Driver's License Changed After 23 Years... What Has Changed?

Blocking Illegal Forgery and Use... Enhanced Security
Design Combines Road Shapes and Black Kite Symbol
Existing Driver's Licenses Remain Valid
New License Available Upon Reissuance

Example of the 2025 new driver's license design. Provided by Korea Road Traffic Authority

The design of the Republic of Korea driver's license has changed for the first time in 23 years. It features design elements that make illegal use such as forgery and alteration more difficult.

On the 11th, the Korea Road Traffic Authority announced that it will produce and issue driver's licenses using the latest techniques at driver's license examination centers nationwide to enhance security.

The new driver's license incorporates new techniques such as embossed line drawings (pictures drawn only with lines without coloring), the shape of a Black Kite, and optically variable ink that changes color depending on the viewing angle, creating a security design that makes forgery and alteration even more difficult.

Car Driver's License Design (Old Version on the Left, New Version on the Right). Provided by Korea Road Traffic Authority

Additionally, the design is created so that the naturally connected road shape harmonizes with the Black Kite, a symbol of the police. The Korea Road Traffic Authority and the National Police Agency finalized the design at the end of last year after conducting a preference survey among visitors to driver's license examination centers last year.

Since the end of January, about 4.89 million people who are first-time license holders or subject to aptitude tests and renewals this year have been receiving driver's licenses with the new design upon renewal. Existing driver's licenses can still be used, and anyone can visit a driver's license examination center or apply online for reissuance to receive the new driver's license at any time.

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