Driving licence renewal in Ireland
Renewing an Irish driving licence generally involves applying through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), either online or in person, and providing necessary documentation and photographs. The process confirms continued eligibility to drive.
It is advisable to begin the renewal process several weeks before the current licence expires. This allows sufficient time to gather required documents, book an appointment if applying in person, and account for processing and delivery times, which can sometimes extend to several working days or weeks.
Start 42 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential appointment booking wait times at NDLS centres, time to gather necessary documents (e.g., medical report if required), and the typical processing and delivery period of 5-10 working days once the application is submitted. Starting 6 weeks out provides a good buffer.
The process
- 1Determine if a medical report is required for the renewal (this depends on age and licence category; applicants over 70 always need one).
- 2Obtain a medical report from a registered medical practitioner if required, ensuring it is dated within one month of the application.
- 3Gather supporting documents such as your current driving licence, proof of identity, and proof of address.
- 4Take a recent passport-style photograph (physical or digital, depending on application method).
- 5Apply online via the NDLS website or book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre in person.
- 6Pay the applicable renewal fee.
- 7Receive the new driving licence by post once the application is processed and approved.
What to bring
- Your current or most recent Irish driving licence.
- Proof of identity (e.g., passport, national identity card).
- Proof of address (dated within the last six months, e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
- Proof of your Personal Public Service (PPS) Number.
- Medical report form (if required, completed by a registered medical practitioner and dated within one month of application).
- Evidence of an eye test (optional, but can be helpful if eye-sight deterioration is a concern).
Who handles it
National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), operated by the Road Safety Authority (RSA)
The standard fee for renewing a driving licence is typically €35. This fee can be paid online or at an NDLS centre. Specific fees for different durations or categories should be confirmed on the official NDLS website.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure your medical report (if needed) is dated within one month of your application, as older reports may not be accepted.
- Photographs must meet specific NDLS requirements, especially for online applications where a digital photo code is needed.
- Verify your PPS number, as it is mandatory for all driving licence transactions.
- Be aware that specific licence categories or age groups (e.g., those over 70) have additional requirements, such as mandatory medical reports.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Ireland
Driving licence renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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