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TravelinSig
Joined: 30 Dec 2009
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 Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:06 am Post subject: Obtaining a Foreigner DL, US Citizen |
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I was told that all I have to do to obtain a foreigner DL is to go to the US Embassy in Seoul and exchange my DL from back in the States for a Korean issued one.
How true is this?
I recently received notice that my driving privilages are suspended back home because I canceled my insurance when I left the country. When the state DMV was notified they canceled my driving privilages.
Does the Embassy just look to see if the ID hasn't reached its expiration date or will they contact my home state to ensure that it's still valid?
I want to buy a motorbike but I'm hesitant because of this.
If anyone can shed any light on this I would really appreciate it.
*Anyone who wishes to criticize me for wanting exchanging an invalid DL can go piss on themselves. |
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milspecs
Joined: 19 Jun 2008
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:21 am Post subject: |
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You just hand over your US DL and they issue you one. I don't think they check to see if your DL has been suspended or not.
My DL was expired when I handed it in but they didnt care or maybe they just didnt notice |
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TravelinSig
Joined: 30 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:38 am Post subject: |
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| Nice, that's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks |
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tired of LA
Joined: 06 Nov 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:43 am Post subject: |
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Not sure what a foreigner DL is, but if you mean a Korean DL then you would get the at the DLA (Korea's DMV). I don't see how the US Embassy would be able to issue you a Korean DL, unless there was some sort of change recently. Anyways, as far as the process for getting a Korean DL, you have to go down to the embassy and swear to an affidavit that your license is authentic and valid. You then take the affidavit, along with your US DL and other documents and submit it to the DLA and then take a quick physical and written test in English. The DLA is open on Saturdays, and its faster than the DMV back in the states.
http://seoul.usembassy.gov/drive.html |
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stellarsky627
Joined: 09 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:18 am Post subject: |
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I actually just got this done at a nearby Triple AAA location. You pay $15 dollars, and you show them your current United States Driver's license and they give you an "international driver's permit" that allows you to drive for a year in a TON of countries (including Korea). It also has many languages on it so that it can be used as an I.D. as well. You must carry around your United States driver's license with you if you're driving internationally though. You don't give Triple AAA your license. See the link below for more info:
http://www.aaa.com/vacation/IDPF.html |
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Lee Myung Bak
Joined: 25 Jun 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:38 am Post subject: |
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| stellarsky627 wrote: |
I actually just got this done at a nearby Triple AAA location. You pay $15 dollars, and you show them your current United States Driver's license and they give you an "international driver's permit" that allows you to drive for a year in a TON of countries (including Korea). It also has many languages on it so that it can be used as an I.D. as well. You must carry around your United States driver's license with you if you're driving internationally though. You don't give Triple AAA your license. See the link below for more info:
http://www.aaa.com/vacation/IDPF.html |
You failed to mention that you have to BE in the States to go to AAA. The OP sounds like he is in Korea. Your IDP can only be issued in the country that your original license is from. AAA does have a mail option for this, but takes 2-4 weeks to process and the send back for international shipping is handled via FedEx, UPS so its expensive($35).
TravelinSig, tired of LA hit it spot on, you have to go to the embassy to request for a notarial of your license being legit, but it costs $30!! My original license was cheaper than that in the US, yet it costs more to for a paper that says its legit?? Then go to the DLA after, where it will be 17,000 approx and some tests. A Korean drivers license is good for 7-9 years, so if you're gonna be here for a while, then its well worth it.
I know your driving privileges have been suspended in your home state, but that doesnt mean you have lost your license, you just arent covered through any insurance, hence cannot operate in your state. I think you would still be eligible for an IDP or a Korean DL
So another option(the option i took) would be to send a a copy of your license, 2 photos, signed application, and 15 bucks to a family member, and they can get it done at any AAA location in 15 minutes and letter mail it back for less then a buck. Letter air mail is cheap and takes about a week each way. It will save you time and money, but as 627 mentioned its only good for a year. |
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Bibbitybop
Joined: 22 Feb 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:09 am Post subject: |
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The US embassy has sent out information and confirmed that an intl. DL is only good for short-term residents. Korea changed their regulations recently about intl. DL provisions.
