How to exchange your foreign driving licence to an equivalent Irish driving licence?
People who hold a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA member state are permitted to drive in Ireland as long as their existing licence is valid. Drivers who want to exchange their licence for an equivalent Irish driving licence must do so within 10 years of their licence expiring.
However, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) says Ireland will not be able to exchange a driving licence if it has been issued on foot by an exchange from a country that does not have an exchange agreement with Ireland.
Method of applying online for exchange of a foreign EU/EEA driving licence
You can easily exchange your EU/EEA licence for an Irish licence online. There is no need to complete paper forms; just schedule appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person.
An individual needs the following to apply online:
● A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
● Current or most recent EU/EEA driving licence (to be posted in after you make your online application).
● Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a PSC.
● Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
● Fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
● Completed relevant driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), if required.
● Application fee of €55.00. You can pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. If you are aged 70 years or over you are exempt from paying the fee.
Here is the online link: https://ndls.rsa.ie/
NDLS reminds you of two things: a) In some cases, they may need to contact the country that issued your licence, which may delay issuing you an Irish license.
b) If you have the code 95 CPC on your EU driving licence, it will not be transferred to your Irish driving licence and you will need to apply to the RSA for a separate CPC card. For more information on CPC, click here.
Method of applying in person at an NDLS centre to exchange an EU/EEA driving licence
To visit an NDLS centre, you must make an appointment. There is no need for an application form, but you must have the necessary supporting documentation, ID, and fee. Your photo and signature will be captured electronically at the centre.
An individual needs the following to apply in person at an NDLS centre:
● Current or most recent EU/EEA driving licence (if your licence has expired by less than ten years or does not have a category start date you will need to provide an original letter of entitlement / driver statement from the relevant licensing authority)
● If you do not have your most recent driving licence in your possession, you will need to present an original letter of entitlement / driver statement from the appropriate licensing authority.
● Certified translations are required for all letters of entitlement / driver statements which are not in English or Irish
● Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN)
● Photographic I.D.
● Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address is not recorded on your permit and it differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a PSC
● Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
● Fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
● Completed relevant driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), if required
● Application fee of €55.00. You can only pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or Payzone voucher. If you are aged 70 years or over you are exempt from paying the fee.
For any Letters of Entitlement or Driver Statements that are not in English or Irish, applicants must produce certified translations. The letter of entitlement must be submitted together with the certified translation.
You can apply in person at any of the 34 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres located around the country. In some cases, they may need to contact the country that issued your licence, which may delay issuing you an Irish license.
Link to book an appointment: https://www.ndls.ie/booking-service.html
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