Korean Driver’s License Renewal Period and Fines in 2026: Now 6 Months Either Side of Your Birthday

Korean driver’s license renewal (and the aptitude test) now has a window of 6 months before and after your birthday, from January 1, 2026 (Road Traffic Act Art. 87, Korea Road Traffic Authority). Miss it and the fine is 30,000 won for Class 1 and 20,000 won for Class 2; a Class 1 license can be cancelled one year after the deadline.

General information only, not professional advice. Check your exact window on safedriving.or.kr (My Page) or efine.go.kr.

What changed in the renewal window?

It used to be Jan 1-Dec 31 of the renewal year. From Jan 1, 2026 it is 6 months either side of your birthday in that year.

• Example (KoROAD): birthday Oct 1, due in 2026 → Apr 2, 2026 to Apr 1, 2027
• For your first renewal after the change, the old window (Jan 1-Dec 31, 2026) also counts, so the example runs Jan 1, 2026 to Apr 1, 2027.
• Dates printed on cards issued before 2026 may differ from the legal window.

Where do I check my renewal date?

1. safedriving.or.kr My Page, or
2. efine.go.kr, “운전면허 적성검사(갱신) 기간 조회”.

How often must I renew?

Road Traffic Act Art. 87:

• every 10 years
• age 65-74: 5 years; 75+: 3 years
• Class 1 holders, and Class 2 holders aged 70+ in the window, need a regular aptitude test (medical check).
• Drivers 75+ must finish traffic safety training first.

What do I bring and what does it cost?

KoROAD figures:

• Medical check at a test center: 8,000 won (Class 1 large/special), 7,000 won otherwise
• An NHIS health checkup result from the last 2 years can replace it (Class 1 ordinary, Class 2); then only 1 photo is needed.
• Class 2 can apply online or by proxy; pickup is in person only.

What is the fine if I am late?

• Class 1: 30,000 won; license cancelled one year after the day following expiry
• Class 2: 20,000 won (30,000 won if 70+ and test required)
• Late payment adds 3%, then 1.2% a month, up to 75%.

I am abroad or in the military. What now?

You can renew early or postpone for reasons such as overseas stay, military service or hospital stay (Art. 87(4)). After a postponement, renew within 3 months of the reason ending (return, discharge, etc.).

FAQ

Q. When did the renewal window change?
A. January 1, 2026: now 6 months before and after your birthday.

Q. Do Class 2 drivers need a medical check?
A. Only if 70 or older in the renewal window.

Q. I missed it. Is my license cancelled?
A. Class 2: fine only (unless 70+ with test). Class 1: cancelled one year after expiry.

Q. Can I renew online?
A. Class 2 renewal can be filed online at safedriving.or.kr; Class 1 can register a photo and print the form there.

Read next

• Traffic fines on eFINE
• Car inspection fines
• Car insurance discount riders
• Senior discounts

**$4.99 PDF guide **: get this guide as a one-page checklist PDF. Get the PDF guide

Last checked: October 27, 2026. Rules change; check the official sites.