Can you drive in Washington with a South Korean license?

Yes, visitors can drive in Washington on a valid South Korean licence for up to 1 year.

The Washington State Department of Licensing states that visitors may use an out-of-country driver licence for up to 1 year. This matches RCW 46.20.025, which lets a nonresident aged 16 or older drive with a valid licence issued by their home country for up to one year.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions - Persons who may drive without a license (app.leg.wa.gov)

Washington does not require an International Driving Permit for visitors. A valid South Korean licence is enough under state law.

RCW 46.20.025 allows a nonresident to drive with a valid driver licence issued by their home country and does not mention an International Driving Permit. The Department of Licensing also publishes no IDP requirement for visitors, so whether an IDP is helpful alongside a licence that is not in English is not addressed officially.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions - Persons who may drive without a license (app.leg.wa.gov)

New residents may keep driving on a South Korean licence for 30 days after moving to Washington, then they need a Washington licence.

The Department of Licensing states you have 30 days after you move to Washington to get your driver licence. RCW 46.20.021 sets the same rule in law: new Washington residents must obtain a valid Washington driver licence within thirty days from the date they become residents.

Moving to Washington: Get a driver license (dol.wa.gov)RCW 46.20.021: Driver's license required - New Washington residents (app.leg.wa.gov)

Yes, a valid South Korean licence can be exchanged for a Washington licence without taking any tests if you are 18 or older.

South Korea is on the Department of Licensing list of licences that require no tests for applicants aged 18 or older, alongside US states, British Columbia (Class 5) and Germany. You still apply in person at a driver licensing office and pay the licensing fees.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)

No knowledge or drive test is needed with a valid South Korean licence if you are 18 or older. You still take a vision screening when you apply.

The Department of Licensing lists South Korea among licences that need no tests for applicants aged 18 or older. A vision screening test is a standard part of every licence application appointment in Washington.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)Driver license application: ages 18+ (dol.wa.gov)

Washington DOL does not list a separate translation requirement for South Korean licences. Its checked pages focus on tests and identity documents, so bring required identity documents and confirm at the licensing office if your licence is not in English.

The checked DOL testing, moving-to-Washington, and identity pages do not state a separate translation step for South Korean licences. The testing page says licences from countries or Canadian provinces not listed must complete the first-license steps, while the identity page lists foreign driver licences as identity documents. Because DOL does not publish a direct yes/no translation rule, treat this as medium confidence and confirm office-specific document handling before applying.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)Moving to Washington: Get a driver license (dol.wa.gov)Documents for proof of identity (dol.wa.gov)

Bring your current licence, proof of identity, your Social Security number and payment for the fees to a Washington driver licensing office.

The Department of Licensing asks new residents to bring proof of identity including their current licence, payment for the driver licensing fee, and to tell the office their Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents are set out on the DOL proof of identity page and include foreign passports with valid immigration documentation.

Moving to Washington: Get a driver license (dol.wa.gov)Documents for proof of identity (dol.wa.gov)