Renew your Irish driving licence online or at an NDLS centre. Here is what to bring, what it costs and when a medical report is needed.
The numbers
€65for a 10-year licence (free if you are 70 or over)
10 daysallow up to 10 working days for your licence to arrive by post
Onlinewith a verified MyGovID, or at one of 34 NDLS centres
3 mthsearliest you can renew before your licence expires
You renew your licence with the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), online or at an NDLS centre. A 10-year car licence costs €65, and renewal is free if you are 70 or over.
Who this is for
You can renew if your licence expires within the next 3 months, or if it expired less than 10 years ago. You cannot renew earlier than 3 months before the expiry date.
If your licence expired more than 10 years ago, you cannot renew it. You must pass the driver theory test and apply for a learner permit again.
10 years
the longest a licence can be expired and still be renewedSource: ndls.ie
What you need
- To apply online: a Public Services Card (PSC) and a verified MyGovID. If your PSC photo is over 10 years old, renew the card on MyWelfare first.
- In person: your current or most recent licence. If it is lost, stolen or damaged, bring valid photo ID.
- In person: proof of your PPS (Personal Public Service) number.
- Proof of address dated in the last 6 months, if your address has changed.
- Proof of normal residence in Ireland, if you were born outside, and are not a citizen of, the EU, EEA, Switzerland or UK.
- A medical report dated within one month, if you need one (see below).
- The fee, paid by debit or credit card. In person you can also use Google Pay, Apple Pay or a Payzone voucher.
Do you need a medical report?
- Cars and motorcycles (Group 1): only if you have a specific disability or medical condition.
- Buses and trucks (Group 2): yes, unless a report you gave before still applies.
- Age 75 or over: yes. Your doctor must certify you are fit to drive, and you get a 3-year or 1-year licence.
- The doctor must sign the form in front of you. Medical exams are not free.
Step by step: renew online
- Check your expiry date. Start no earlier than 3 months before it.
- Get your medical report signed by your doctor, if you need one.
- Go to the NDLS renewal page and log in with your verified MyGovID.
- Choose to renew your driving licence and check your details.
- Upload proof of address, residence or your medical report if the form asks.
- Pay the fee by debit or credit card.
- Wait for your new licence. Allow up to 10 working days for An Post to deliver it.
Step by step: renew in person
- Book an appointment at one of 34 NDLS centres on ndls.ie. You must book first.
- Bring your licence, PPS number proof and any reports. You do not need photos or a paper form, as your photo and signature are taken there.
- Pay at the counter and wait for your licence to arrive by post.
How much it costs and how long it takes
Driving licence renewal fees
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| 10-year licence (cars, motorcycles) | €65 |
| 5-year bus or truck licence | €65 |
| 3-year licence (age or medical grounds) | €35 |
| 1-year licence (medical grounds) | Free |
| Any renewal if you are 70 or over | Free |
| Replacement or duplicate licence | €35 |
Source: NDLS, Citizens Information
€65
the standard renewal fee since 1 January 2025, when it rose from €55Source: ndls.ie
How long your new licence lasts
| Your age | Licence length |
|---|---|
| Under 65 | Up to 10 years (5 years for trucks and buses) |
| 65 to 71 | Until the day before your 75th birthday at the latest |
| 72 to 74 | 3 years |
| 75 or over | 3 years or 1 year, with a doctor's certificate |
Source: NDLS, Citizens Information
Common mistakes
- Driving after your licence expires while you wait for the new one. This is not allowed, even if you have already applied.
- Applying too early. The NDLS will not accept an application more than 3 months before expiry.
- Using a medical report that is more than one month old.
- Trying to renew online with an out-of-date Public Services Card photo. Renew the card first.
If something goes wrong
- NDLS: 0818 700 800, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (not public holidays). You can also use the chat on ndls.ie.
- NDLS postal address: PO Box 858, Little Island DSU, Cork.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to get a verified MyGovID
- How to get a Public Services Card
- How to exchange a foreign driving licence
- How to get a learner permit
- How to pay motor tax online
Recent changes and what to check
To check
Licence fees. Budget 2027 (6 October 2026) did not announce a change. The last rise was on 1 January 2025.
