Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in South Korea?

If you’re an American, the short answer is yes. In most cases, U.S. travelers must have an IDP along with their valid U.S. driver’s license to legally drive in South Korea. 

IDP Requirements for Driving in South Korea

South Korea recognizes International Driving Permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, which includes those issued in the United States. This means that American travelers can use an IDP along with their U.S. driver’s license to rent a car and drive in South Korea for up to one year from the date when their IDP was issued.

What About Other Nationalities?

If you're from another country, your ability to use an IDP in South Korea depends on whether your home country follows the 1949 IDP standards. If your country issues 1968 IDPs or no IDPs, you may not be able to drive in South Korea. Depending on the country you are from, some travelers may need to obtain a Korean driver's license instead of being able to use an IDP in conjunction with their home-country driver’s license. To be sure, check with the South Korean embassy in your country.

How to Get an IDP as an American

There are four ways to get an IDP:

1. In person at AAA

The least expensive method to get an IDP is to visit a AAA branch in person. You can typically get an IDP for $30-50 and within 30-60 minutes when you visit a AAA office. However, some branches don’t carry IDPs or are frequently out of stock, so it’s best to call ahead to make sure you can get an IDP if you go in. Steps to obtain an IDP in person:

• Gather your US driver’s license, payment method, and recent passport photos (optional).

• Visit the nearest AAA location that issues IDPs (check the branch's services offered from that link) during operating hours.

• Fill out AAA’s IDP application form, either ahead of time or while you wait.

• If you didn’t bring passport photos, AAA can take them for you for an additional fee (usually $10-20, though in Washington state they are $30).

• Pay and additional $20 plus tax (sometimes assessed) for processing the IDP – cash, check, and credit/debit cards are generally accepted.

• Be prepared to wait for the process to be completed, but after that you'll be able to walk out with out with your IDP. 

2. Online with AAA

AAA now offers an online application option through their partner govWorks, which is linked on the AAA website. Though this can work, govWorks has terrible customer reviews (scan for IDP reviews) and customers have repeatedly come to us at Fast IDP after they're frustrated by this company or their IDPs aren't delivered.

Steps to get an IDP online from AAA:

• Visit the AAA website and complete their online IDP application

• Upload a digital passport photo and your driver's license information

• Pay the application fee (currently $20 for the IDP booklet, plus $10 for photo processing, and $9 to $220+ for shipping)

• Wait for your IDP to be processed (5 days) and mailed to your address (an additional 3-10 days)

Processing times vary, taking at least a week, so this option works best if you're planning ahead and have a reliable mailing address.

3. Online with AATA

AATA (the American Automobile Touring Alliance) is the other organization authorized by the US government to issue IDPs to American drivers. Like AAA, AATA offers an online application process, though it is significantly more reliable.

Steps to get an IDP online from AATA:

• Visit the AATA website and complete their online IDP application

• Upload a digital passport photo and your driver's license information

• Submit payment for the application fee (currently $20 for the IDP booklet, plus $7 for photo processing, and $14 to $165 for shipping)

• Wait for processing and delivery to your location

Similar to AAA, AATA's processing and delivery times require advance planning, typically taking 2-4 days for processing, plus shipping time (2-10 days).

4. Online with Fast IDP (that's us - we're a faster option for AAA-issued IDPs)

If your timeline is too short for AAA or AATA's online processing times, using Fast IDP to expedite your IDP allows you to get an IDP as soon as the next day with the peace of mind that comes with our 5.0/5 average customer reviews.

Steps to obtain an IDP using Fast IDP:

1. Fill out the Apply page on our website. This includes taking photos of the front and back of your driver's license and uploading them on Fast IDP's secure portal, as well as taking passport-style photos of yourself (a decent selfie works).

2. Submit your application and payment, which starts at $84 (all-in, including all fees and taxes), and goes up with faster processing and shipping.

3. The Fast IDP team will review your documents for completeness and reach out to you if they see anything you need to adjust in your application.

4. A Fast IDP team member will go to AAA on your behalf to submit your documents and then will mail your IDP to you via express courier. You'll get an email the evening your IDP is sent with your tracking information and a picture of your IDP.

Even if we can't get an IDP for you, we're always happy to help answer questions for you about IDPs.

Avoid Scam IDPs

Unfortunately, there are many websites that claim to issue “International Driver’s Licenses” or “Digital International Driving Permits” online. These are scams — AAA is the only authorized issuer of IDPs active in the U.S. Always be cautious and only use trusted sources like AAA or Fast IDP to obtain a legitimate IDP. Check the reviews of a company you’re thinking about using before giving them your credit card information or other personal information. 

Reach Out if You Have Questions

If you're thinking about heading to South Korea and have questions, let us know and we'd be happy to talk through your situation with you, regardless of if you are interested in getting an IDP from us. We're here to help!