Losing your driving licence can be incredibly frustrating. You may retrace your steps, turn your house inside out, and call up lost-and-found, but when it’s gone, it’s gone. It’s important to be familiar with what to do next, so you can minimise the inconvenience, replace your lost driving licence and get back to driving.
The most important thing to do when you’ve discovered you’ve lost your licence is to apply for a replacement driving licence. We’ve gathered all the information you need to know to replace a stolen or lost driving licence below, so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
How to apply for a replacement driving licence
The good news is that it’s very easy to apply for a replacement driving licence in Ireland. You can either apply online at the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS)’s website or in person at any of the 34 NDLS centres nationwide.
To apply online, you must have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGov ID. You can find more information about these on their respective websites; gov.ie and mygovid.ie.
To apply in person, you need to make an appointment at an NDLS centre. You can book your appointment online up to six weeks in advance, so you can find a time that suits.
What documents do I need for my driving licence?
Whichever way you choose to apply for your replacement driving licence, there are a number of documents you need. It’s important to ensure you have these ready to go before applying, as not doing so could result in your application being delayed.
The documents you need for an online application for a lost or stolen driving licence are:
- A completed Garda declaration form, which must be witnessed and stamped at a station by a member of An Garda Síochána
- Proof of address dated within the last six months if your address differs from the one on your lost licence
- A fully completed medical report form if there has been a change in your medical details since you applied for your last licence
If you choose to apply in person, you will also need:
- Photo ID
- Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN)
What are the fees?
The fee for replacing a lost or stolen licence is €35. You can pay by credit or debit card.
If your lost driving licence was out of date, you will need to apply for a new licence. The fees for new licences are as follows:
- Ten-year driving licence - €55
- Five-year bus or truck driving licence -€55
- Three-year driving licence - €35
- One-year driving licence (medical grounds) - Free
- Learner permit - €35
Driving licence rules in Ireland
It’s the law in Ireland that any one driving a vehicle must carry their licence with them at all times. Failure to produce your licence or permit when asked by a member of the Gardaí is an offence.
If there were any special driving licence codes on your original licence, such as an indication of glasses or hearing aids, these codes will also be present on your replacement driving licence.
Once you’ve sorted your replacement driving licence, it’s time to get back on the road. Check out our other articles to discover car maintenance tips, destinations for your next road trip, and more.
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