Pennsylvania, Korea sign deal on driver's license exchange
By Ko Dong-hwan
Driver’s licenses issued in Korea and Pennsylvania State have become exchangeable.
Consul General of Korea in New York Kim Ghee-whan and Leslie Richards, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT), signed the reciprocal license agreement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
The commonwealth state acknowledged that Korea and Pennsylvania share “comparable knowledge and driving skills requirements” for non-commercial drivers. And the agreement “streamlines” the exchange of non-commercial driver’s licenses for applicants from Korea living in Pennsylvania and applicants from Pennsylvania living in Korea, according to the DOT.
The agreement allows Korean citizens to obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license when they establish legal residency in the state. It is the same for Pennsylvanians who claim legal residency in Korea.
“This agreement not only symbolizes the mutual trust our governments have in one another, but also illustrates the concern we both have for the safety of our citizens,” Richards said. “This action will help make life easier for our citizens making important transitions in their lives.”
With the deal, Pennsylvania became the 19th American state to have a reciprocal driver’s license agreement with Korea.
Over 20,000 Korean residents and 17 Korean companies are in Pennsylvania.