VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Vehicle registration will occur at the garrison where the SOFA member is assigned (i.e. Osan or Suwon personnel must register at Osan Air Base's DBIDS office). Vehicle registration may also occur at the garrison where the family members are assigned or are funded to reside, if family housing is not available in the area where SOFA member is assigned. Vehicle registration is the sponsor's responsibility (Dependents are not authorized to register vehicles). Registration expiration coincides with sponsor's DEROS and must be renewed if extended.

Registration must be completed within 10 days after purchasing, receiving from port, delivered with household goods, or otherwise legally acquired. The Pyeongtaek DMV issues a one-time temporary license plate for vehicles. After the initial 10 days, a fine for failure to register and return the plates of 30,000 Korean Won (KRW) will be issued, and an additional 10,000 KRW per day thereafter. Under the ROK Automobile Management Act, Article 84, failure to return temporary license plates is grounds to be fined up to 1,000,000 KRW, and is noted in English on the application form for temporary plates.

If you are unsure of any part of the process or your eligibility to do so, we recommend you visit our office in-person so we can answer any questions you have prior to purchasing or shipping a vehicle.

 

LICENSE PLATE MOUNTING

Per ROK law, license plates, both temporary wooden and permanent steel, on POVs (Privately-Owned Vehicle) and NTVs (Non-Tactical Vehicle) are to be firmly mounted to the front and rear of the vehicle and will not be bent, trimmed, or altered in any manner except as necessary to attach them to the vehicle. No other decal fashioned in the form of a license plate may be displayed on the vehicle. License plates must be firmly mounted before a USFK vehicle decal is affixed. Motorcycles/Mopeds only require a rear license plate.

Rear license plates must be affixed with ROK issued tamper-proof bolt. A license plate mounting service is available behind Maude Hall for a fee. Vehicles with improperly mounted plates may acquire a fine (Up to 3,000,000 KRW).

PYEONGTAEK DMV LIAISON @ HUMPHREYS

The Pyeongtaek Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Liaison co-located with the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall is a ROK Government office and does not fall under the Garrison or USFK purview. They are here for the community's convenience, and as such, we do not dictate their hours of operation or manning. Disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated and disciplinary measures will be taken.

Certain fees may apply for ROK Vehicle Registration with the Pyeongtaek DMV. Please note that the Pyeongtaek DMV only takes cash in Korean Won (KRW). Some common fees you may come across are:

  • Permanent Steel Plates with ROK issued tamper-proof bolt: 16,000 KRW
  • Temporary Wooden Plates: 1,800 KRW
  • Deregistration Fee: 1,100 KRW
  • POV/Motorcycle Owner Transfer (SOFA to SOFA): Free
  • POV Owner Transfer (Korean to SOFA): 35,000 KRW
  • New Motorcycle: 6,000 KRW
  • Motorcycle Owner Transfer (Korean to SOFA): 9,000 KRW

New SOFA Vehicle

SHIPPED INTO COUNTRY / NEW VEHICLES

These steps apply to a vehicle, motorcycle or moped that needs a new SOFA registration. Examples of these vehicles include ones that have been shipped into country (VPC or Private) and new vehicle purchases from AAFES Military Auto Sales or other off-post dealers.

 

STEP 1: Gather documents required for picking up your vehicle and subsequent registration:

