Using an International Driving Permit

An IDP is a stopgap. If you're staying long term, convert to a Korean licence.

The basics

• It must be issued in your home country. Korea does not issue them to foreign residents.
• It is only valid carried together with your original home licence.
• The usable period runs from your date of entry. Once it lapses, you are unlicensed.
• Only permits issued by convention member states are recognised. Some countries are not covered.

Check these

1. Whether your home licence was issued by a convention state.
2. How long it is recognised in Korea — check with 1577-1120.
3. For car hire, what documents the company requires.
4. Whether you can obtain motor insurance. See car-insurance.

When the period ends

• Exchange for a Korean licence — see driver-license-exchange
• Or obtain one from scratch — see driver-license-new
• Whether leaving and re-entering resets the period depends on your country and the rules. Always check with 1577-1120; driving on a mistaken assumption makes you unlicensed.

Where to go

• 1577-1120 Korea Road Traffic Authority
• www.safedriving.or.kr
• The issuing authority in your home country (obtain before departure)
• 1345 interpretation support

Questions people ask

Can I keep driving on an IDP? No. Only for the set period. Long-term residents should convert to a Korean licence.

Can I hire a car? It varies by company. They commonly require IDP plus home licence plus passport.

Will insurance cover an accident? Confirm the insurance conditions in advance. An accident while unlicensed causes serious problems with any claim.

Can I get an IDP in Korea? Only holders of a Korean licence can be issued one here.

Take care

Driving after the recognised period has expired is driving without a licence. Penalties are heavy, it can affect your residence status, and insurance becomes difficult after an accident. Mark the expiry on your calendar.

Related

driver-license-exchange · driver-license-new · driving-rules · car-insurance · traffic-fines

Source

Korea Road Traffic Authority www.koroad.or.kr / As of 2026-08