If you are on an E-2, or any other long-term visa, you need to obtain a Korean DL.
To get a Korean DL, go to the DLA. You can research their requirements in English by a simple google search.
For those on a motorcycle and long-term visa, you will have to take the motorcycle test despite the fact that car license (more dangerous vehicle) is easier to get. |
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Lee Myung Bak
Joined: 25 Jun 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:30 am Post subject: |
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| Bibbitybop wrote: |
The US embassy has sent out information and confirmed that an intl. DL is only good for short-term residents. Korea changed their regulations recently about intl. DL provisions.
If you are on an E-2, or any other long-term visa, you need to obtain a Korean DL.
To get a Korean DL, go to the DLA. You can research their requirements in English by a simple google search.
For those on a motorcycle and long-term visa, you will have to take the motorcycle test despite the fact that car license (more dangerous vehicle) is easier to get. |
I beg to differ, I have rented plenty of cars, and they accept my IDP, no questions asked, and Im here on an E-2. I have also shown my IDP and ARC to a cop, and he went on his way....The embassy website never says you NEED to obtain an Korean DL on a long term visa:
"""1) As of August 1, 2007, Americans who have long-term visas may attempt to use their valid U.S. driver�s license to obtain a Korean driver�s license. ""
keyword being MAY, please show me where the US embassy "has sent out information, or confirmed" as you noted that you cannot use a IDP on a one year visa...I'd like to see it.
I believe that being a long-term resident is a condition of getting a Korean DL, but not requiring this as your only option to drive. So a short-term is not eligible for one, and is forced to use the IDP. Per dla.go.kr on getting a KDL:
""1. The applicant must be a normal resident in Korea. (visitor without ARC cannot exchange licenses)"" |
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Alaskaman
Joined: 22 Sep 2009
Location: Bundang-Gu, South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:55 pm Post subject: |
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Wrong Mr. Bak
You don't have to be along term resident to get a lisence here. They just changed to regulations. You used to be able to walk in and change your Dl for Korean DL plus pay something like 15k. Now you have to take your country DL down to your Embassy, they confirm that it is real they nortorize some paperwork and they you take this back to the Korean Drivers Office and then get the Korean DL. International DL are only good for 1 year only final! So if you are only over here for one year great, but if you are here for more you must get a Korean DL. And again, any person can get a Korean DL.
If any one has any questions they can PM me. |
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DHC
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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| There seems to be a lot of confusion concerning the legality of driving in Korea with an International Driving Permit. If you live in Korea and have been issued an ARC by Immigration, it is illegal to drive with an International Driving Permit. You must obtain a Korean DL. Granted, rental car companies may rent you a vehicle but if you are involved in an accident, esp. if someone is injured, you may have a serious problem. Driving in Korea without a valid license is a criminal offense and it carries a jail sentence unless the sentence is suspended by the court. For those who do not believe what I have written, go to any DL examining office and obtain the laws pertaining to driving in Korea. Most of the time no one will bother you if you drive on an International Driving Permit and have an ARC but why run the risk. |
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lowpo
Joined: 01 Mar 2007
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 3:44 pm Post subject: |
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| Lee Myung Bak wrote: |
| stellarsky627 wrote: |
I actually just got this done at a nearby Triple AAA location. You pay $15 dollars, and you show them your current United States Driver's license and they give you an "international driver's permit" that allows you to drive for a year in a TON of countries (including Korea). It also has many languages on it so that it can be used as an I.D. as well. You must carry around your United States driver's license with you if you're driving internationally though. You don't give Triple AAA your license. See the link below for more info:
http://www.aaa.com/vacation/IDPF.html |
You failed to mention that you have to BE in the States to go to AAA. The OP sounds like he is in Korea. Your IDP can only be issued in the country that your original license is from. AAA does have a mail option for this, but takes 2-4 weeks to process and the send back for international shipping is handled via FedEx, UPS so its expensive($35).
