Find out if your licence can be swapped for an Irish one, what to bring, and what to do if your country has no agreement with Ireland.
The numbers
€65exchange fee (free if you are 70 or over)
12 mthsmost a visitor can drive on a non-EU licence
Onlineapply through the NDLS or at one of 34 centres
185 daysa year in Ireland makes you normally resident
If your licence is from the EU, the EEA or a recognised state, you can swap it for an Irish one with the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) for €65. If not, you must learn and pass the Irish driving test.
Can you exchange your licence?
Where your licence is from
| Licence from | Can you exchange it? | Driving here on it |
|---|---|---|
| EU or EEA country | Yes, up to 10 years after it expires | While it is valid |
| UK or Northern Ireland | Yes | Visitors only. Residents must exchange. |
| Other recognised state (list below) | Yes, up to 1 year after it expires | Up to 1 year as a visitor |
| Ukraine | No | Only while you hold Temporary Protection |
| Any other country, such as the US | No | Up to 12 months as a visitor, with an International Driving Permit |
Source: NDLS, Citizens Information
The recognised states are Australia, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Moldova, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK and Northern Ireland. In Canada, only Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Saskatchewan count. Some states have extra rules, so check your country on the NDLS page.
185 days
a year living here makes you normally resident. Then you must exchange or get an Irish licence.Source: ndls.ie
What you need
- Your most recent full licence (learner permits cannot be exchanged)
- To apply online: a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID. In person: proof of your PPS (Personal Public Service) number and photo ID.
- Proof of address dated in the last 6 months, if it is different from the address on your Public Services Card
- Proof of normal residence if you were born outside, and are not a citizen of, the EU, EEA, Switzerland or UK. For example, an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) with your passport.
- An eyesight report dated within one month (recognised states) and a medical report if needed
- A Letter of Entitlement from your licensing authority, dated within 6 months, if your state requires one (for example, all of Australia and South Africa)
Step by step: apply online
- Check your country and licence categories on the NDLS exchange page.
- Get any eyesight or medical report and Letter of Entitlement you need.
- Log in to the NDLS online service with your verified MyGovID.
- Choose to exchange a foreign licence and fill in the form.
- Upload your proof of address and normal residence if asked.
- Pay €65 by debit or credit card.
- Post your foreign licence to the NDLS as the form tells you.
Step by step: apply in person
- Book an appointment at one of 34 NDLS centres on ndls.ie.
- Bring your licence, PPS number proof, photo ID and any reports.
- Pay €65 by card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or Payzone voucher.
If your country has no agreement
- Pass the driver theory test.
- Apply for a learner permit.
- Take Essential Driver Training (EDT): 6 lessons instead of 12 if you hold a foreign full licence.
- Ask to skip the usual 6-month wait if you have held a full licence for over 6 months.
- Pass the driving test, then apply for your full licence.
How much it costs and how long it takes
€65
to exchange a licence, online or in person. Eye tests and medicals cost extra.Source: citizensinformation.ie
The NDLS does not publish a standard processing time. It can take several weeks if it must check your licence with the country that issued it.
Common mistakes
- Driving on a UK licence after moving here. Residents can no longer do this.
- Waiting too long. A recognised-state licence expired for over a year cannot be exchanged.
- Trying to exchange a licence that was itself swapped from a non-recognised country. That is not allowed.
- Sending a Letter of Entitlement older than 6 months.
- Expecting your CPC (code 95) for professional driving to transfer. Apply to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) separately.
If something goes wrong
- NDLS: 0818 700 800, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (not public holidays).
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
- Moldovan licences must be exchanged in person. Book on 0818 919 090.
Related guides
- How to get a verified MyGovID
- How to get a PPS number
- How to book an NCT
- How to pay motor tax online
