Seoul Seniors Get a 200,000 KRW Transportation Card for Returning a Driver’s License｜Complete Application Guide Starting Jan 28, 2026
If you follow the news lately, you’ve probably seen frequent reports about traffic accidents involving elderly drivers. To improve road safety, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is launching a program earlier than usual: seniors aged 70+ who voluntarily return their driver’s license will receive a 200,000 KRW prepaid transportation card.
In particular, the 2026 program starts more than two months earlier than previous years—so if you’ve been wondering “When can I apply?”, make sure to read this guide until the end.
2026 Seoul Driver’s License Return Program｜Key Summary
- Application start date: January 28, 2026 (Wed)
- Benefit: Anonymous prepaid transportation card (T-money) loaded with 200,000 KRW
- Number of recipients: 35,211 people (first-come, first-served)
- Eligibility: Seoul residents aged 70+ (born on or before Dec 31, 1956)
- Where to apply: Local neighborhood community service center (Dong Community Center)
- How it works: Return the license and receive the card immediately on-site
In short, this is not a “submit documents and wait for days” system. The key point is: Return your license at the community center → receive the 200,000 KRW transportation card right away.
Why Is the 2026 Application Starting Earlier (Late January)?
In past years, Seoul typically launched this program around March. But in 2026, it begins in late January.
The reasons are straightforward:
- Reduce inconvenience for seniors who have been waiting to return their license
- Strengthen preventive effects by reducing elderly-driver accident risks
- Improve administrative efficiency by encouraging earlier participation
Some analyses suggest that if the license return rate increases by just 1 percentage point, it could reduce traffic accidents by about 200 cases per year (Seoul estimate). That’s why Seoul continues to expand this program as a traffic safety policy, not just welfare support.
Eligibility Requirements｜Who Can Receive the Benefit?
You must meet all of the following conditions:
- Must be officially registered as a Seoul resident
- Must be 70 years old or older (as of the license return date)
- Birthdate 기준: born on or before Dec 31, 1956
- Must voluntarily return a valid driver’s license
- Must not have previously received the transportation card benefit under the same program
※ If your license expired in the past or you returned it before but didn’t receive the card, there may be an exception process—see below.
How to Apply｜Finish in Under 10 Minutes at the Community Center
The process is very simple:
- Bring your driver’s license and visit your local Dong Community Center
- Apply for voluntary license return
- License return is processed
- Receive the 200,000 KRW prepaid transportation card immediately
Important: this is a first-come, first-served program. So after Jan 28, it’s safest to visit as early as possible.
What If You Lost Your Driver’s License? (Alternative Documents)
No need to give up if your license is missing.
- Driving Career Certificate (운전경력증명서)
- ID (Resident Registration Card / Passport, etc.)
You can obtain the Driving Career Certificate at a nearby police station civil service office or online through Government24.
Go to Government24 (Driving Career Certificate)
Exception Cases｜Returned License but Didn’t Receive the Card
If you were registered as a Seoul resident after March 28, 2019 and voluntarily returned your driver’s license but did not receive the transportation card, there may be a relief process available.
In that case, you may need:
- Driver’s License Cancellation Notice (issued by the police)
- ID
Don’t assume you’re not eligible. Visit a nearby police station first to obtain the documents, then consult your local community center.
Where Can You Use the 200,000 KRW Transportation Card?
The card is an anonymous prepaid transportation card and can be used nationwide.
- Buses
- Taxis
- Convenience stores and merchants that accept transportation card payments (T-money affiliated stores)
Note: Since seniors aged 65+ already have a separate free subway ride benefit, it may be more advantageous to use the senior free subway card for subway travel.
So this 200,000 KRW card is best used for buses, taxis, and affiliated merchants.
Does It Really Work?｜Evidence of More Returns and Fewer Accidents
Seoul has operated this program since 2019. The number of seniors returning their licenses has steadily increased, with about 150,000 total participants so far.
Research analysis also suggests that when the voluntary license return rate increases by 1 percentage point, the number of elderly-driver accidents tends to decrease.
For Seoul, this can be interpreted as a reduction of roughly 200+ accidents per year.
This policy is not just “200,000 KRW support.” It’s about your family’s safety, your own safety, and public traffic safety overall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I receive the card immediately after applying?
Yes. You receive it on the spot when you return your license at the community center.
Q2. Can a family member apply on my behalf?
In principle, the applicant must visit in person. However, if mobility is limited, it’s best to contact the community center in advance.
Q3. Does the benefit end after I use all 200,000 KRW?
After the initial 200,000 KRW is used, you can continue using the card by recharging it at your own expense.
Q4. Since it’s first-come, first-served, when will it end?
There is no fixed end date, but it can run out early. It’s strongly recommended to apply as soon as possible after Jan 28.
(Important) Family Checklist｜What You Should Help Parents Prepare
If your parents are considering returning their license, family support makes the process much easier:
- Confirm your parent’s registered address is in Seoul
- Check whether the license is lost (prepare a Driving Career Certificate if needed)
- Choose a visit time to avoid crowded hours
- Briefly explain how to use the card (bus/taxi/convenience stores)
Many seniors miss out not because of eligibility, but because it’s hard to visit alone. Going together as a family can make the process much faster.
Conclusion｜Visit Your Community Center ASAP Starting Jan 28, 2026
Seoul’s senior driver’s license return program offers a 200,000 KRW transportation card and also helps reduce traffic accidents.
Because applications begin early on January 28, 2026, and only 35,211 people will receive the benefit (first-come, first-served), you may miss out if you apply too late.
If you or your parents qualify, save this post and visit the community center right when applications open.
3-Line Summary
- Seniors aged 70+ in Seoul receive a 200,000 KRW transportation card for returning their driver’s license
- Starting Jan 28, 2026, apply and receive it immediately at the community center
- Limited to 35,211 recipients, so early application is recommended
※ Useful link: T-money Usage Guide