Issuance Available at All Driver's License Test Centers and Police Stations from the 28th
Pilot Project Issued 87,000 Licenses...Same as Plastic License
Required for Bank Transactions, Mobile Carrier New Subscriptions, Civil Service Tasks
Driver's License with IC Chip or QR Must Be Issued
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Starting from the 28th, mobile driver's licenses will be available for issuance nationwide. By the end of the year, identity verification using mobile driver's licenses will also be possible at all first-tier banks.
On the 28th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Police Agency announced that mobile driver's licenses will be issued at all driver's license examination centers and police stations nationwide. Since the pilot project for issuing mobile driver's licenses began on January 28, 87,205 people have received them.
The mobile driver's license is a driver's license issued via smartphone and holds the same legal effect as a plastic driver's license. It can be used at public institutions, banks, rental car companies, airports, telecommunications companies, convenience stores, and more. When a copy of the ID must be stored, it can only be used where the system is equipped. Currently, it is applied only at 13 banks, telecommunications company direct stores, and some public institution civil service offices.
The scope of use for mobile driver's licenses is also expanding. When visiting a bank, identity verification is completed by scanning the QR code displayed at the counter with the mobile ID app. It is also possible to verify identity linked with the mobile driver's license through the bank app when opening an account remotely. At convenience stores, only necessary information such as age verification can be provided, and rental car companies can receive information about driving license qualifications.
Currently, financial transactions are possible by scanning QR codes at counters in 13 banks, and Industrial Bank of Korea and SC First Bank plan to introduce this service in the second half of the year. Remote account opening is supported by KakaoBank, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, and NongHyup Bank, with the remaining 14 banks planning to introduce it in the second half of the year. Additionally, it supports Government24 login, Toss identity verification service registration, Naver Pay remittance, and unmanned check-in (Yanolja), among others.
The mobile driver's license is issued on only one device registered under the individual's name. If a loss report is filed, the mobile driver's license is locked and will not be displayed on the screen. There are two ways to apply for a mobile driver's license. The first is to obtain a driver's license embedded with an IC (integrated circuit) chip, and the second is to visit a driver's license examination center and scan a QR code to receive it.
The IC driver's license differs from the existing license and must be newly issued, costing 13,000 KRW. It can be collected immediately on-site when visiting the examination center. Once the IC driver's license is issued, the mobile driver's license is issued after authenticating by touching the license to the back of the smartphone. If the smartphone is replaced or lost, the mobile driver's license can be reissued using the IC license without visiting the police station or examination center.
When issued via QR code, the cost is 1,000 KRW. However, if the smartphone is replaced, a revisit to the examination center is required. When verifying identity with the mobile driver's license and authenticity confirmation is needed, the 'Mobile ID Verification App' must be used.
Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min stated, "We will not only alleviate the inconvenience of carrying plastic IDs for the public but also create various innovative services in cooperation with the private sector and establish a foundation for revitalizing the non-face-to-face digital economy."
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