TravelinSig, tired of LA hit it spot on, you have to go to the embassy to request for a notarial of your license being legit, but it costs $30!! My original license was cheaper than that in the US, yet it costs more to for a paper that says its legit?? Then go to the DLA after, where it will be 17,000 approx and some tests. A Korean drivers license is good for 7-9 years, so if you're gonna be here for a while, then its well worth it.
I know your driving privileges have been suspended in your home state, but that doesnt mean you have lost your license, you just arent covered through any insurance, hence cannot operate in your state. I think you would still be eligible for an IDP or a Korean DL
So another option(the option i took) would be to send a a copy of your license, 2 photos, signed application, and 15 bucks to a family member, and they can get it done at any AAA location in 15 minutes and letter mail it back for less then a buck. Letter air mail is cheap and takes about a week each way. It will save you time and money, but as 627 mentioned its only good for a year. |
You can get an IDL thru the mail with AAA. You need to send in all the information they ask for and they will send it back to you in about 2 weeks. |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:26 pm Post subject: |
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IDL is ONLY good for 90 days if you are on a long term (resident) visa. It has a 1 year validity BUT after you become resident you are required to obtain a local D/L for local driving.
OP:
The information you seek is on http://www.dla.go.kr/ website.
. |
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TravelinSig
Joined: 30 Dec 2009
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Lee Myung Bak wrote: |
You failed to mention that you have to BE in the States to go to AAA. The OP sounds like he is in Korea. Your IDP can only be issued in the country that your original license is from. AAA does have a mail option for this, but takes 2-4 weeks to process and the send back for international shipping is handled via FedEx, UPS so its expensive($35).
TravelinSig, tired of LA hit it spot on, you have to go to the embassy to request for a notarial of your license being legit, but it costs $30!! My original license was cheaper than that in the US, yet it costs more to for a paper that says its legit?? Then go to the DLA after, where it will be 17,000 approx and some tests. A Korean drivers license is good for 7-9 years, so if you're gonna be here for a while, then its well worth it.
I know your driving privileges have been suspended in your home state, but that doesnt mean you have lost your license, you just arent covered through any insurance, hence cannot operate in your state. I think you would still be eligible for an IDP or a Korean DL
So another option(the option i took) would be to send a a copy of your license, 2 photos, signed application, and 15 bucks to a family member, and they can get it done at any AAA location in 15 minutes and letter mail it back for less then a buck. Letter air mail is cheap and takes about a week each way. It will save you time and money, but as 627 mentioned its only good for a year. |
Thanks everyone for the information. I don't really want to get the IDP, I just assume it's more legit to obtain the Korean DL. It also seems to be a lot easier. What's exactly included in these tests? |
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Lee Myung Bak
Joined: 25 Jun 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Alaskaman wrote: |
Wrong Mr. Bak
You don't have to be along term resident to get a lisence here. They just changed to regulations. You used to be able to walk in and change your Dl for Korean DL plus pay something like 15k. Now you have to take your country DL down to your Embassy, they confirm that it is real they nortorize some paperwork and they you take this back to the Korean Drivers Office and then get the Korean DL. International DL are only good for 1 year only final! So if you are only over here for one year great, but if you are here for more you must get a Korean DL. And again, any person can get a Korean DL.
If any one has any questions they can PM me. |
Hahaha, Mr, Bak! its Mr. Lee, apparently you dont even know the presidents name of the country you are living in. Also, if you read my first post, I already noted everything you just typed, almost verbatim. But thanks for repeating it pal. |
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notafbiagent
Joined: 31 Mar 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 6:28 pm Post subject: |
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When i changed my california license to Korea i had to go to the DLA and show them my drivers license. Unfortunately it had expired and I was rejected. I had to wait like a month to renew my license over the phone/mail and wait until a relative sent it to me. Which I took back to the DLA got it approved. But I had to take a written test and an eye exam. And then they issued me a korean license. Was a lot of hassle.
If you're only going to get a bike, if you keep it under a certain engine displacement, you don't even need a license. I think any one of those skooters are fine to operate without a license of anytype. |
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