Driver's license

Getting a driver's license

• Institutions such as multi-cultural family support center or police provide help for foreigners including marriage immigrants get drivers' license free of charge.
• Foreigners are required to prepare passports, alien registration cards, three photos and processing fees to apply for their Korean license.
  ※ For more information
  • - Ulsan Nambu Police Station : ☎1566-0112
  • - Ulasan Center for Multi-Cultural Family Support(http://www.liveinkorea.kr/center/default.asp?pzt=ct&cc=ulsannamgu) : ☎+82-52-274-3185

License Application Process

※ For more information : Driver's License Agency, ☎1577-1120

International Driver's License

An international driver's license is as valid as a Korean driver's license during its term of validity (1 year from the date of issuance). Korea is party to an agreement of the Geneva Convention and the Vienna Convention. As such, Korea recognizes international licenses from other nations also under this agreement.

Conversion of an international driver's license to a Korean driver's license

• Foreigners from countries that recognize the Korean driver's license are exempt from all tests but must take a physical exam. Foreigners from countries that do not recognize the Korean driver's license are required to take an aptitude related written test.
• Korea is party to an agreement of the Geneva Convention and the Vienna Convention. As such, Korea recognizes international licenses from other nations also under this agreement.

Required Documents

• Foreign driver's license (handed in when the Korean driver's license is issued in exchange)
• Embassy certificate
• A translated and notarized copy of your foreign driver's license (The issuance date and validity period must be included. The translated and notarized copy is unnecessary if the driver's license is issued in English).
• Passport or Certificate of the Facts Concerning Entry & Exit when the foreign driver's license was issued
• Alien Registration Card or Residence Registration Certificate, three photos
• Processing Fee

Registration of automobile

Foreign residents who possess a vehicle must register their vehicle at the Transportation Division of district offices. If an agent is to register a vehicle instead of the owner, the agent must bring the owner's seal registered and a power of attorney form.

For those who purchase their vehicle in Korea, require these documents.

• Certificate of Vehicle Manufacture (Jadongcha Jejakjeung)
• Certificate of Alien Registration (Oegukin Deungnokjeung)
• Proof of Automobile Liability Insurance (Chaekim Boheom Gaip Sasil Jeungmyeongseo)
• Temporary Driving Permission (Imsi Unhaeng Heogajeung) or valid Driver's License
• Temporary Number Plate for Vehicle (Imsi Unhaeng Heoga Beonhopan)
• Receipt from Payment of Registration Tax (Deungnokse Napbu Yeongsujeung)
• Receipt of Regional Development Promotion Bond (Jiyeok Gaebal Gongchae Maeip Piljeung)

For those who purchased their vehicle abroad to bring to Korea, a certificate of vehicle manufacture (Jadongcha Jejakjeung) is not required. Instead an import license (Suip Myeonjang) or a proof of import (Suip Sasil Jeungmyeongseo) and a new inspection certificate (Singyu Geomsa Jeungmyeongseo) are needed. For more information, please contact the Transportation Division of your district office.