[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] The Korea Road Traffic Authority announced on the 3rd that it will begin a pilot service for issuing international driving permits online.
Previously, to obtain an international driving permit, applicants had to bring their passport and photo in person to a driver's license examination office, police station, or international airport issuance centers (Incheon, Gimhae, Jeju). With the online issuance, it is expected to become easier to apply for and receive international driving permits.
For this pilot service, the Authority introduced the 'non-face-to-face qualification verification service'?the first of its kind in public institutions?by coordinating with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Police Agency to automatically link applicants' passport and driver's license information.
Applicants can apply for the international driving permit online through the Authority's Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website (www.safedriving.or.kr). After identity verification and consent, personal information and photos are transmitted, and the permit is delivered by registered mail to the desired location. Applications can be made from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and a fee of 12,300 KRW must be paid.
The issued international driving permit is valid for one year. During the validity period, holders can drive in 98 countries worldwide that are parties to the Geneva Convention. However, in some countries such as the United States and Canada, recognition varies according to state laws, so applicants should verify usability before traveling abroad.
During the three-month pilot operation, the Authority will limit daily issuance applications to 150 and plans to expand issuance later. Yoon Jong-gi, Director of the Korea Road Traffic Authority, said, “We hope this online issuance service will allow citizens to prepare international driving permits more conveniently.”
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