How to Renew a Driver’s License in South Korea
A driver’s license can be renewed online or in person. Online renewal is convenient because the application can be completed from home. Visiting a driver’s license examination office is usually the best choice when the new license is needed quickly. Applications can also be submitted at a police station, although processing may take longer.
Online Renewal Application
Online renewal applications can be submitted through the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website. After accessing the website, select the driver’s license issuance menu and choose the renewal service for a Class 2 driver’s license.
Complete the identity verification process, upload a recent photo, and choose either a standard driver’s license or a mobile driver’s license. You must then select a driver’s license examination office or police station where you would like to collect the new license. The application is completed after the required fee has been paid.
Even when the application is submitted online, you generally need to visit the selected location in person to collect the new driver’s license.
Online Photo Requirements
A color photo taken within the past six months is required for an online application. The photo should meet the standard driver’s license photo size of 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm.
The applicant’s face must be clearly visible. An old photo previously used for a driver’s license or a photo that makes identification difficult may be rejected during the application process.
Online License Collection
After completing the online application, visit the location selected during the application process on or after the designated collection date.
You should bring your current driver’s license because it must be returned when you receive the renewed license. If the existing license has been lost, inform the staff and bring another valid form of identification.
In most cases, the applicant must visit in person because identity verification is required when the new license is issued.
Examination Office Application
A driver’s license can also be renewed by visiting a driver’s license examination office. Bring your current driver’s license and one color photo taken within the past six months. The required photo size is 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm.
At the examination office, complete the driver’s license renewal application form and submit it with the required documents. After identity verification and payment of the fee, the renewed driver’s license will be issued.
Same-Day License Issuance
Applications submitted at a driver’s license examination office are generally processed within approximately three working hours. In many cases, the renewed license can be collected on the same day.
Processing may take longer when there are many applicants, particularly near the end of the year or during busy renewal periods. Visiting earlier in the day may help reduce waiting time.
Police Station Application
A renewal application can also be submitted at the civil service desk of a nearby police station. Bring your current driver’s license and one recent color photo measuring 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm.
After the application is submitted, it is sent to a driver’s license examination office for processing. For this reason, a renewed license is usually not issued on the same day.
Police Station Collection
When an application is submitted at a police station, processing may take approximately 21 days. The applicant must return to the designated police station after the collection date provided during the application.
The existing driver’s license must be returned when collecting the renewed license. Since renewal services and operating hours may vary by police station, it is advisable to confirm availability before visiting.
Application by a Representative
In certain cases, a representative may submit a renewal application on behalf of the license holder. The representative must bring the applicant’s current driver’s license, a recent photo, a signed letter of authorization, and the representative’s identification.
A representative may not be permitted to apply when the license holder is required to complete a medical fitness examination or personal identity verification. It is recommended to check with the examination office or police station before submitting an application through a representative.
Required Documents
For an in-person renewal application, prepare the current driver’s license or another valid form of identification and one color photo taken within the past six months. The photo must measure 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm.
For an online application, a digital photo file that meets the required standards is needed. A letter of authorization and the representative’s identification are also required when another person submits the application.
Renewal Fees
The renewal fee is KRW 10,000 for a standard driver’s license and KRW 15,000 for a mobile driver’s license.
For online applications, the fee is paid during the application process. For in-person applications, payment is made at the service counter. Check the selected license type before making the payment because the fee differs depending on the type of license issued.
Choosing a Renewal Method
Visiting a driver’s license examination office is usually the fastest option when the renewed license is needed urgently. Online renewal is suitable for applicants who want to complete the application in advance and visit only to collect the license.
Applying at a police station may be more convenient when the nearest examination office is far away, but applicants should allow enough time because issuance can take several weeks.
Conclusion
Renewing a driver’s license in South Korea can be completed online, at a driver’s license examination office, or at a police station. Online renewal is convenient for completing the application in advance, while visiting an examination office is usually the fastest option for receiving a new license. Before applying, prepare a recent photo and valid identification, check the required fee, and confirm where and when the renewed license can be collected. Remember to bring your current driver’s license when collecting the new one because it must be returned.
FAQ
Can I renew my driver’s license online?
Yes. Eligible applicants can apply through the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website. You must complete identity verification, upload a recent photo, select the type of license, choose a collection location, and pay the renewal fee.
Will the renewed license be delivered to my home?
No. Even when the application is completed online, you generally need to collect the renewed license from the driver’s license examination office or police station selected during the application.
What do I need for an in-person renewal?
You need your current driver’s license or another valid form of identification and one color photo taken within the past six months. The required photo size is 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm.
How long does renewal take at a driver’s license examination office?
Applications submitted at a driver’s license examination office are generally processed within approximately three working hours. In many cases, the new license can be collected on the same day.
How long does renewal take at a police station?
Renewal through a police station may take approximately 21 days because the application is sent to a driver’s license examination office for processing. You will need to return to the designated police station to collect the renewed license.
How much does it cost to renew a driver’s license?
The renewal fee is generally KRW 10,000 for a standard driver’s license and KRW 15,000 for a mobile driver’s license. The final amount should be checked during the application because fees may vary depending on the selected license type.
Can another person apply on my behalf?
A representative may submit the application in certain cases. The representative must bring the applicant’s required documents, a signed letter of authorization, and their own identification. Proxy applications may be restricted when a medical fitness examination or personal identity verification is required.
Do I need to return my current driver’s license?
Yes. Your current driver’s license must be returned when you collect the renewed license. If it has been lost, inform the staff and bring another valid form of identification.
Which renewal method is the fastest?
Visiting a driver’s license examination office is generally the fastest method. It is the most suitable option when the renewed license is needed urgently, while online and police station applications may require a longer waiting period.
