Essential Guide11 min read

Foreign Driver's License Exchange in Korea: Step-by-Step 2026

Most foreigners from OECD countries can exchange their home driver's license for a Korean license without taking a road test. Here is exactly how the process works, what documents you need, and the special requirements for US license holders.

Last updated: April 2026Verified by ArriveKorea team
Driving in Korea as a foreigner

Key facts at a glance

  • ✓Most OECD country licenses (US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU, Japan) can be exchanged without a road test
  • ✓US licenses require an apostille from the issuing state (NOT the US Embassy)
  • ✓You need a medical certificate (~40,000 KRW) and 2 passport photos
  • ✓The entire process can be completed in a single day
  • ✓An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for tourists only, NOT for residents with an ARC

Overview

Korean road and driving environment
Korea recognizes driver's licenses from most OECD countries for direct exchange

If you hold a valid driver's license from an eligible country, you can exchange it for a Korean driver's license without taking a road test or a full written exam. The process is relatively straightforward, though it requires gathering several documents and visiting a Driver's License Examination Office (운전면허시험장).

The biggest hurdle for most foreigners is the documentation requirements, which vary by country. US license holders face an additional step because the US Embassy in Seoul stopped notarizing driver's licenses, so you now need an apostille from the state that issued your license.

~40,000

Medical certificate

~12,000

Application fee

Same day

License issued

Which countries qualify for license exchange

Korea allows direct license exchange (without a road test) for citizens of countries that have a mutual recognition agreement or meet certain standards. Most OECD and many other countries qualify.

Countries that qualify for direct exchange (no road test): United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, and most other EU/EEA member states. Also includes Singapore, Taiwan, and several other countries.

Countries that may require a road test: Some countries not on the recognized list may still allow license exchange, but you will need to take the Korean road test. Check with the Driver's License Examination Office for your specific country.

The list of eligible countries can change. Before starting the process, call the Driver's License Examination Office (1577-1120) or check the Road Traffic Authority (도로교통공단) website to confirm your country is still on the list.

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Documents needed

Prepare all of the following documents before visiting the Driver's License Examination Office. Missing a single document means you will need to come back another day.

Required documents

1Foreign driver's license (original)
2Official translation of your license
3ARC (Alien Registration Card)
4Passport (original)
52 passport-sized photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
6Medical certificate from a local clinic
7Application fee (~12,000 KRW)
8Apostille or embassy verification (country-dependent)

About the medical certificate

Visit any local clinic (병원 or 의원) and ask for a driver's license medical certificate (운전면허 신체검사). It is a basic physical that includes a vision test. The cost is approximately 40,000 KRW. Many clinics near the Driver's License Examination Office offer this service. The certificate is valid for one year.

Special requirements for US license holders

US license holders face an additional requirement that catches many Americans off guard. The US Embassy in Seoul stopped notarizing driver's licenses several years ago. You now need an apostille from the state that issued your license.

US driver's license apostille process
The apostille process varies by state and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks

Important change: The US Embassy in Seoul NO LONGER notarizes driver's licenses. Do not go to the embassy for this purpose. You must get an apostille from the Secretary of State office in the state that issued your driver's license.

How the US apostille process works

1.Contact the Secretary of State office in the state that issued your license. Each state has different requirements and processing times.
2.Some states require the license to first be notarized by a notary public before apostille. Others accept the license directly.
3.Some states allow mail-in applications while others require in-person visits. Check your specific state's website.
4.Processing time varies: some states complete it in a few business days, others take 4 to 6 weeks. Plan ahead.
5.If you are already in Korea, you may need to ask someone back home to handle the apostille process and mail it to you. Third-party apostille services also exist online.

Pro tip: If you know you will need a Korean license, start the apostille process BEFORE you move to Korea. Having a family member mail the apostilled document later adds weeks of delay.

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Step-by-step: the exchange process

Once you have all your documents ready, the actual exchange process at the Driver's License Examination Office takes about 2 to 3 hours. You can receive your Korean license the same day.

1

Get your medical certificate

Visit a local clinic and request a driver's license medical certificate (운전면허 신체검사). It costs about 40,000 KRW and includes a basic vision test. Many clinics near the examination office offer this. Takes about 15 minutes.

2

Get your license translated

Get an official Korean translation of your foreign license. You can do this at the examination office (some have translation services on-site), through a certified translator, or at your embassy. For US licenses, the apostille serves as verification alongside the translation.

3

Visit the Driver's License Examination Office (운전면허시험장)

Go to one of the Driver's License Examination Offices. Major locations include Gangseo (Seoul), Dobong (Seoul), Yongin (Gyeonggi), and offices in other major cities. Arrive early; they can get crowded. Take a number and wait for your turn at the foreign license exchange counter.

4

Submit your documents and pay the fee

Hand in all required documents at the foreign license exchange window. The application fee is approximately 12,000 KRW. Staff will review your documents and verify your license.

5

Take the written test (if required)

Some countries require a simplified written test (about 40 questions, available in English). Many OECD countries are exempt from this. The pass rate is 60%. If required, you take it the same day at the office.

6

Receive your Korean license

If everything checks out, you receive your Korean driver's license the same day. It is a credit-card-sized plastic card. Your Korean license is valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiration.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit is valid for driving in Korea as a tourist for up to one year. However, it is NOT valid for residents. Once you have an ARC (Alien Registration Card), you are considered a resident and must exchange your license.

Driving in Seoul Korea
An IDP is only valid for tourists. Residents must exchange their foreign license.

IDP vs Korean license

IDP:Valid for tourists only. Maximum 1 year. Not valid if you hold an ARC. Cannot be renewed in Korea. Must be obtained before arriving in Korea.
Korean license:Required for all residents (ARC holders). Valid for 10 years. Works as official Korean ID. Can be used to rent cars anywhere in Korea.

Warning: If you are caught driving with only an IDP after receiving your ARC, you are technically driving without a valid license. This can result in fines and insurance issues. Exchange your license as soon as possible after getting your ARC.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to take a road test to get a Korean license?
If your country is on the recognized list (most OECD countries), no. You can exchange your license without a road test. Some countries may require a simplified written test, but many are exempt from that as well. Check with the examination office for your specific country.
How long does the license exchange process take?
If you have all your documents ready, the entire process at the examination office takes about 2 to 3 hours, including wait time. You receive your Korean license the same day. The main time investment is gathering the documents beforehand, especially the apostille for US licenses.
Do I get my foreign license back?
Yes. Korea does not confiscate your foreign license during the exchange process. You keep your original license and receive a new Korean license. However, you should use your Korean license when driving in Korea.
Can I exchange a US license without an apostille?
No. Since the US Embassy in Seoul stopped notarizing driver's licenses, an apostille from the issuing state is required. Without it, the examination office will not process your application. There is no workaround for this requirement.
What if my foreign license expired?
Your foreign license must be valid (not expired) at the time of exchange. If it has expired, you will need to renew it in your home country first, or take the full Korean driving test (written, course, and road test) as a new applicant.
Can I drive in Korea while waiting for my license exchange?
If you have an IDP obtained before arriving in Korea, you can drive with it as a tourist. However, once you have an ARC, the IDP is technically no longer valid. Exchange your license as quickly as possible to avoid any gap in driving legality.

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