  • Proof of Insurance. Insured's name must match registered owner unless Power of Attorney (POA) is used. Insurance company must be Korean (e.g. AIG, LIG) or USAA. Ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on insurance document is correct. Please ensure that the area of coverage is South Korea. Period of insurance must include date of registration.
  • Valid USFK 134EK Driver's License (Orange Card). A valid Republic of Korea (ROK) license may be used or a stateside license if within thirty days of arrival to Korea.
    • NOTE: USFK Invited Contractors and USFK third-country national employees and their family members are authorized, but not required, to obtain a USFK 134EK license, as long as they are first in possession of a ROK driver's license or valid international driver's permit prior to obtaining the USFK 134EK.
  • Vehicle Title or Previous Registration as Proof of Ownership.
  • Valid DOD Identification (CAC, Military ID). Also require the following:
    • ACTIVE DUTY: Military Orders
    • DOD CIVILIAN: Letter of Employment
    • DOD CONTRACTOR: Letter of Accreditation and current 700-19
  • USFK Form 31EK-E (Application for Registration of USFK Privately Owned Vehicle)
  • Import/Customs Shipping Documents (vehicle shipping forms) and email from the VPC or dealer confirming the vehicle is scheduled for pick-up.
  • Permit for Temporary Plates. This is a ROK Form that may also be obtained from the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office or Pyeongtaek DMV.
    • NOTE: Temporary plates are not required as long as the vehicle remains on USAG Humphreys and the deregistration process is completed within 2 business days. During this time, the vehicle must be parked in the overflow/overnight parking lot behind Maude Hall or at an on-post residence prior to it being shipped out from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).

 

STEP 2: Prior to picking up the vehicle:

  • Bring all documents to the Pyeongtaek DMV Liaison at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall or the DMV Office in Pyeongtaek City to receive temporary license plates if returning to a different area. Request a USFK Form 192EK (Temporary Vehicle Pass) if needed.
  • Schedule an appointment to pick-up vehicle.
    • NOTE: Vehicles are sometimes picked up from the Busan or Incheon port. If this is the case with your vehicle, contact the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office for guidance.

 

STEP 3. ROK Vehicle Registration:

  • After your vehicle has been picked up, obtain a USFK Vehicle Safety Inspection if the vehicle is more than two years old from the manufacturing date and within 30 days of registering vehicle. Inspections can be conducted at the DFMWR Auto Skills Center or AAFES Auto Oasis.
  • Bring all documents from step 1 above, safety inspection if applicable, and the temporary license plates if applied for, to the Pyeongtaek DMV Liaison at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall or the DMV Office in Pyeongtaek City to receive permanent steel plates.

 

STEP 4. USFK Vehicle Registration:

  • After receiving permanent plates and ROK Vehicle Registration Form, the vehicle must be reported and registered with the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office for final USFK registration in DBIDS, application of USFK Vehicle Decal and issuance of USFK Form 207 (USFK Registration and Certificate of Title).

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Buying/Selling existing SOFA Vehicle

BUYING/SELLING EXISTING SOFA VEHICLES (OWNER TRANSFER)

 

PRE-TRANSACTION CRITERIA:

  • Buyer must be authorized to own, operate and register a Privately-Owned Vehicle (POV) in Korea. Please reference Exception to Policy for Vehicle Registration as required.
  • Seller must clear (pay) all fines, fees, and traffic tickets prior to transaction. Sellers can make an inquiry about their traffic ticket status at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall.​​​​
    • NOTE: The Pyeongtaek DMV will not process requests for deregistration until all traffic fines are settled.
    • NOTE: SOFA members can only sell to non-SOFA members through the Foreign Goods Transaction Office (FGTO).
  • Reference instructions for clearing a POV with a Power of Attorney (POA) if original sponsor is unavailable.

 

STEP 1: Gather documents required for selling/buying an existing SOFA vehicle:

Seller's Documents:

  • ROK Vehicle Registration Form.
  • USFK Form 207 (USFK Registration and Certificate of Title).
  • USFK Vehicle Safety Inspection if the vehicle is more than two years old from the manufacturing date and within 30 days of registering vehicle. Inspections can be conducted at the DFMWR Auto Skills Center or AAFES Auto Oasis.
  • USFK Form 20-E (Bill of Sale).
  • USFK Form 32EK-E (Application for Cancellation of USFK Privately Owned Vehicle).

