Apostille Korea says Korean nationals living or traveling abroad can reissue or renew both an international driving permit and a domestic Korean driver's license through a safe, contactless process, avoiding the in-person visits and cross-border trips that the procedure has traditionally required.
- Covers reissue and renewal of both international driving permits and domestic Korean licenses.
- Designed for Korean nationals abroad who cannot easily visit a Korean office in person.
- The process is contactless, reducing health risk and travel during the pandemic period.
- Where overseas documents are needed, certification follows the issuing country's rules.
Why driver's license procedures are difficult from abroad
Renewing or reissuing a Korean driver's license, or obtaining an international driving permit, has traditionally meant appearing in person at a licensing office in Korea, which is impractical for nationals who are living, studying or working overseas. During a period when international travel is restricted and in-person visits carry health risk, that requirement becomes a real obstacle: an expiring license can leave someone unable to drive legally abroad, while a lost or expired permit may need to be replaced quickly. The need is especially acute for long-term residents who cannot simply fly home for an administrative errand.
How the contactless service works
Apostille Korea says the reissue and renewal can be arranged remotely, without an in-person visit, so a Korean national abroad can keep both a domestic license and an international driving permit valid. Where supporting documents must move across borders or be recognized overseas, the company coordinates the necessary translation, notarization and certification — an apostille for Hague Convention countries or embassy legalization for non-members — online. The aim is to let drivers stay road-legal on a predictable timeline while avoiding unnecessary travel and contact.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this for?
Korean nationals abroad who need to reissue or renew a domestic Korean driver's license or an international driving permit without returning to Korea in person.
Is the process really contactless?
Yes. The reissue and renewal are arranged remotely so applicants avoid in-person visits and cross-border trips, which matters most when travel is restricted.
What if a document has to be recognized in another country?
Apostille Korea coordinates translation, notarization and certification online — an apostille for Hague members or embassy legalization for non-members.
Source: 파이낸스투데이 · 2020-04-10