An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

LRS stresses proper methods for receiving vehicle licensing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristina Overton
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  When service members in-process Osan they may be required to get a government driver's license, or look into acquiring a license for a dependent. This is where the 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron comes in.

Knowing the proper methods to obtaining a license in the Republic of Korea can ensure an easy transition to the base and limit much confusion of driving in a foreign country.

"In order to acquire a government owned vehicle license, members should first go to their unit vehicle control officer who will schedule them for a Korea driving test, issue them an AF Form 171 and a Local Compliance Letter," said Staff Sgt. Wilson Hernandez, 51st LRS operator records and licensing specialist. "When people skip their VCO, we end up with a lot of problems like incorrect or outdated forms and items not being filled out properly."

Both military members and civilian employees are also required to attend a Local Conditions Briefing to obtain a GOV license, he explained. Members stationed in Korea before but out of country more than one year must attend the briefing again. After attending the brief, members must bring a valid stateside license and AF Form 171 signed by their VCO to Bldg 1333. For off-base privileges, they're required to pass a 55-question test on international road signs and local driving laws, earning a grade of 80 percent or above to pass.

Personnel also go to their VCO for a personally operated vehicle, Hernandez explained.

"E-7 and above, command sponsored members and dependents can obtain a U.S. Forces Korea license once they pass the test," he said. "E-6 and below who are not command sponsored or joint domicile and authorized to ship a POV will need an exception to policy and a local background check with security forces, then both documents will need to be signed by the first O-5 in their chain of command."

All members of USFK, the civilian component and dependents who drive POVs are to be issued a USFK form 134EK, bilingual drivers permit. A valid U.S. driver's license may be used as a temporary permit for 30 days after initial arrival in the ROK. Individuals should bring a valid stateside license and a copy of their orders to Bldg. 1333 where they will be required to pass a 45-question test on international road signs and local driving laws, earning a grade of 82 percent or above to pass. Member must have a USFK driver's permit prior to registration, which must occur within 10 days after receiving a vehicle from port, after purchasing, or otherwise legally obtaining it.

The vehicle licensing office can also grant a learners permit to those dependents who qualify. Dependents must be at least 16 years old and have completed some form of driver's education with valid certification or verification. A hands-on portion is not required. A memorandum must also be signed by the sponsor stating that the dependent is under their insurance policy.

"Doing these procedures properly saves everyone time and ensures that everything is done correctly," said Tech Sgt. William Clark, 51st LRS operator records and licensing NCO in-charge. "In-processing is stressful as it is, and to go through this entire process and have to reroute paperwork isn't ideal or convenient. The VCO's should be proactive in helping members execute this process and getting everything set up. It's essential for proper documentation to be filed."

The required study material for licensing can be found here or by contacting your unit VCO.