Title
Apostille Korea handles embassy confirmation for foreign licence exchange Converting a foreign driving licence into a Korean one requires an embassy confirmation that can only be obtained in the issuing country.
- Связанные страны
- 한국
Content
Apostille Korea has said it handles the overseas embassy legalisation and apostille steps needed to exchange a foreign driving licence for a Korean one. Under the exchange scheme run by the Korea Road Traffic Authority, a licence whose authenticity is confirmed can be converted after an aptitude test, but the embassy confirmation that proves authenticity can only be obtained in the country that issued the licence.
- A foreign licence alone does not permit driving in Korea, but the exchange scheme allows conversion into a Korean licence.
- Only valid full licences are accepted; temporary licences, learner permits and driving permits are not.
- Applicants from countries whose licences Korea recognises take only the aptitude test, while others must also pass the written test.
- The embassy confirmation that verifies the licence can only be obtained in the issuing country.
What the foreign licence exchange scheme requires
As the number of foreign nationals staying in Korea has risen, so has demand for Korean driving licences. According to the Korea Road Traffic Authority, a foreign licence on its own does not allow driving in Korea, but it can be converted through the foreign licence exchange scheme. Under the scheme, a person holding a licence issued by a competent foreign authority may exchange it for a Korean licence after an aptitude test, or an aptitude test and a written test, once the supporting documents confirm the licence is genuine. Only full licences that are still valid are recognised; temporary licences, learner permits and driving permits are not. If the issuing country is one whose licences Korea recognises, only the aptitude test, that is the physical examination, must be passed; otherwise the written test is required as well. With four or five documents, including the original passport, a photograph and the original foreign licence, an application filed at a driving licence examination centre can be completed on the same day.
The embassy confirmation available only in the issuing country
Among the required papers, the one to arrange in advance is the embassy confirmation for the foreign licence. The document states that the issuing country recognises the applicant's original foreign licence as lawfully issued, and it can only be processed in that country. Preparing it personally therefore means travelling to the country where the licence was issued and obtaining an apostille or consular legalisation there. Some embassies have suspended this service, so the situation in each country needs to be checked in advance. If there is a problem with the application form or the supporting papers, everything submitted may be discarded and the process restarted from the beginning. Apostille Korea handles overseas embassy legalisation and apostille procedures so that applicants can prepare the papers without leaving the country themselves. Securing this document before visiting an examination centre is what shortens the overall timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign licence be used to drive in Korea straight away?
No. A foreign licence on its own does not permit driving in Korea. It must be converted into a Korean licence through the exchange scheme.
Which foreign licences qualify for exchange?
Only full licences that are still valid. Temporary licences, learner permits and driving permits are not accepted.
Can the embassy confirmation be obtained inside Korea?
No. It can only be processed in the country that issued the licence, so the applicant must travel there or use an agency service.
Source: DATANET · 2017-07-25