Motor Vehicles

USFK Driver’s License are required to operate a vehicle in Korea.  In order to be eligible for a USFK license you must have a VALID stateside license throughout your tour, pass a written test, and be over 18 years old.  Learner permits may be issued to Family Members over 16 years old with completion of a state-approved driver’s education course, passing the USFK written test, sponsor’s approval, and proof of insurance.  Learner’s permits are only valid on a military post during daylight hours.

Motorcyclists must have a valid motorcycle operator’s stateside license or motorcycle endorsement issued by the civil authorities of a country, a U.S. state or territory. Additionally, military personnel must also show proof of completion of a motorcycle safety foundation (MSF) course or DUSD (I&E) endorsed, state-approved, curriculum for motorcycle operator’s safety training. New USFK Reg. 190-1 requires as of 1 Oct 2020 for Personal Transport Devices (PTD) requires operators to have taken the Korea Driving Test, licensed and meet safety requirement to operate in Korea.

Operators of PTDs should use extreme caution when operating around other motor vehicles. Operators will use bicycle trails and lanes when they are available.

 Traffic laws apply to persons operating or riding a PTD while on a public roadway, street, bicycle path or any right-of-way under USFK jurisdiction. Operators are required to comply with every rule and regulation on the road, understand the characteristics of the Personal Transportation Device and ride it cautiously to ensure it is a safe means of transport.

Bicycles will be registered at the Area Pass & ID Office utilizing USFK form 33-E. The owner will be issued a registration decal which will be permanently affixed to the bicycle.

Personal Transportation Devices (PTD)

Personnel operating a PTD on a USFK public roadway, street, bicycle path or other right-of-way must pass the standard motor vehicle driver licensing test and receive a USFK PTD Operator’s Permit or a separate endorsement for PTD operations on their USFK Form 134EK, USFK Motor Vehicle Operator’s Permit. To receive a USFK POV Operator’s Permit (USFK Form 134EK) or a USFK PTD Operator’s Permit, personnel must take the U.S. Forces Korea Driver Licensing Course and pass the exam on JKO as a prerequisite to licensing. Additionally, service members shall be required to take the USFK PTD resident training course. The course is expected 37 USFK REG 190-1, 18 February 2021 to last 2 to 4 hours. Personnel shall be required to take training within 30 days of purchasing a PTD.

You can find more information driving in Korea and the study guide for the USFK license testing, USFK Pam 385-2.

Registering and operating a privately owned vehicle (POV) in Korea is a privilege not extended to all SOFA personnel assigned.  A POV may be owned and registered by a command sponsored Family or Soldiers in the grade of E-7 and above. Joint domicile Soldiers in the grades E-6 and below will need to request an exception to policy to register a POV.

Your orders must state you are authorized to ship a vehicle.  Once your vehicle arrives, you will license it with the local Korean Department of Motor Vehicles and register it in DBIDS to access Military installation with your vehicle.  Vehicles are now shipped to the Vehicle Processing Center located on USAG-H for Areas North and 3.  Only one POV per sponsor is authorized to be shipped at government expense, command sponsored personnel are authorized to register two POVs while assigned to USAG Humphreys.

Pass and ID/Vehicle Registration Offices will issue a bar-coded DBIDS vehicle registration decal to all vehicles that are authorized access and operation on USFK installations, both SOFA and non-SOFA. Registrars will record the registration information in DBIDS and issue the appropriate vehicle registration decal. All DBIDS vehicle registration and personal information fields must be reviewed and updated whenever a vehicle is registered or reregistered.

Picking up and registering a shipped vehicle in Korea is easy.

• First gather the documents:
  • Proof of Insurance in the Sponsor’s name.  The vehicle is always registered in the Sponsor’s name no matter whose name is listed as the owner in the US.  Auto insurance must be from the ROK (such as AIG or LIG) or USAA.
  • Valid USFK SOFA driver’s license, Contractors are not required to have a USFK driver’s license as they must have a driver’s license issued by the host nation.
  • Import or customs shipping documents (normally provided by email from the VPC)
  • Valid DOD ID/CAC
  • Military Orders, Letter of Employment (DOD Civilians) or Letter of accreditation and current 700-19 for contractors

• Get a ROK Temporary Plate and USFK application for Registration of USFK POV at the Korean DMV located in the One Stop Building.  Cost is 2000 Won. Temporary license plates will be valid for no more than 10 days.
• Pick up your vehicle at the VPC.
• Obtain a USFK vehicle safety inspection at the USAG Humphreys Auto Skills Center if your vehicle is more than 2 years old.
• Return to the Korean DMV window with your safety inspection and other documents needed above to receive your permanent plates.  Cost is 14,000 WON.
• Go to the Vehicle Registration Window to finalize your vehicle registration.  You must have your vehicle with you, as they place the permanent decal on your windshield that allows your vehicle to enter any installation on the Peninsula.