdictions are generally exempt, except where a specific rule applies.

Applicants from non-recognized jurisdictions normally take the 40-question multiple-choice exchange test.

Available languages are:

Korean
English
Chinese
Vietnamese

A practical closed-course test and an on-road test are generally not required when a valid foreign license is accepted for exchange.

Step 7: Receive the Korean License

After successful document review, physical examination, and any required written test, the Korean license can be issued.

However, same-day completion is not guaranteed.

Additional review may be required if:

Travel records are incomplete
The embassy confirmation is unclear
The license issue date cannot be verified
The issuing jurisdiction is uncertain
Personal information does not match
The license type appears temporary or restricted
Additional residence evidence is needed

Depending on the issuing jurisdiction and Korea’s applicable recovery rules, the examination office may retain your original foreign license.

Check the official foreign-license recovery and non-recovery country list or ask the examination-office staff before completing the exchange, especially if you expect to drive in your home country soon.

Police Station vs. Driver’s License Examination Office

This is one of the most common points of confusion.

Service	Driver’s License Examination Office	Police station
Exchange a foreign license for a Korean license	Yes	Generally no
Take a Korean written driving test	Yes	No
Take a practical or on-road test	Yes	No
Complete a physical examination	At equipped offices	No
Obtain a Korean-issued IDP	Yes	Available at participating stations
Renew or replace some Korean licenses	Yes	Some services may be available

The simple rule is:

Foreign license exchange: go to a Driver’s License Examination Office.
Korean-issued international driving permit: an examination office or participating police station may be used.

When applying for a Korean-issued IDP at a police station, the Korea Road Traffic Authority advises checking availability in advance and bringing a credit or debit card.

What If Your Foreign License Cannot Be Exchanged?

You may need to obtain a Korean driver’s license through the standard testing process.

The normal process generally includes:

Pre-test traffic safety education
Physical examination
Written knowledge test
Closed-course practical test
Learner’s permit
On-road driving test
Korean license issuance

For ordinary Korean licenses, the written-test passing scores are currently:

Class 1: 70 points or higher
Class 2: 60 points or higher

The regular written examination is available in:

Korean
English
Chinese
Vietnamese

A driving academy is not always legally required. However, lessons may be helpful if you are unfamiliar with:

Korean road signs
Protected and unprotected left turns
Korean parking rules
School zones
Bus-only lanes
Practical-test scoring
On-road test routes

The standard licensing process includes both practical and on-road testing, unlike an eligible foreign-license exchange.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming a Foreign License Alone Is Enough

Most foreign domestic licenses cannot be used by themselves.

Unless your license is specifically covered by direct mutual recognition, obtain a recognized IDP or a Korean license before driving.

2. Buying an Unofficial “International License”

A private translation card is not automatically an official IDP.

Use an authorized issuing organization and check that the document is an International Driving Permit.

3. Bringing an Expired or Provisional License

Expired, learner, provisional, probationary, temporary, permit, and certificate-type documents are generally not exchangeable.

Renew or replace the license through the original issuing authority first.

4. Preparing Only a Translation

A translation does not necessarily prove authenticity.

You normally need an embassy confirmation or Apostille, even when the license is already printed in English.

5. Ignoring the Residence-History Requirement

You must be able to prove that you genuinely stayed in the license-issuing jurisdiction for the required period.

A foreign license obtained during a short visit may not qualify.

6. Checking Only the Country

Recognition may differ by state, province, or region.

Always check the exact licensing authority printed on the license.

7. Going to a Police Station for the Exchange

Police stations may issue Korean IDPs and handle some Korean-license services, but they do not normally exchange foreign licenses.

8. Arriving Late

The examination office recommends application before 5:00 p.m., or before 4:00 p.m. when a written test is required.

Arrive earlier when possible.

9. Ignoring Name Differences

A missing middle name or different family-name order may delay the application.

Prepare official evidence explaining any discrepancy.

10. Assuming the Original License Will Always Be Returned

Korea may retain foreign licenses from certain jurisdictions.

Check the recovery rules before completing the exchange.

IDP Checklist Before Driving in Korea

My document is an official International Driving Permit.
It was issued by an authorized organization.
My original domestic license is still valid.
My IDP covers the vehicle category I plan to drive.
My passport, license, and IDP use consistent English spelling.
I am carrying my original license, IDP, and passport.
Less than one year has passed since my entry into Korea.
I confirmed the rental company’s age and experience rules.
I checked the rental insurance terms.
I confirmed that my issuing jurisdiction’s IDP is recognized in Korea.

