SEOUL, South Korea — Right now, there are seven Korean-owned facilities operating in Kentucky and six more have been announced. It’s this partnership that has Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., and Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray visiting the South Korean capital of Seoul.

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky and South Korea have formalized a new agreement to make getting driver's licenses easier for those working in both countries

  • Kentucky has seven Korean-owned facilities and six more are planned

  • The agreement gives Koreans working in Kentucky and Kentuckians working in Korea, simplified access to maintaining driver's licenses

  • Beshear will travel to Japan after Korea. This is an economic development trip to bring more jobs to Kentucky

Beshear and Gray formalized a driver’s license reciprocity agreement with South Korea’s National Police Agency Commissioner General Hee-keun Yoon. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NPA and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Driver Licensing by simplifying maintaining a non-commercial driver’s license for Koreans living in Kentucky and Kentuckians living in Korea.

“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,” said Gov. Beshear.

The collaboration between the two governments will allow the countries to recognize each other’s licensing standards without requiring more driving tests. According to the agreement, a Korean driver’s license will be valid for up to one year and can be exchanged for a Kentucky driver’s license during that time.

The MOU allows anyone 18 or older, living in Kentucky, to exchange a valid Korean driver’s license for a Kentucky Class D Operator’s License once they meet all the first-time statutory license requirements—except for road and written tests—at Driver Licensing Regional office and pay the required fees. Like Kentucky, the NPA will allow eligible Kentucky residents living in Korea to exchange their driver’s license for a Korean Class 2 Ordinary Driver’s License. Both countries have the right to ask for more documentation or tests if there are concerns over 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,” said Secretary Gray. “This agreement provides a simplified licensing process that moves Kentucky forward while still maintaining safety standards.”

The trip to South Korea and eventually Japan, is an economic development trip for Beshear, who is hoping to bring new jobs to Kentucky. 

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