How to apostille your driver’s license for a South Korea driver’s license.
To swap your driver’s license for a South Korean driver’s license, you’ll need to follow a specific process. This process will require you to notarize a color copy of your driver’s license. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the exchange process:
1. Ensure Eligibility
- You must hold a valid driver’s license.
- You should have legal residency or a long-term visa in South Korea (such as an Alien Registration Card).
2. Prepare the Required Documents
- Notarize a Color Copy of your Driver’s License: Make a color copy of your driver’s license and have it notarized in the state the license originates from. For example: a color copy of a California Driver’s license must be notarized in California. Most states will require you to physically appear before a notary public. If you are currently in South Korea, ask a family member or friend to help you with the notarization. In a handful of states, a notary can copy-certify a color copy of your license on your behalf.
- Apostille the Notarized Color Copy: Obtain an apostille on your driver’s license. Download the order forms that correspondence with the state your license originates from and mail in the notarized color copy with our order forms for processing.
- Translation Services: The authorities in South Korea will request to translate the apostille and notarized color copy of your driver’s license to Korean. Be sure to complete the translation request form which is the third page of the order form.
In addition to the apostille, you may need to provide the following documents to the Examination office in South Korea:
- Passport: Provide your passport (original and copies of the ID page).
- Alien Registration Card (ARC): You must have a valid ARC if you are residing in South Korea.
- Passport Photo: Typically, 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm in size (check the specific requirements of your district).
- Application Fee: Prepare some cash for the application fee, typically around ₩12,500 (about $10).
3. Visit a Driving License Agency
Go to the Driver’s License Examination Office (운전면허시험장) in South Korea. Some police stations also handle these exchanges, but it’s better to check in advance which location serves your district.
4. Submit the Documents
Submit all the necessary documents, including your apostilled and translated driver’s license, at the office.
5. Take a Health Check
Some locations may require you to undergo a simple health check (vision test) at the Driver’s License Office. This is usually quick and straightforward.
6. Surrender Your Driver’s License
You will typically need to surrender your driver’s license as part of the exchange process. The South Korean office may hold onto your foreign license and give it back when you leave South Korea.
7. Receive Your South Korean License
Once the process is complete and all documents are accepted, you will receive a South Korean driver’s license.
Important Notes:
- Reciprocity Agreement: The United States has a reciprocal agreement with South Korea, so you won’t have to take a driving test if you’re exchanging a license.
- License Validity: The South Korean driver’s license will likely be valid for up to 10 years for residents. If you’re on a short-term visa, the validity might match your visa duration.
It’s advisable to contact your local Driver’s License Office in South Korea to confirm any changes in the procedure or document requirements specific to your case.
Office Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 6pm
Customer Support: 1-800-953-3971
Email: SouthKorea@libertyapostille.com
Obtaining an apostille on a driver’s license for South Korea can be complicated and time consuming. Don’t leave this process to untrained employees or non-professionals who do not fully understand the apostille process and the unique requirements of certain countries. Your paperwork could be rejected costing you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!
Our staff is available Monday-Saturday from 9am to 6pm to answer your questions and provide you easy to follow-step-by-step instructions. Please call us at 1-800-953-3971.
Click on the download image to your left to get started. Our apostille service is fast, convenient, and saves you time and money.