Buyer's Documents:

  • Proof of Insurance. Insured's name must match registered owner unless Power of Attorney (POA) is used. Insurance company must be Korean (e.g. AIG, LIG) or USAA. Ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on insurance document is correct. Please ensure that the area of coverage is South Korea. Period of insurance must include date of registration.
  • Valid USFK 134EK Driver's License (Orange Card). A valid Republic of Korea (ROK) license may be used or a stateside license if within thirty days of arrival to Korea.
    • NOTE: USFK Invited Contractors and USFK third-country national employees and their family members are authorized, but not required, to obtain a USFK 134EK license, as long as they are first in possession of a ROK driver's license or valid international driver's permit prior to obtaining the USFK 134EK.
  • Valid DOD Identification (CAC, Military ID). Also require the following:
    • ACTIVE DUTY: Military Orders
    • DOD CIVILIAN: Letter of Employment
    • DOD CONTRACTOR: Letter of Accreditation and current 700-19
  • USFK Form 31EK-E (Application for Registration of USFK Privately Owned Vehicle)

 

STEP 2. Transfer Ownership:

  • Bring all documents to the Pyeongtaek DMV Liaison at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall or the DMV Office in Pyeongtaek City. Both the buyer and the seller must be present to conduct owner transfer of vehicle.

 

STEP 3. USFK Vehicle Registration:

  • After completing sale transaction and the buyer receives new ROK Vehicle Registration Form, the buyer must report and register the vehicle with the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office for final USFK registration in DBIDS, application of USFK Vehicle Decal and issuance of USFK Form 207 (USFK Registration and Certificate of Title). Seller does not need to be present for this part.

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Bicycle/PTD Registration

BICYCLE & PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE REGISTRATION

Bicycles are classified under the "Vehicle" category under Korean Law and are required to comply with road traffic regulations that govern motor vehicles. The establishment of bicycle lanes, an expansion of bicycle facilities and other active efforts by local organizations are expected to further increase the use of bicycles.

Personal Transportation Devices (PTDs) are powered two- or three-wheeled vehicles designed to transport personnel but not registered as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motor scooter. Korean law mandates PTDs must comply with road and traffic regulations that govern motor vehicles and that the device must not exceed maximum speed of 25 km/h (15 mph).

Operators of PTDs must exercise extreme caution when operating around other motor vehicles. PTDs will utilize bicycle trails and lanes when available.

Traffic laws apply to persons operating or riding a PTD while on a public roadway, street, bicycle path or any right-of-way under USFK jurisdiction. Operators are required to comply with every rule and regulation on the road, understand the characteristics of the PTD and ride it cautiously to ensure it is a safe means of transport.

Both bicycles and PTDs need to be registered at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall utilizing USFK form 33-E. The owner will be issued a registration decal which will be permanently affixed to the bicycle or PTD.

For more information, visit the USFK Driving in Korea Portal:

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Shipping Out Vehicle

SHIPPING OUT A VEHICLE FROM KOREA (DEREGISTRATION)

These step-by-step vehicle deregistration and shipping-out instructions may vary depending on the customers personal convenience/preferences during their PCS.

STEP 1: Coordinate to have your vehicle shipped out of the country:

  • Contact the Transportation Office in Maude Hall or VPC to schedule your vehicle's shipment.
    • NOTE: The Pyeongtaek DMV requires confirmation that the vehicle is scheduled and approved for export before they accept applications to deregister.
  • Although not a required step, it is highly encouraged that personnel who anticipate they may have outstanding ROK traffic fines or tickets make an inquiry about their traffic ticket status at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall.​​​​
    • NOTE: The Pyeongtaek DMV will not process requests for deregistration until all traffic fines are settled.

 

STEP 2: Gather documents required for deregistration and ROK temporary plates:

