Title
Apostille Korea reissues international driving permits for people staying abroad When a permit is lost, stolen or expires overseas, there has been no straightforward way to obtain a replacement on the spot.
- Связанные страны
- 중국, 한국
Content
Apostille Korea said it has built a service that lets people abroad obtain an international driving permit as quickly as they could at home. The service targets urgent reissues caused by loss, theft or expiry.
- The international driving permit is issued under the international convention on road traffic and is valid for one year.
- In Korea it is issued on the spot at a driving licence test centre or police station with an ID card and a passport photo.
- Until now, someone abroad could only return to Korea in person or appoint a proxy.
- The proxy route adds days because of the power of attorney and the unfamiliar administrative steps.
How domestic issuance differs from a reissue abroad
The international driving permit is issued under the international convention on road traffic so that drivers can operate a vehicle while travelling abroad. According to the Korea Road Traffic Authority, it is issued immediately at any driving licence test centre or police station on presentation of an ID card and a passport photo. During its one-year validity, a holder carrying the permit together with a domestic driving licence and a passport can drive in the countries where the permit is accepted. Inside Korea the process is comparatively simple, since an ID card and photo are enough for same-day issuance. The picture changes when a permit is lost, stolen or expires while the holder is abroad and a replacement is needed quickly. Short-term travellers who have already booked a rental car, and people who commute long distances by car, feel the pressure of every day past the expiry date.
The limits of the two existing routes
Anyone seeking a reissue from abroad had to choose between applying in person and applying through a proxy. The first route means flying home immediately to have the permit reissued. Given that most applications from abroad come from travel and business trips, that is rarely a practical option. The second route runs into the power of attorney requirement and administrative steps the proxy is not familiar with, which means accepting extra days. The longer the reissue takes, the harder the situation becomes on the ground. Apostille Korea said it built a system that issues the permit as quickly from abroad as it would be issued at home, in order to reduce these problems.
Frequently asked questions
Can I obtain an international driving permit while abroad?
Issuance itself runs through the domestic procedure, so you either return home or use an agency service.
Is the permit alone enough to drive?
No. You must also carry your domestic driving licence and your passport.
How long is it valid?
One year. Once that period passes, a new permit must be issued.
Source: 광주매일신문 · 2017-06-30