Driving in Ireland requires a valid driving licence. If your driving licence expires or is lost, you will need to renew your driver’s licence for legally and safely driving. This complete guide will walk you through the driving licence renewal process in Ireland, covering both online and in-person methods.
When to Renew Ireland Driving Licence
It depends on the expiry date of your driver’s licence. You can apply to renew your driving licence if it expires within 3 months, or if it expired no more than 10 years ago. But if your driving licence expired over 10 years ago, you must complete a driver theory test first and then apply for a learner driver permit.
Required Documents for Driving Licence Renewal
The application for driving licence renewal can be done in person or online, and the required documents for each may vary.
If you apply online, you need to gather the following documents:
- A Public Services Card.
- A verified MyGovID.
- A medical report form dated within a month if applicable.
- An eyesight report form if applicable.
- Proof of residency dated within the recent six months if it differs from the one on your PSC.
- A recent 35×45 mm photo in color.
If you apply in person, you need to gather the following documents:
- A most recent driving licence. If it is lost, a valid photo ID is required.
- Proof of your personal public services number.
- Proof of residency dated within the recent six months if it differs from the one on your PSC.
- A medical report form dated within a month if applicable.
- An eyesight report form if applicable.
How to Renew Your Irish Driving Licence
In Ireland, you can renew your driving licence online or in person. Here’s a step-by-step guide on each method.
Apply online
The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) offers an online service for driving licence renewal. It is a convenient option that saves you the time and effort of visiting an NDLS centre in person.
Step 1. Access to NDLS.ie on a computer or portable device. Click “Apply Online”.
Step 2. Verify your identity with your MyGovID and Public Services Card to access the online renewal service. If your PSC photo is over 10 years old, renew it on MyWelfare first.
Step 3. Complete the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee.
Step 4. After submitting your application, your renewed driving licence will be sent to you by post.
Apply in person
Alternatively, you can renew your licence in person at a local NDLS centre if you prefer so. You don’t need to provide a photograph with your in-person application.
Step 1. Book an appointment at a NDLS centre nearby. Access the NDLS site, locate “Book an Appointment” and click “Continue”.
Step 2. Visit the NDLS centre on the appointed date. Present the required documents, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee.
Step 3. After submitting your application, your renewed driving licence will be sent to you by post.
How Long Is a Driving Licence Valid?
The validity of a driving licence can vary depending on the licence categories, age and physical fitness of the driver. Here is a list.
| Period of Driving Licence | Licence Categories |
| Ten years | Group 1: Motorcycles, Cars and Tractors |
| Five years | Group 2: Buses, Trucks and Articulated Vehicles |
| Age | Licence Term |
| Under 65 years | Maximum ten-year licence for Group 1 category Maximum five-year licence for Group 2 category |
| 65 – 71 years | Licence which will expire when you turn 75 at the latest Licence for Group 2 category could expire before you turn 75 |
| 72 – 74 years | Three-year licence |
| 75 or over | Three-year licence or one-year licence (subject to certification of fitness to drive) |
How Much to Renew a Driving Licence
Several fees are involved when renewing a driving licence, including a renewal fee and a medical examination fee. Eyesight tests and medical examinations are not free. The renewal fees may differ depending on the type of driving licence. The application for renewing a driving licence over 70 is free of charge.
| Driving licence | Renewal fee |
| Ten-year driving licence | €55 |
| Five-year bus or truck driving licence | €55 |
| Three-year driving licence | €35 |
| One-year driving licence | Free |
| Category added | €35 |
What to Do If You Lose Your Driving Licence
If your driving licence is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to replace a new driving license. The process is straightforward. Here’s a guide:
Step 1. Report the loss of the driving licence to the police to avoid any possible misuse of your lost licence.
Step 2. Gather necessary documents including a Public Services Card, proof of address, a completed application form, and a statement of loss declaring that your licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
Step 3. Apply for a replacement licence. You can either apply for a replacement licence online on the NDLS website using a verified MyGovID, or in person at an NDLS centre nearby with an appointment. Pay the fee for the replacement of €35.
Step 4. You will receive a replacement driving licence by post in 8 working days.
Bonus Tips: Create an Ireland Driving Licence Photo Online
Instead of spending great money and a long time on photo studios to get a photo for your driver’s licence renewal, you can take one at home cost-free. Creating a compliant photo for your driver’s licence renewal using AiPassportPhotos is time-saving and effort-saving. It is an easy-to-use online photo editing tool backed by AI tech.
Simply take a picture and upload it to the AiPassportPhotos website, and it will crop the photo size and change unwanted backgrounds automatically to meet the driving licence photo requirements 100% compliant.
FAQ
Can I walk into NDLS without an appointment?
No. You must make an appointment in advance with an NDLS centre to renew your driving license in person. There is no walk-in service available. Ensure you have plenty of time to prepare the required documents to present on the appointed day.
Do I need an eye test to renew my Irish driving licence?
Generally, if any eyesight issues, it will be noted in your driving licence medical report form when having a medical examination. You are not required to submit an eyesight report form when renewing your driving licence unless you no longer need glasses or contact lenses to drive, for instance after corrective eye surgery.
Can I drive with an expired driving licence?
No. Driving with an expired driving licence is against the law and there can be penalties for you. Your insurance will also be invalid. It’s essential to wait for NDLS to reissue you a new driving licence before starting to drive again.
Where is the expiry date on an Irish driving licence?
You can find the expiry date in field 4(b) on the front of the driving licence.
Conclusion
It is essential to renew your driver’s licence on time for legal driving. This complete guide covers both online and in-person methods for driving licence renewal in Ireland. It is essential to always keep your driving licence valid and secure. If you lose your licence, unfortunately, report the loss quickly and apply for a replacement to make sure you can drive safely and legally.
Erin Lo