Motor Vehicles
Registration and licensing requirements
State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.
Motor vehicle laws
State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:
- Seatbelt use
- Child safety seats
- Motorcycle operation
- The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving
Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.
Installation Specific Information
Driver’s License
USFK Reg 190-1 governs licensing of U.S. Forces personnel. USFK Pam 385-2, Guide to Safe Driving in Korea, contains information to prepare for the written driver’s license test. U.S. Forces personnel in Korea authorized to drive a privately owned vehicle (POV) must have a USFK driver’s license in order to drive on the installation and on the roadways of the Republic of Korea. Active duty military personnel, civilian employees, and family members aged 18 or older are required to take a written test to receive a USFK driver’s license. Military are issued a USFK driver’s license for two years. Department of Defense (DOD) civilians are issued a five-year license or for their length of tour in Korea, whichever comes first.
Base Regulations
Civilian passenger vehicles must pass an inspection, be insured, and be registered/ tagged at the supporting installation’s Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) .
Per United States Army in Korea Standards Handbook
a. The following categories of personnel are authorized to test for and receive a USFK driver’s license:
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Command sponsored service members who are accompanied by family members. Service members in grades E-6 and below require written approval by the first commander (in the grade of O-5) in the chain of command to obtain a driver’s license in Korea.
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Joint domicile status authorized a POV on orders. Service members in grades E-6 and below require written approval by the first commander (in the grade of O-5) in the chain of command to obtain a driver’s license in Korea.
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A member of the U.S. Armed Forces in the grade of E-7 or above. 2ID Soldiers are not permitted to drive POVs.
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Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees (Army, Air Force, and Navy) who hold positions GS-5, WG-5, WL-2, WS-1, NA-5 and CC-3 grades and above; USFK technical representative, and invited U.S. Government Contractors.
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Any member of the USFK or its civilian component authorized shipment of a POV to the ROK at U.S. Government expense.
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Command sponsored family members of categories 27a (2)-(5) from U.S. Army in Korea Standards handbook which can be found online.
Family members of service members in grade E-6 and below require approval of the first commander (in the grade of O-5) in the chain of command to obtain a driver’s license in Korea.
Contact the Driver testing facility to determine necessary paperwork needed and scheduling to take USFK and/or GOV licensing test.
Driver Testing – Camp Casey, Bldg. T‐2101, 730‐2275, Mon‐Fri: 0800‐1700
Vehicle Registration Office – Camp Casey, Bldg. S‐2440, 730‐6869/4498, Mon‐Fri: 1300‐1630