Renewing your driving licence in Ireland has, thankfully, never been easier thanks to the introduction of online renewal - there's no need to go and have a face-to-face meeting at one of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) offices around the country. However, if you do want to renew your licence, you'll have to jump through a few hoops first...
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Driving Licence Ireland Application
You'll need a Public Services Card and a MyGovID
Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged driving licence or learner permit If your most recent driving licence or learner permit has been lost or stolen but is still valid, you can obtain a replacement. Categories of motor vehicles and minimum age of drivers Motor vehicles in Ireland are divided into different categories for driver licensing. 2 days ago Online renewals now the way to go for Irish driving licence. Renewing your driving licence in Ireland has, thankfully, never been easier thanks to the introduction of online renewal - there's no need to go and have a face-to-face meeting at one of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) offices around the country.
These aren't hard to get. If you're living and working in Ireland, you'll most likely already have your Public Services Card. If you don't have one, you can apply for one here. A MyGovID is simply an online registration service that verifies who you are and which social services you're entitled to use. There is a 'simple' level of ID that just requires registration, but for the driving licence, you need a verified ID that requires a PPS number and proof of identity, such as a current passport or, helpfully, a current driving licence. Which you will have, as you're looking to renew one... Apply for your MyGovID here.
Proof of address
Having a proof of address isn't strictly required, but you will need to be able to show some proof if your current address is not the one that goes with your Public Services Card.
Proof that you're normally resident in Ireland
This is only for those people applying for an Irish driving licence if you were born, or if your nationality comes from, outside the EU or the European Economic Area.
Medical report?
You normally don't need a medical report to obtain a driving licence, unless you're over 70, or have some form of illness or congenital issue that affects your movement or your sight.
The fee
Applying for a renewal of a licence costs €55, and can be paid by credit or with debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. If you're over 70, though, it's free.
Fill out the forms
You can find the online forms at ndls.ie, but you will need your MyGovID all set up and verified first, as your government ID is basically your driving licence login. Back to square one if you haven't got it yet...
Three months before it's up
You don't have to leave it to the last minute to renew your licence - indeed, given all the potential Covid-related delays in the system at the moment, it's a good idea not to. You can renew your driving licence at any time in the last three months before it expires.
You don't have to do it online
If you're not confident at dealing with online forms, you can still go through the in-person renewal process, although obviously at the moment you need to be aware that Covid restrictions can cause delays.
You'll need to bring your valid photo ID, a proof of your PPS number, medical report (if needed), proof of address (if it's different from the one on your old licence, or your PSC card) and, of course, the application fee. There are 34 NDLS offices around the country, and you can book an appointment here.
Description
DRIVER LICENSING
Learning to drive
A step by step guide to learning to drive, from passing your theory test to getting your full driving licence.
How to renew your driving licence
When your driving licence expires you must renew it if you still want to drive.
Driving Licence Ireland Lost
Applying for a driving licence
Driving licences are issued if you pass a driving test. Rules about driving licences, forms and how to apply.
Learner permits
It is a legal requirement to hold a learner driving permit before learning to drive a car or work vehicle on public roads in Ireland.
Updating your driving licence or learner permit
If you change your name or address, you can exchange your current driving licence or learner permit for an updated one
Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged driving licence or learner permit
If your most recent driving licence or learner permit has been lost or stolen but is still valid, you can obtain a replacement.
Categories of motor vehicles and minimum age of drivers
Motor vehicles in Ireland are divided into different categories for driver licensing purposes. Information is provide on categories of vehicles and the minimum age you need to be in order to legally drive them.
Converting your driving licence to an Irish driving licence
How to exchange a driving licence issued in another country for an Irish driving licence, including information on the fees and a list of recognised exchange countries.
International Driving Permit
An international driving permit allows you to drive in foreign countries without further tests or applications. Find out how to apply for a permit, the costs involved and those countries in which you can use your permit.
You may not know this, but there are 15 different types of driving licences and learner permits to choose from when driving in Ireland. What you probably do know is that you will need the appropriate driver’s licence before you can embrace the open road.
The regulations for each of the 15 licences are unique and cover a range of different types of vehicles. Some of the rules related to driving licences in Ireland are straightforward, while other regulations are a little more obscure in nature, but they all exist for good reason. If you plan on driving in Ireland, you need to make sure that you familiarise yourself with the driving licence that is most relevant to you as you will be required to carry it with you at all times while on the road.
RENTING A VEHICLE
When renting a vehicle you will need a full driver’s licence from the country that you reside in. However, typically you must have held that licence for 2 years. Drivers aged between 21 – 25 years and 70 – 75 years are usually subject to special conditions.
Driving Licence Ireland Price
Driving Test Ireland
Non-EU/EEA driving licences cannot be accepted if the holder has been a resident in Ireland for more than 12 months (see below about exchanging your foreign drivers licence).