Korean driver license renewal is not one uniform procedure. Class 1 holders and Class 2 holders aged 70 or older complete a fitness examination, while most other Class 2 holders complete a renewal without a medical examination. Documents, fees and online eligibility differ.
2026 rule. From January 1, 2026, the statutory examination or renewal window is generally the six months before and after the holder's birthday. Transitional rules can apply to a period assigned before that date, so confirm the personal dates in the Safe Driving account or the National Police E-Fine service.Identify the correct process
- Fitness examination: Class 1 holders and Class 2 holders aged 70 or older
- Ordinary renewal: Class 2 holders under age 70
Check the exact start and end dates in the Safe Driving service or National Police E-Fine instead of relying only on the printed card.
Where and how to apply
Driver license test center
Nationwide test centers accept both processes. The Government24 standard processing table shows up to three working hours at a test center, but actual waiting time varies with congestion and medical checks.
Police traffic civil-service office
Police stations also accept applications, except Gangnam Police Station. Government24 shows a standard total of 21 days for police-station processing. A test center is more suitable when the new card is urgent.
Online
Class 2 renewal is available online. A Class 1 ordinary-license holder may also apply for the fitness examination online when qualifying National Health Insurance examination data is available. Other medical-examination cases require an in-person process. Online applicants must still collect the new card in person at the selected test center or police station.
Documents and fees
Class 1 and age-70-plus Class 2 fitness examination
- Current driver license
- Two recent 3.5 × 4.5 cm passport-format color photos
- Application and a medical examination or qualifying health-examination or medical-certificate record
- KRW 16,000 for a standard card or KRW 21,000 for a mobile IC card, plus any medical fee
Only one photo may be required when a medical certificate or health-examination record replaces the on-site examination. Drivers aged 75 or older must separately check the mandatory senior-driver education and cognitive-screening requirements.
Class 2 renewal under age 70
- Current driver license
- One recent 3.5 × 4.5 cm passport-format color photo
- KRW 10,000 for a standard card or KRW 15,000 for a mobile IC card
See the photo format and required copy-count guide. Before choosing mobile IC, compare the IC card and on-site QR methods.
Using a national health-examination record
A qualifying National Health Insurance examination from the two years before the application may replace a separate medical check when the required items and vision standard are met and the applicant consents to administrative data retrieval. Data may take about 15 days after the examination to become available. Class 1 large and special licenses still require a separate examination.
Proxy application and collection
A Class 2 renewal can be submitted by a proxy with the applicant's license, photo, authorization and the proxy's ID. Limited proxy filing is also possible for Class 1 ordinary and age-70-plus Class 2 applicants after the medical portion is replaced by qualifying records, but not for Class 1 large or special licenses. The new card must be collected by the holder.
Consequences of missing the period
- Class 1: KRW 30,000 fine. The license can be canceled one year after the day following expiry.
- Class 2: KRW 20,000 fine; KRW 30,000 for an age-70-plus fitness-examination case. The one-year cancellation rule can apply to the latter.
Hospitalization, overseas stay, military service or detention may support an advance renewal or extension request. Check eligibility before the period ends.
Pre-application checklist
- Confirm the personal period online.
- Identify whether this is a fitness examination or ordinary Class 2 renewal.
- Check online eligibility and availability of health-examination data.
- Confirm whether the chosen office has an examination room.
- Prepare the correct number of photos and the fee for the selected card.
- Plan an in-person collection even after an online application.
- When expiry is close, consider a test center rather than police-station processing.
Frequently asked questions
Can every Class 1 holder renew online?
No. Online fitness-examination filing can be available to a Class 1 ordinary-license holder with qualifying National Health Insurance examination data.
Do I need one photo or two?
Ordinary Class 2 renewal uses one. A Class 1 or age-70-plus Class 2 fitness examination normally uses two, although one may be enough when qualifying records replace the medical check.
Will an online application be delivered to my home?
No. The holder collects it in person at the selected test center or police station.
Official sources
- Korea Road Traffic Authority: fitness examination and renewal
- Government24: driver license fitness-examination service
- National Police E-Fine license lookup
Written and last reviewed: September 21, 2026. Personal dates, fees, medical checks and education requirements depend on the license and health records. Recheck the official services before applying. This is an independent information site and is not an agent of the Korea Road Traffic Authority, police or government.