Foreign License Exchange Checklist

My foreign license is a valid full license.
I checked the exact country, state, province, or region.
I confirmed whether a written test is required.
I obtained an embassy confirmation or Apostille.
The authentication document was issued within the permitted period.
I prepared my original passport.
I prepared old passports when relevant.
I prepared my original Residence Card.
I obtained my Certificate of Entry and Departure Records.
My records clearly prove the required residence period.
I prepared three recent 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm photographs.
I prepared evidence for any name or birth-date difference.
I checked whether the selected office has an on-site physical examination.
I checked how my original foreign license will be handled.
I plan to arrive before 5:00 p.m., or before 4:00 p.m. if testing is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tourist drive in Korea with an international driving permit?

Yes. A tourist can generally drive with a valid and recognized IDP for up to one year from the date of entry into Korea.

The IDP and original domestic license must remain valid, and the driver must stay within the permitted vehicle category.

Can I drive in Korea with only my foreign driver’s license?

Usually not.

Most travelers need a recognized IDP together with their original license. Direct use of a foreign license is limited to licenses specifically covered by mutual-recognition arrangements.

Does Korea recognize both Geneva and Vienna Convention IDPs?

Yes.

Korea recognizes qualifying IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention and has also accepted valid Vienna Convention IDPs since January 1, 2002.

Is an IDP valid for one year from its issue date or entry date?

Korean driving permission is generally limited to one year from your entry date.

However, the IDP’s own expiration date and the expiration date of your original license still apply. The earliest relevant expiration effectively determines when you must stop driving.

Do I need to carry my original license with my IDP?

Yes, you should carry it.

An IDP supports and translates your domestic driving privileges. It does not replace your original license.

Carrying your passport is also strongly recommended and is commonly required when renting a vehicle.

Can I get a foreign IDP after arriving in Korea?

Generally, no.

A foreign IDP should be obtained from an authorized organization in the jurisdiction that issued your domestic driver’s license.

Korea issues its own IDPs to holders of Korean driver’s licenses for driving abroad.

Can a foreign resident use an IDP?

A foreign resident may be able to use a valid IDP within the one-year period after entry.

For regular or long-term driving, exchanging the foreign license is usually more convenient.

Do I need a written test to exchange my license?

It depends on the jurisdiction that issued your license.

Applicants from recognized jurisdictions are usually exempt. Applicants from non-recognized jurisdictions generally take a 40-question written test.

Some recognized jurisdictions, including Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada under the April 6, 2026 notice, still require the test.

Is the exchange written test available in English?

Yes.

The exchange test is available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Do I need to take a road test?

Normally, no.

An eligible foreign-license exchange generally requires document review, a physical examination, and, when applicable, a written test.

If your license cannot be exchanged, you may need to complete the full Korean licensing process, including practical and on-road tests.

Where do I exchange my foreign driver’s license?

Apply in person at a Driver’s License Examination Office.

Foreign-license exchanges are available at examination offices nationwide.

Can I exchange my foreign license at a police station?

Generally, no.

Police stations can provide some Korean-license services and may issue Korean international driving permits, but foreign-license exchanges are handled by Driver’s License Examination Offices.

Is a notarized translation enough?

Not necessarily.

A translation explains the contents of a license, but the exchange normally requires an embassy confirmation or Apostille proving authenticity.

Check with your embassy and examination office before applying.

Can I exchange a learner’s permit?

No, not normally.

Korea generally accepts only valid full licenses. Learner, provisional, probationary, temporary, permit, and certificate-type documents are excluded.

Can I exchange an expired license?

Generally, no.

Renew it through the original issuing authority before applying in Korea.

Why do I need entry and departure records?

The records help Korean authorities confirm that you stayed in the issuing jurisdiction when the license was obtained and that you meet the required residence-history condition.

What if my passport does not show my old travel history?

Bring previous passports and obtain a complete Certificate of Entry and Departure Records.

Additional official evidence may be requested if the required stay cannot be verified.

Will Korea keep my original foreign license?

It depends on the issuing jurisdiction and Korea’s recovery rules.

Check the official recovery-country list or ask the examination-office staff before completing the exchange.

How long does the exchange take?

The time required depends on:

Document completeness
Embassy or Apostille verification
Office workload
Whether a written test is required
Whether additional travel records are needed

Do not assume that every application will be completed in one visit.

Is the Korean license always Class 2 Ordinary?

Most foreign-license exchanges result in a Korean Class 2 Ordinary License.

Certain countries with separate reciprocal agreements may allow an equivalent Korean license category.

Official Sources

Disclaimer

This article provides general information for foreigners preparing to drive or live in South Korea. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee that a particular foreign license, IDP, or application will be accepted.

Driver’s license rules may depend on the issuing country, state, province, region, license category, nationality, residence status, travel history, and current administrative guidance.

Recognition lists, embassy-verification services, required documents, fees, application hours, examination procedures, and rental-company policies can change.

Before driving or applying for an exchange, confirm the latest requirements with the Korea Road Traffic Authority, your selected Driver’s License Examination Office, the relevant embassy, and your rental or insurance company.