New Jersey and South Korea Establish Driver’s License Reciprocity Through Memorandum of Understanding

Seoul, South Korea — Today, during the Choose New Jersey governor-led East Asia economic mission, [officials from the state of New Jersey] and the Republic of Korea announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) and the National Police Agency of the Republic of Korea (NPA) concerning the reciprocal issuance of driver’s licenses. The MOU is a landmark agreement that simplifies the process for citizens of New Jersey and South Korea to obtain and use driver’s licenses in each other’s jurisdiction.

“I believe this agreement is an example of government at its best. Our leaders have come together to make life simpler for all of our residents, both here in South Korea and back in New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Our state is stronger when we open our doors to create new economic opportunities and innovate new solutions to our greatest challenges. The last thing that should ever stand in the way of New Jerseyans and South Koreans working together is administrative hurdles.”

The agreement is a significant step in strengthening the relationship between both countries, creating more flexibility and greater convenience for New Jerseyans and South Koreans. After reviewing both sets of driving requirements, the NJMVC and NPA agreed the standards are equally as rigorous, thereby allowing reciprocity.

Under the agreement, Korean citizens in New Jersey and New Jersey residents living in South Korea can convert their driver’s licenses without undergoing the traditional application process.

“The entire team at the Motor Vehicle Commission is proud to play a part in forging closer ties between New Jersey and the Republic of Korea with the establishment of a driver’s license reciprocity agreement,” said New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “With similar driver testing standards in both jurisdictions, this agreement makes a lot of sense. It will equally benefit drivers in New Jersey and South Korea, allowing them to easily exchange their licenses and smoothing the transition when moving between our two lands.”

The Chief of the National Police Agency Hee-geun Yoon stated, “With the signing of this agreement, it is anticipated that the quality of life for approximately 100,000 of our compatriots residing in the state of New Jersey, U.S., will be enhanced, and that this will contribute to the promotion of friendship between the two countries.”

“This agreement symbolizes the strength of New Jersey’s international relationships and our ability to work together on behalf of people at home and abroad,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “Whether you are a Korean citizen living in New Jersey or a New Jersey native residing in South Korea, this MOU will now allow easier mobility between people from both regions.”

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey East Asia economic mission may contact Mahen Gunaratna (mahen.gunaratna@nj.gov) and Ingrid Austin (iaustin@choosenj.com) or visit choosenj.com/EastAsiaMission for additional details.

About Choose New Jersey, Inc.

Choose New Jersey is New Jersey’s leading nonprofit economic development organization. We stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to grow New Jersey’s economy. We market New Jersey globally as the best state in the United States to live, work, and play, and we guide businesses in establishing or expanding operations here. Our team, supported by a network of state agencies and private partners, provides free, confidential assistance to guide companies in establishing operations in New Jersey. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.

To read this press release from the Governor’s office, click here.