FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Monday, Governor Andy Beshear signed a driver's license agreement between Kentucky and South Korea.
Gov. Beshear, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray and South Korea’s National Police Agency (NPA) Commissioner General Hee-keun Yoon attended the signing ceremony in Seoul, formalizing a driver’s license reciprocity agreement between the two governments that aims to support job growth.
The agreement is meant to help boost economic growth by simplifying the process of maintaining a non-commercial driver's license for Koreans living in Kentucky and Kentuckians residing in Korea.
There are currently seven Korean-owned facilities operating in the Commonwealth, with six others to be announced soon, according to a news release from the Office of Governor Andy Beshear. The new businesses will push employment by Korean operations to 6,700 people statewide.
“With more Korean companies investing in Kentucky’s booming economy, this landmark agreement will allow their residents to quickly feel part of their new Kentucky home by ensuring they can maintain transportation access to jobs and take in all Kentucky has to offer,” Gov. Beshear said.
Both governments will recognize and respect each other’s driver’s license standards without requiring additional driving tests. Under the agreement, a Korean driver’s license will be valid for up to one year and can be exchanged for a Kentucky license during that time.
Individuals ages 18 and older, lawfully residing in Kentucky, can exchange a valid Korean driver’s license for a Kentucky Class D Operator’s License upon meeting all first-time statutory license requirements – except road and written testing – at Driver Licensing Regional Offices and paying requisite fees.
Similarly, the NPA will permit eligible Kentucky residents in Korea to exchange their Class D Operator’s License for a Korean Class 2 Ordinary Driver’s License. Both sides maintain the right to require additional documentation or tests if there are concerns about an applicant’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
“Transportation is a vital part of Kentucky’s ability to provide a sense of community to temporary and permanent residents,” Secretary Gray said. “This agreement provides a simplified licensing process that moves Kentucky forward while still maintaining safety standards.”
