Title
Apostille Korea runs online intake for proxy issuance of international driving permits Koreans abroad who fell into a gap because missions overseas do not issue the permit can now file a proxy application through the website around the clock.
- Связанные страны
- 한국
Content
Apostille Korea says it has reworked its service so that a proxy application for an international driving permit can be filed through its website from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. The permit is issued only at driving licence testing centres and police stations inside Korea, leaving Koreans whose permits expire abroad without a proper counter.
- Koreans abroad who fell into a gap in the existing issuance and renewal system have long faced inconvenience.
- The permit is issued at driving licence testing centres and police stations in Korea and is valid for one year.
- From abroad there are only three routes: flying home, a proxy acquaintance, or an agency, and the first two are costly and slow.
- Apostille Korea accepts proxy applications through its website around the clock.
Korean missions abroad are not an issuing counter
As more Koreans travel or settle abroad, demand for the international driving permit grows too, but those left in a gap in the existing issuance and renewal system have faced serious inconvenience. The permit is issued under the international convention on road traffic so that a person on a temporary trip abroad can drive at the destination. Applying inside Korea requires a passport copy, a passport photo and the original driver's licence, and the permit is issued at driving licence testing centres and police stations nationwide. During its one-year validity the holder can drive anywhere in the world by carrying the permit together with the Korean licence and passport. The domestic procedure is simple, but reissuance or renewal from abroad is a different matter. One Korean resident in Nevada found the permit had expired and asked the consulate, only to be told to return to Korea and apply at a police station or to use an agency; after calling Korea he was asked to post the original driver's licence, and eventually gave up on renewing it.
Online intake and one-stop handling
A Korean abroad seeking reissuance or renewal has to pick one of three routes: flying home at the cost of time and money, asking an acquaintance in Korea to apply as a proxy, or using an agency. The first two demand considerable effort, expense and time, while the agency route is comparatively economical and is regarded as the better alternative. Apostille Korea has organised that route around its website so that proxy applications can be accepted from anywhere in the world at any hour. Since 2015 the company has run a service that handles document issuance together with translation, notarisation, apostille, ministry confirmation, consular legalisation and domestic and international delivery in a single flow.
Frequently asked questions
When can a proxy application be filed?
At any hour, from anywhere in the world, through the website.
Is the permit alone enough to drive at the destination?
No. During its one-year validity the holder must carry the Korean driver's licence and passport alongside the permit.
Are there alternatives to using an agency?
Flying home to apply in person, or asking an acquaintance in Korea to apply as a proxy. Both carry a heavy burden of cost and time.
Source: 디지털타임스 · 2017-03-17