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Vehicle inspection 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 한국교통안전공단 (Korea Transportation Safety Authority - KOTSA).

Vehicle inspections in South Korea are mandatory and must be renewed periodically to ensure vehicle safety and environmental compliance. The process typically involves presenting the vehicle at a designated inspection station for a series of checks.

Your timing

Vehicle owners generally receive a notification letter about two months before their inspection due date. It is advisable to schedule the inspection within this period to avoid penalties for late inspection.

Start 60 days ahead

Notifications are typically sent 60 days before the due date, allowing ample time to arrange and complete the inspection.

The process

  1. 1Receive an inspection notification from the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA).
  2. 2Locate an authorized inspection station (KOTSA directly managed station or designated private inspection station).
  3. 3Schedule an appointment for the inspection, if desired (walk-ins are often accommodated but appointments can reduce wait times).
  4. 4Bring the vehicle and required documents to the inspection station.
  5. 5Pay the inspection fee.
  6. 6Undergo the vehicle inspection process, which includes safety, emissions, and structural checks.
  7. 7Receive the inspection result and a new inspection certificate or stamp if the vehicle passes.

What to bring

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (자동차등록증)

Who handles it

한국교통안전공단 (Korea Transportation Safety Authority - KOTSA)

https://www.kotsa.or.kr/py/ktt/sif/IttSifTrlList.do

The inspection fee varies depending on the type and size of the vehicle. For example, a light passenger car (승용차 경형) might cost approximately 17,000 KRW, a small passenger car (소형) 23,000 KRW, and a large passenger car (대형) 26,500 KRW. Fees for general and comprehensive inspections (정기검사 및 종합검사) differ, and additional charges may apply for re-inspections if the vehicle fails initially. It is best to confirm the exact fee for a specific vehicle type on the KOTSA website or with the inspection station.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure all vehicle modifications are legal and properly documented, as illegal modifications can lead to failure.
  • Late inspections incur penalties, so it is crucial to complete the inspection within the designated period.
  • If the vehicle fails the initial inspection, a re-inspection is usually required within a certain timeframe (e.g., 10 days) after addressing the issues. Failing to re-inspect within this period may require a new full inspection fee.
  • Verify the operating hours and appointment requirements of the chosen inspection station beforehand.

Sources

Other documents in South Korea

Vehicle inspection renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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