How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver’s License in Korea: A Step-by-Step 2026 Guide

2026 OFFICIAL GUIDE

Mastering the Foreign License Exchange in Korea

The most detailed roadmap for international residents, from documents to the 90-day rule.

Driving in South Korea is not permitted with only a foreign-issued driver's license. While an International Driving Permit (IDP) works for short trips, long-term residents must obtain a Domestic (Korean) License. As someone living in Busan for over 30 years, I've seen many people struggle at the License Offices. This guide will ensure you walk in prepared and walk out with your new license.

Navigation Menu

• 🏠 Main Table of Contents (전체 목차)
• 📑 Chapter 1: License Types & Validity Guide (면허 종류 및 효력)

1. Detailed Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Document Screening: Strict review of your original license and the Embassy Certificate or Apostille. Even the smallest tear or missing staple can lead to rejection.
2. Aptitude Test (Physical): A quick vision and hearing test at the site center. Tip: Wear your glasses if you need them for driving!
3. Written Exam (Optional): Required only if your issuing country is "Unacknowledged." This is a 40-question multiple-choice test on basic Korean traffic laws.
4. License Issuance: Once you pay the fees, your Korean license is printed on the spot.

2. Required Documents by Eligibility

✅ Acknowledged Country (Foreign Citizen)

*Includes countries like UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, etc. Written exam is waived.

• Original Foreign License: Must be a valid full license (not provisional).
• Original Passport: Must show all entry/exit stamps from birth to the present.
• Alien Registration Card (ARC): The physical card is required.
• 3 Color Photos: (3.5cm * 4.5cm) white background, taken within 6 months.
• Embassy Certificate / Apostille: Must verify the authenticity of your home license.
• Certificate of Entry & Exit: Issued at your local Community Center (Dong-samu-so).
• Fees: Mobile IC (Eng/Kor) ₩15,000 / General ₩10,000.

❌ Unacknowledged Country (Foreign Citizen)

*Includes countries that do not reciprocate Korean license recognition.

All documents from the 'Acknowledged' category plus:

• Written Examination: Must be taken in person (₩10,000 fee).
• Available Languages: Korean, English, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

🎖️ A-3 USFK (United States Forces Korea)

• Original U.S. License & Apostille
• Common Access Card (CAC) & Passport
• SOFA ROK-USA VERIFIED Stamp: Crucial for active duty and contractors.
• Order Paper: For active duty personnel to verify service.

3. Important Cautions (Local Expert Tips)

💡 The Surrender Policy (Original License Storage)

This is where many foreigners get surprised: The testing center will KEEP your original foreign license. You cannot legally hold both a Korean and a foreign license at the same time in Korea.

How to get it back? When you leave Korea temporarily or permanently, bring your Korean license and your outbound flight ticket back to the center. They will then return your original license to you.

🕰️ The 90-Day Residency Rule

To prevent "license tourism," Korean law requires you to have stayed in the country where your license was issued for at least 90 days after the license was issued. If your Entry/Exit records show a shorter stay, the exchange will be rejected. Note: Dual citizens must submit all passports if requested.

📝 Document Integrity Warning

Apostilles and Embassy Certificates are often tied with a special string or stapled. NEVER remove the staples or untie the knot. If the officer sees that the documents have been separated and re-attached, it will be considered tampered with, and you will have to restart the entire process with new documents.

4. Final Logistics Checklist

• Location: Nationwide Driver’s License Examination Offices (e.g., Busan Nambu, Busan Bukbu, Gangnam, etc.).
• In-Person Only: You MUST apply in person. Proxy applications (applying for someone else) are strictly prohibited.
• Physical Exam Fees: ₩7,000 for Class 1 Large / ₩6,000 for others.
• Timing: Arrive before 16:00. The process is lengthy, and they stop taking applications for exams after 16:30.