Can you drive in Illinois with a South Korean license?

Yes, as a visitor you can drive in Illinois on a South Korean licence that is valid, for the length of your stay. There is no fixed day limit as long as you do not become an Illinois resident.

The Illinois Secretary of State says that if you have a valid driver's licence from another state or country, you may use it to drive in Illinois throughout your stay if you do not plan to become a permanent resident. Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/6-102) exempts a nonresident carrying a valid home-country licence for the period during which they are in the state. The widely quoted 90 day figure applies to people who move to Illinois, not to visitors, although staying longer than 90 days can make you a resident in practice. The Korean Consulate General in Chicago reports that Illinois DMV staff have informally applied the 90 day limit to visitors as well, so long-stay visitors should be cautious after 90 days.

Driver's License and State ID FAQ (ilsos.gov)625 ILCS 5/6-102 What persons are exempt (ilga.gov)Korean driver's licence recognition status in the 13 US Midwest states (overseas.mofa.go.kr)

An International Driving Permit is not required in Illinois and is not accepted on its own; you must carry your valid South Korean licence. Carrying an IDP or the English-format Korean licence is recommended so officials can read it.

The Illinois Secretary of State states that Illinois does not recognize the international driver's license as a licence in its own right. Illinois DMV staff told the Korean Consulate General in Chicago that an IDP must be accompanied by the Korean driver's licence and that they encourage drivers to have the licence translated into English. South Korea's English-format licence is also recognised in Illinois for identification while driving.

Driver's License and State ID FAQ (ilsos.gov)Korean driver's licence recognition status in the 13 US Midwest states (overseas.mofa.go.kr)운전면허 상호인정 - driver's licence mutual recognition list (0404.go.kr)

After moving to Illinois you may keep driving on your valid South Korean licence for 90 days. After that you must hold an Illinois licence.

Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/6-102) lets a nonresident who becomes an Illinois resident drive for the first 90 days of residence on a valid and current licence from their home state or country, and says that upon expiration of that 90 day period the new resident must apply for an Illinois licence or permit. The Illinois Secretary of State repeats the same 90 day rule on its driver's licence FAQ.

Driver's License and State ID FAQ (ilsos.gov)625 ILCS 5/6-102 What persons are exempt (ilga.gov)

No, a South Korean licence cannot be exchanged for an Illinois licence without testing; Illinois has no licence reciprocity agreement with South Korea. You apply as a new driver and take the tests.

The Korean Consulate General in Chicago surveyed the 13 Midwest states in its jurisdiction and, as of December 2025, lists only Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky and Kansas as states where a Korean licence can be exchanged for a local one; Illinois is not among them. Korea's foreign ministry likewise lists Illinois only as a state that recognises the English-format Korean licence for driving as a visitor, not as a mutual recognition (exchange) state. The Illinois Secretary of State publishes no foreign reciprocity list and requires applicants to pass any required exams.

Driver's License and State ID FAQ (ilsos.gov)Korean driver's licence recognition status in the 13 US Midwest states (overseas.mofa.go.kr)운전면허 상호인정 - driver's licence mutual recognition list (0404.go.kr)

Yes, a new Illinois resident holding a South Korean licence must pass a vision screening and a written exam, and should expect a road test as well.

The Illinois Secretary of State says that to obtain an Illinois driver's licence you must successfully complete a vision screening, a written examination and possibly a driving examination, and there is no test waiver for licences from South Korea. Foreign nationals who are not eligible for a Social Security number apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License, for which the Secretary of State explicitly requires a vision screening and the appropriate written and road tests. The word possibly reflects limited discretion for some transfers, so plan for all three tests.

Driver's License and State ID FAQ (ilsos.gov)Driver's License and State ID Card Information (ilsos.gov)

Illinois does not publish a certified translation requirement for South Korean licence holders applying for an Illinois licence. While still driving on the Korean licence, use the English-format Korean licence or carry an English translation.

Because Illinois qualifies foreign applicants through full testing rather than licence exchange, its published document rules cover identity, residency, Social Security number and signature, not licence translations. Illinois DMV staff told the Korean Consulate General in Chicago that they encourage drivers to have the licence translated into English, and Korea's foreign ministry lists Illinois among the states recognising the English-format Korean licence.

Driver's License and State ID FAQ (ilsos.gov)Korean driver's licence recognition status in the 13 US Midwest states (overseas.mofa.go.kr)운전면허 상호인정 - driver's licence mutual recognition list (0404.go.kr)

Bring documents proving your name, date of birth, Illinois residency, Social Security number and signature, plus payment for the fee. The DMV verifies each of these before issuing an Illinois licence.

The Illinois Secretary of State requires acceptable identification proving name, date of birth, Illinois residency, Social Security number and signature; its Acceptable Identification list (form DSD X173) sets out the exact documents. Foreign nationals lawfully present but not eligible for a Social Security number instead apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License and must show U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services authorisation documents. Any valid out-of-state licences, permits or ID cards must be surrendered when the Illinois licence is issued.

Driver's License and State ID FAQ (ilsos.gov)Driver's License and State ID Card Information (ilsos.gov)