Buying and registering a car
Buying a car brings registration, insurance and tax with it.
New cars
- Contract at the dealership → delivery → registration is usually handled by the seller.
- Without insurance you can neither register nor drive.
Used cars — what to check
- Vehicle registration certificate — does the seller's name match the owner's?
- Performance and condition inspection record — accident history, mileage.
- Seizure or mortgage — never buy a car under seizure or mortgage. Check at the vehicle civil affairs portal (www.ecar.go.kr).
- Insurance history — accident record.
- Take a test drive yourself.
Steps
- Choose the car and check its history.
- Write a sales contract stating price, condition and handover date clearly.
- Transfer the registration. Missing the deadline brings a fine. At the city or district vehicle registration office.
- Take out insurance. Compulsory insurance is mandatory.
- You become liable for vehicle tax.
What you need
- Alien Registration Card
- Sales contract
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Proof of insurance
- Seal or signature
Where to go
- The vehicle registration office of your city or district
- Vehicle civil affairs portal www.ecar.go.kr
- 1577-1120 Road Traffic Authority
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
Can foreigners buy a car? Yes. With an Alien Registration Card you can register one. A short remaining stay may bring restrictions — ask the registration office.
I'm worried about used car fraud. Check the history by vehicle number first. A price far below market, a name that doesn't match, or a seller rushing the contract are warning signs.
What if I don't transfer the registration? A fine is imposed, and tax and penalties keep going to the previous owner. Always do it within the deadline.
What about when I sell? Always confirm the transfer was completed. Otherwise you keep receiving someone else's fines.
Take care
Never lend your name for a "daepocha" (proxy-registered car). If it is used in crime, the registered owner bears responsibility. Offers asking a foreigner to lend their name are almost always dangerous.
Related
car-insurance · driving-rules · traffic-fines
Source
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport www.molit.go.kr / As of 2026-08