Arizona, Republic of Korea now have driver license reciprocity

PHOENIX – A new agreement between Arizona and the Republic of Korea allows Arizonans staying longer than a year to obtain driver licenses in that country without having to take written and road tests.

Licensed drivers from South Korea will receive the same courtesy for stays in Arizona lasting more than a year.

On Tuesday, Arizona Department of Transportation Director John Halikowski and Key Cheol Lee, the Republic of Korea consul general in Los Angeles, signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing a reciprocity agreement.

“The Republic of Korea is a valued trading and cultural partner for our state,” Halikowski said. “We’re pleased to make it even easier to do business and study in Arizona while minimizing time spent at a Motor Vehicle Division office.”

Arizona has similar reciprocity with Germany and Taiwan, while reciprocity between Arizona and Canada exempts drivers from road tests but still requires the written test.

Long-term visitors from the Republic of Korea who are at least 18 years old can now exchange South Korean driver licenses for Arizona driver licenses. They must have documentation showing they will be here for at least a year and that they have at least six months remaining on their stays. ADOT will coordinate with South Korean officials to verify an applicant’s driving status.