Getting a Korean Driver's License: Exchanging a Foreign License
Written and reviewed by Jun and Jin, native Korean speakers
Published · How we write & review
After this page, you can exchange a foreign driver's license for a Korean one at a 운전면허시험장 and handle the questions at the counter.
10-second answer
The short answer
If your country has a license-exchange agreement with Korea (most of Europe, the US for many states, Canada, Australia, Japan and others), you can trade your license for a Korean one at a 운전면허시험장 (unjeonmyeonheosiheomjang, driver's license examination center) without a road test — just paperwork, a quick 적성검사 (jeokseonggeomsa, aptitude/health check: eyesight and a form), and a small fee. You'll hand over your original license, so ask for a 반환 (banhwan, return) if you need it back later.
Quick check — did that land?
1. Where do you go to exchange a foreign license?
Full Dialogue Walkthrough
Practice as the applicant. The first version is the straightforward exchange; the second is when the clerk finds a missing document — the most common way the visit goes sideways.
외국 면허를 한국 면허로 교환하러 왔어요.
oeguk myeonheoreul hanguk myeonheoro gyohwanhareo wasseoyo.
I'm here to exchange my foreign license for a Korean one.
어느 나라 면허예요?
eoneu nara myeonheoyeyo?
Which country's license is it?
미국 면허예요. 여기 원본이랑 여권, 외국인등록증이요.
miguk myeonheoyeyo. yeogi wonbonirang yeogwon, oegugindeungnokjeung-iyo.
It's a US license. Here's the original, my passport, and my alien registration card.
대사관 확인서도 있으세요?
daesagwan hwaginseodo isseuseyo?
Do you also have the embassy verification letter?
네, 여기 있어요. 적성검사도 오늘 받을 수 있어요?
ne, yeogi isseoyo. jeokseonggeomsado oneul badeul su isseoyo?
Yes, here it is. Can I do the aptitude test today too?
네, 저쪽에서 시력 검사 받고 오세요. 수수료는 만 원입니다.
ne, jeojjogeseo siryeok geomsa batgo oseyo. susuryoneun man wonimnida.
Yes, get the eyesight check over there and come back. The fee is 10,000 won.
면허증 원본은 있는데 번역 공증이 없네요.
myeonheojeung wonboneun inneunde beonyeok gongjeung-i eomneyo.
You have the original license, but there's no notarized translation.
아, 번역 공증도 필요한 줄 몰랐어요. 어디서 받을 수 있어요?
a, beonyeok gongjeungdo pillyohan jul mollasseoyo. eodiseo badeul su isseoyo?
Oh, I didn't know I needed a notarized translation too. Where can I get one?
대사관이나 공증 사무소에서 받으시면 돼요. 오늘은 접수가 안 됩니다.
daesagwanina gongjeung samusoeseo badeusimyeon dwaeyo. oneureun jeopsuga an doemnida.
You can get it from your embassy or a notary office. We can't process it today.
알겠습니다. 다시 올 때 예약해야 돼요?
algetseumnida. dasi ol ttae yeyakaeya dwaeyo?
Understood. Do I need an appointment when I come back?
예약 없이 오셔도 되는데, 오전이 덜 붐벼요.
yeyak eopsi osyeodo doeneunde, ojeoni deol bumbyeoyo.
You can come without one, but mornings are less crowded.
See also: Getting a Korean SIM Card
What to Bring
| Item | Korean | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original foreign license | 면허증 원본 | It's kept by the center — request 반환 (return) when leaving Korea for good |
| Passport + alien registration card | 여권, 외국인등록증 | The ARC proves you're a resident, not a visitor |
| Embassy verification / apostille | 대사관 확인서 / 아포스티유 | Confirms the license is genuine — rules differ by country |
| Notarized Korean translation | 번역 공증 | Required for most non-English licenses; check for yours |
| Photos | 증명사진 (3.5×4.5 cm) | Usually 2–3; photo booths are inside most centers |
| Fee | 수수료 | Around 10,000 won for the exchange plus the aptitude test |
Not every country qualifies for a straight swap
Some licenses require a written test (학과시험) even for the exchange; a few need the full course. The center's website lists countries by category — check yours before booking a trip across town.
Key Vocabulary
| Korean | Meaning | You'll hear it when… |
|---|---|---|
| 운전면허시험장 | Driver's license examination center | Finding the right building — not a police station or 주민센터 |
| 면허 교환 | License exchange | Stating why you're there |
| 적성검사 | Aptitude test (eyesight + health form) | Sent to a side counter before the paperwork |
| 국제운전면허증 | International driving permit | Asked whether you've been driving on one |
| 갱신 | Renewal | Korean licenses are renewed every 10 years (7 for older drivers) |
| 1종 / 2종 보통 | Class 1 / Class 2 ordinary license | Class 2 is the standard car license most exchanges land on |
At the Counter
면허 교환 신청서는 어디서 받아요?
myeonheo gyohwan sincheongseoneun eodiseo badayo?
Where do I get the license exchange application form?
Forms sit near the entrance; 신청서 = application form.
원본은 나중에 돌려받을 수 있어요?
wonboneun najunge dollyeobadeul su isseoyo?
Can I get the original back later?
Yes, on request when you leave Korea permanently — ask now so you know the process.
면허증은 언제 나와요?
myeonheojeung-eun eonje nawayo?
When will the license be ready?
Often the same day; 나오다 ("come out") is the verb for a card being issued.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Going to a police station
Licenses are handled by 운전면허시험장 (and some 경찰서 민원실 for renewals only). For an exchange, go to the examination center.
Mistake #2 — Driving on an international permit past one year
An IDP is valid for one year from entry. Residents who keep using it after that are driving unlicensed — do the exchange before the year is up.
Mini Quiz
2. What is 적성검사?
3. How long is an international driving permit valid in Korea?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
Now that you can drive, the directions vocabulary is what you'll actually use on the road.
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