  • Proof of Insurance. Insured's name must match registered owner unless Power of Attorney (POA) is used. Insurance company must be Korean (e.g. AIG, LIG) or USAA. Ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on insurance document is correct. Please ensure that the area of coverage is South Korea. Period of insurance must include date of registration.
  • Valid USFK 134EK Driver's License (Orange Card). A valid Republic of Korea (ROK) license may be used.
    • NOTE: Driver's License must be valid for the period the vehicle is to be operated under temporary registration (10 days from the day of issue).
  • POV Export Confirmation Document issued from the Transportation Office or VPC. This is usually an email confirming the vehicle is scheduled for shipment.
  • Initial Import/Customs Shipping Documents.
  • Valid DOD Identification (CAC, Military ID). Also require the following:
    • ACTIVE DUTY: Military Orders
    • DOD CIVILIAN: Letter of Employment
    • DOD CONTRACTOR: Letter of Accreditation and current 700-19
  • USFK Form 207 (USFK Registration and Certificate of Title).
  • ROK Vehicle Registration Form.
  • USFK Form 32EK-E (Application for Cancellation of USFK Privately Owned Vehicle).
  • Permit for Temporary Plates. This is a ROK Form that may also be obtained from the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office or Pyeongtaek DMV.
    • NOTE: Temporary plates are not required as long as the vehicle remains on USAG Humphreys and the deregistration process is completed within 2 business days. During this time, the vehicle must be parked in the overflow/overnight parking lot behind Maude Hall or at an on-post residence prior to it being shipped out from the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).
  • USFK Vehicle Decal that was originally issued and affixed to the front windshield.

 

STEP 3: ROK Vehicle Deregistration:

  • Bring all documents to the Pyeongtaek DMV Liaison at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall or the DMV Office in Pyeongtaek City.
  • The DMV will process USFK Form 32EK-E (Application for Cancellation of USFK POV Registration) for deregistration. Maintain a copy of the completed 32EK-E as confirmation. This form is required to out-process from DBIDS.
  • Submit Permit for Temporary Plates if needed.​​​​​​
    • NOTE: ROK temporary plates must be mounted to the vehicle's front and rear, as if mounting permanent steel plates.

 

STEP 4: Bring vehicle and forms to VPC for processing/shipment:

  • Ensure ROK temporary plates are removed before turning over the vehicle to VPC for shipment.
  • Obtain a receipt that the vehicle is processed for shipment.
    • NOTE: ROK fines range from 50,000 to 1,000,000 Korean Won if the vehicle is not turned in to the VPC before temporary plates expire (10 days from issuance).

 

STEP 5. Return ROK temporary plates and clear DBIDS office:

  • After the vehicle has been turned over to the VPC, return ROK temporary plates to the Pyeongtaek DMV Liaison at the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall or the DMV Office in Pyeongtaek City.
  • Bring the final copy of DMV-processed USFK Form 32EK-E (Application for Cancellation of USFK POV Registration) to the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall for cancellation of USFK registration.
    • NOTE: the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office maintains all cancelled USFK registration documents one year after PCS.
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Exception to Policy (ETP)

REQUESTING EXCEPTION TO POLICY (ETP)

 

E-6 and Below POV Request:

Non-Command sponsored Service Members in the grade of E-6 and below may be request and be granted an exception to policy (ETP) to own and register a Privately-Owned Vehicle (POV) if approved by both the first O-6 in their chain of command and the responsible O-6 Garrison Commander. In accordance with their unit/organizational staffing procedures, the requestor submits ETP Requestor's Memo through their chain of command up to the first 0-6 or Staff Directorate for approval.

After approval by the first O-6 in the requestor's chain of command, the next step is to route ETP memorandum through the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall for Garrison Commander's final approval, along with legible copies of the following documents:

  • Valid DOD Identification (CAC, Military ID). Also require the following:
  • Military Orders
    • NOTE: Personnel in a joint domicile status must be authorized a POV on their orders.
  • Valid USFK 134EK Driver's License (Orange Card).
    • NOTE: Service members in grades E-6 and below require written approval by the first O-5 Commander in their chain of command to obtain a driver's license in Korea.

Customers will be notified when their request for ETP is approved or disapproved. Copies of approved ETPs may be obtained from the Pass & ID/Vehicle Registration Office in Maude Hall. Approved ETPs remain valid and on-file until the individual's PCS or rescinded by their chain of command. All documents with the exception of the unit-level and Garrison Commander's final approval letters are returned to the customer when the POV registration is complete.

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Documents/Forms/Useful Links

DOCUMENTS/FORMS

 

LINKS

 

PYEONGTAEK DMV ADDRESS

13-9 Doilyutong-gil
Pyeongtaek-Si, Gyeonggi-Do

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