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World Driving Permit

Can I drive in South Korea with a US license?

🇺🇸 United Statesの免許証 · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 更新日 17 Jun 2026

直接の回答

Not on your US license alone. South Korea requires foreign visitors to carry a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit together with their valid US license and passport. The US is a party to the 1949 Convention, so a US-issued IDP from AAA or AATA is valid for up to one year from issue.

一目でわかる

IDP required?
Yes — a 1949 Geneva IDP is mandatory for visitors
Translation useful?
Optional companion; the IDP is what is legally required
Where to get the IDP
AAA or AATA in the US before you travel
Rental desks
Require the IDP plus your US license and passport
Max driving period
Up to one year from the IDP issue date
旅行の判断手順

このガイドを明確な旅行計画に変える

ガイドを参考にした上で、何かを購入する前に正確な免許、渡航先、日程、車両を確認してください。

4件の公的情報源

1 · ルールを確認

United Statesの免許証とSouth Koreaの渡航先が事前入力済み.

2 · 正規のIDP取得ルートを利用

チェッカーがIDPが必要と示した場合は、免許発行国の正規発行機関から取得してください。私たちはIDPを販売しません。

3 · 翻訳の補助文書を追加

レンタルデスク、保険会社、検問所であなたの免許証を読む必要があるときに翻訳パックを使用します。これは許可証ではありません。

What the rules say

South Korea recognises International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. The United States is a party to that convention, so a US-issued IDP is accepted. You cannot legally drive on a US license by itself; the IDP must accompany your original license and passport. The permit is valid for up to one year from the date it was issued, after which a Korean license is needed.

Getting a valid IDP

Only AAA and AATA are authorised to issue US International Driving Permits. Apply in person at a AAA branch or by mail before you leave; an IDP cannot be obtained inside South Korea. Beware of websites selling fake IDPs, as Korean police and rental firms will not accept them. Bring two passport photos and your valid US license to apply. The fee is modest and processing is quick.

Driving in South Korea

South Korea drives on the right with extensive camera enforcement of speed and red-light violations. Signage appears in Korean and English on major routes, and navigation apps are widely used. City traffic is dense and aggressive, so allow extra time. Carry your IDP, US license, and passport whenever you drive, since police may ask to see all three at checkpoints.

準備するもの

  • Get a genuine 1949 IDP from AAA or AATA before departure
  • Carry your valid US license alongside the IDP
  • Bring your passport whenever you drive
  • Avoid websites selling fake or unofficial IDPs
  • Confirm rental requirements before booking
  • Note the IDP is valid up to one year from issue

正確なルートを確認

このガイドの渡航先があらかじめ入力された状態で始まります。

免許証の翻訳が必要ですか？

明確に表示された翻訳の補助文書 — 決して偽の許可証ではありません。

よくある質問

Can I drive in South Korea on just my US license?
No. South Korea requires a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP carried together with your valid US license. The US license alone is not sufficient. Police and rental companies expect both documents, plus your passport, at checks and pickups.
Where do I get a valid IDP for South Korea?
From AAA or AATA in the United States, before you travel. They are the only authorised US issuers. You cannot obtain a US IDP inside South Korea, and online sellers offering instant IDPs are not legitimate. Apply in person or by mail with two photos and your US license.
Is the World Driving Permit accepted instead of an IDP in South Korea?
No. South Korea legally requires an official 1949 Geneva IDP, which only AAA or AATA issue. The World Driving Permit is a certified translation companion, not an IDP, and cannot replace it. You would still need the official IDP to drive legally in Korea.

政府および公的機関の情報源

こちらもご覧ください 正規発行機関の案内 旅行で必要な場合に本物のIDPをどこで取得できるかについて。

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