Don't Panic About Leaving It Behind, Now Use the 'Mobile Myeonheojeung'!

Masan Driver's License Test Center to Issue Licenses Starting on the 28th

Choice Available Between IC Chip Embedded and QR Code Issued Types

Mobile driver's license execution screen. [Image source=Road Traffic Authority]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency and the Masan Driver's License Examination Office of the Korea Road Traffic Authority will begin issuing mobile driver's licenses starting on the 28th.

The mobile driver's license can be issued on an individual's smartphone in accordance with relevant laws and holds the same legal effect as the existing plastic driver's license.

Both current driver's license holders and new licensees can apply.

According to the Korea Road Traffic Authority, from January 27 for six months, the issuance of mobile licenses was piloted at the Seoul Western Driver's License Examination Office, Daejeon Driver's License Examination Office, and the local police stations in charge of those areas.

Starting on the 28th, mobile licenses can be issued nationwide at all driver's license examination offices and police stations.

A police agency official explained, "The mobile driver's license allows the user to selectively provide personal information when presenting identification, making it easier to protect personal data," adding, "Various security technologies such as blockchain are applied, enabling safe online use, as well as identity verification and license qualification confirmation."

According to the police agency, the mobile driver's license can be used at public institutions, banks, convenience stores, unmanned vending machines, and online sites such as Government24.

Places requiring submission of ID copies must have a separate system in place to use the mobile license.

Currently, banks where mobile licenses can be presented include Woori Bank, Kookmin Bank, and Shinhan Bank, with plans to gradually expand to other banks.

The mobile license can be issued either by obtaining a physical driver's license embedded with an IC chip or through a QR code received at the driver's license examination office.

The IC-embedded driver's license replaces the existing plastic license, so an issuance fee is charged.

After applying for issuance on the Korea Road Traffic Authority's Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website, applicants must visit the designated driver's license examination office or police station civil service office to collect it.

For the IC license, after downloading and running the smartphone application "Mobile ID," the IC chip is recognized on the smartphone, and after completing the identity verification process, the mobile ID issuance is completed.

The QR code ID allows the existing driver's license to be retained while additionally issuing a mobile driver's license on the smartphone, which can be applied for by visiting the driver's license examination office in person.

The mobile ID can only be issued to one smartphone under the individual's name, and if the smartphone is lost, a loss report can be filed through the mobile ID website.

For more details, check the Safe Driving Integrated Civil Service website or contact any driver's license examination office nationwide or the Korea Road Traffic Authority Customer Support Center for guidance.

Shin Seungbu, head of the Masan Driver's License Examination Office of the Korea Road Traffic Authority, said, "As various IDs are transitioning to mobile formats, the mobile driver's license will play a leading role," adding, "Issuing mobile driver's licenses is expected to enhance public convenience and greatly contribute to providing various non-face-to-face services."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.