South Korea, located at the end of East Asia, is small but such an attractive place to visit. This isolated peninsula has developed and well preserved its unique tradition. Moreover, the country is one of the safest places in the world where you can freely enjoy the lively nightlife. On weekdays as well as on weekends, people enjoy drinking and hanging around the night of the city. Many Americans fall in love with this dynamic country and decide to stay for several years. Though South Korea’s transportation system is so amazing that you can go everywhere in the country using it, sometimes you may need to drive your own car.
So here comes the question “Is my US driver’s license valid in South Korea?”
The answer is “Yes” but only if you successfully finish the following process:
1. Review of the required documents such as an Embassy Certificate. The required documents are as follow:
[AC: Acknowledged Countries, UC: Unacknowledged Countries]
(Road Traffic Authority, Driver’s License Examination Office)
2. Aptitude Test(health check) and Written Examination
- When a driver’s license is issued by the Acknowledged Countries (AC), a written examination will not be necessary.
- AC include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
* Notice: For Oregon and Idaho, you must take a written exam.
3. Issuance of Korean driver’s license
Before processing, you have to know that your original foreign license needs Embassy certificate.
(U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Korea)
According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Korea, you need to have your driver's license apostilled to make it valid in South Korea. However, for most of you, the word ‘apostille’ may be unfamiliar. Getting your document apostilled is quite a complex task especially if you are trying it for the first time. Fortunately, we provide an online service which will allow you to obtain your document in the fastest and most convenient way possible with the minimal effort on your side.
Click here to consult with our specialist regarding your documents.
Now, you are ready to exchange your driver’s license into Domestic License in Korea. You can visit any regional driver’s license examination office nearby to follow the steps described above.
You can visit the website Road Traffic Authority, Driver’s License Examination Office for more information. For any advice regarding your documents and apostilles, please visit the website KICPC.