Montana residents living in South Korea and Korean residents living in Montana will soon have an easier path to obtaining local driver’s licenses after state officials signed a new reciprocity agreement this week.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who oversees the Montana Motor Vehicle Division, signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Police Agency of the Republic of Korea establishing mutual recognition of driver’s licenses between the two jurisdictions.
The agreement allows eligible applicants to exchange a valid Montana or South Korean license without taking a road skills test, streamlining a process that often can be lengthy for residents relocating abroad.
Applicants will still be required to verify identity, pass a vision test and provide a certified driving record. Montana officials said documents submitted in foreign languages must also be translated into English.
The arrangement applies to individuals age 18 and older who hold a valid Montana driver’s license and reside in South Korea, as well as South Korean residents living in Montana with valid Korean licenses.
Knudsen said the agreement reflects the state’s effort to improve customer service while strengthening international ties.
Laurie Bakri said the pact demonstrates how international cooperation can improve public services and create a more efficient licensing system.
SEO Eunji said the agreement is expected to benefit citizens, students and business leaders while encouraging deeper cooperation in trade, culture and tourism.
Montana already has a similar reciprocal licensing agreement with Taiwan, allowing qualifying residents from both jurisdictions to exchange licenses under defined classifications.
The new agreement comes as Montana officials continue efforts to modernize licensing systems and expand economic and diplomatic relationships abroad.