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Guides · South Korea

Driving licence renewal in South Korea

Written from published rules on 26 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with 도로교통공단 (Road Traffic Authority).

Renewing a South Korean driving license generally involves visiting a Driver's License Examination Office or a police station (for Type 2 licenses) or using the online service, submitting required documents and undergoing a simple health check (for Type 1 licenses). The process aims to update the license and ensure the holder still meets basic requirements.

Your timing

It is advisable to start the renewal process several weeks or months before the expiration date printed on the license. This allows ample time to gather necessary documents, schedule appointments if required, and account for processing times. Starting early can prevent the inconvenience of a lapsed license.

Start 90 days ahead

This is a general recommendation for how far in advance one might consider starting the process, especially for Type 1 licenses which require a health check. Renewal can often be done from 6 months before expiration.

The process

  1. 1Determine the license type (Type 1 or Type 2) and check the expiration date.
  2. 2For Type 1 licenses, undergo a physical examination at a designated hospital or clinic. (Not required for Type 2).
  3. 3Gather necessary documents, including the old driving license, identification, and a recent photograph.
  4. 4Choose a renewal method: either visit a Driver's License Examination Office or a police station (for Type 2), or use the online renewal service (for Type 2 or Type 1 without health check needs).
  5. 5Submit the application, required documents, and pay the fee.
  6. 6Receive the renewed driving license.

What to bring

  • Old driving license
  • Proof of identity (e.g., Resident Registration Card or Alien Registration Card)
  • Color photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm, taken within 6 months, white background)
  • For Type 1 licenses, a medical examination certificate (if not processed directly at the examination office)
  • For foreign residents, Alien Registration Card and passport may be required

Who handles it

도로교통공단 (Road Traffic Authority)

https://www.safedriving.or.kr/main.do

The fee for renewal generally ranges from 8,000 KRW to 15,000 KRW, depending on the license type and whether an English version is requested. Health check fees are separate. Specific fees should be confirmed on the Road Traffic Authority website or at the application location.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure the photograph meets specific requirements (size, background, recency) to avoid rejection.
  • Type 1 license holders must complete a physical examination, which is not required for Type 2. Failing to do so can delay renewal.
  • Renewing a license past its expiration date may incur a penalty fee or lead to suspension if significantly overdue. Confirm specific grace periods and penalties.
  • For foreign residents, ensure all necessary identification documents, such as the Alien Registration Card, are up-to-date and brought to the office.

Sources

Other documents in South Korea

Driving licence renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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