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World Driving Permit

Can I drive in South Korea with a US license?

🇺🇸 United States驾照 · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 更新于17 Jun 2026

直接答案

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.

一览

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
行程决策路径

将本指南转化为清晰的出行计划

将指南作为参考，然后在购买任何东西之前确认您确切的驾照、目的地、日期和车辆。

4个官方来源

1 · 核实规则

已预填United States驾照和South Korea目的地.

2 · 使用授权的IDP途径

如果检查器显示需要IDP，请从您驾照所属国家的授权签发机构获取。我们不销售IDP。

3 · 添加翻译辅助文件

当租车柜台、保险公司或检查站需要读懂您的驾照时，请使用翻译包。它不是许可证。

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.

需要准备什么

  • 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

检查您的确切途径

已预填本指南的目的地。

需要翻译您的驾照吗？

标识清晰的翻译辅助文件——绝非假冒许可证。

常见问题

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.

政府和官方来源

另请参阅我们的 授权签发机构指引 了解当您的行程需要时在哪里获取真实的IDP。

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