Plastic Driver's Licenses Remain Valid
"All driver's licenses will be converted to digital next year. Be careful, because if you don't renew, your license will be automatically invalidated."
Recently, posts have been spreading on social networking services (SNS) claiming that the driver's license system will be completely changed starting next year. A mobile driver's license is a license issued to an individual's smartphone.
Mobile driver's license screen issued on a smartphone. Provided by the Road Traffic Authority Yonhap News Agency
There are posts and videos circulating on SNS stating that if driver's license holders do not renew their plastic licenses to digital versions such as mobile or IC licenses by next year, their licenses will be automatically invalidated, and that long-term failure to renew will be regarded as driving without a license and could result in criminal penalties. However, this is "fake news."
Authorities explained that this false information was created to increase views on social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and X. They clarified that the mobile driver's license was already introduced in 2022, and there have been no new changes to the driver's license renewal system.
The mobile driver's license has the same legal validity as the plastic driver's license. However, there is no need to carry a separate plastic license, and only essential information such as proof of adulthood or license qualification can be displayed. Additionally, if lost, it can be locked to prevent personal information from being exposed, among other advantages.
Mobile Driver's License Issued Since 2022
Car Driver's License Design (Old Version on the Left, New Version on the Right). Photo by Yonhap News Agency, Korea Road Traffic Authority Provided
The Korea Road Traffic Authority began issuing mobile driver's licenses at all driver’s license examination centers and police stations nationwide in July 2022, following a pilot program from January to July of that year.
There are several ways to obtain a mobile driver's license. The most common method is to replace your plastic license with an IC driver's license. You can apply through the Road Traffic Authority's "Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service" website, and pick it up at the designated driver's license examination center or police station civil service office.
After receiving the IC driver's license, you can issue a mobile driver's license by placing it on the back of your smartphone and completing identity verification. There is no need to worry if you change or lose your smartphone; you can simply reissue the mobile driver's license using your IC license.
It is also possible to obtain a mobile driver's license without an IC license by scanning a QR code at the driver's license examination center counter. However, in this case, if you change or lose your smartphone, you must revisit the examination center and repeat the same procedure.
As of the end of November last year, the number of mobile driver's licenses issued was 3.98 million, accounting for 31% of all driver's license holders.
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