Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
| CONTACT: | Buel C. Young | MVA Organization Relations (410) 762-5188 |
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Signs Reciprocal Agreement For Driver’s Licenses with the Republic of Korea
GLEN BURNIE, MD (December 16, 2010) -- Marylanders who possess a non-commercial driver’s license and are residing in Korea can now exchange their licenses for Korean non-commercial driver’s license without taking the written or skills test according to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Similarly, a Korean citizen residing in Maryland can exchange his/her license for a Maryland license without taking the written or skills tests.
MVA Administrator John T. Kuo and Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley will sign the reciprocal agreement today with Dr. HAN Duk-soo, Korean Ambassador to the United States.
“This agreement gives credit to those citizens who have already demonstrated in their home jurisdiction that they possess the knowledge and skill to drive,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Swaim-Staley. “It allows us to streamline the process for valid Korean license holders residing in Maryland while valid Maryland license holders residing in the Republic of Korea will enjoy the same benefit. This agreement is another symbol of our strong relationship with the Republic of Korea.”
The MVA was contacted by David Lee, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office and Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs on the Republic of Korea’s request for a driver’s license reciprocity agreement with the State of Maryland. After thorough review, the MVA has ensured that the standards applied in the licensing process in Korea are consistent with the practices of the State of Maryland and are also in the best interest of driver safety. All other requirements regarding proof of identity and residency, and completion of the three-hour drug and alcohol course, still apply.
“When the representatives of the Republic of Korea approached us, we were pleased to work with them,” stated Administrator John T. Kuo. “Our comprehensive review of the licensing process in the Republic of Korea clearly demonstrated that the Korean process is consistent with standards in place here in Maryland. Requiring another knowledge and skill test for a Korean citizen with a valid Korean license would be redundant.”
The signing ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM in the Harry Hughes Conference Room, at the Maryland Department of Transportation Headquarters 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover.