Before you get behind the wheel of a car in Ireland, you need a driving licence. Your licence also needs to be current or ‘in date’, and that means, that sooner or later, you’re going to renew it.
We’ve pulled together a guide, featuring the need-to-knows, the costs involved, the documentation required, and when you’ll need to renew.
How do I renew my driving licence?
Renewing your driving licence can be done in person or online. While the fee remains the same whichever choice you make, the required documents for each varies.
If applying online, you’ll need:
- A Public Services Card (PSC) and verified MyGovID1.
- Proof of address dated within the last six months, if it differs from the one provided when you applied for your PSC.
- Proof that you’re normally resident in Ireland, if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
- The application fee of €55.00.
The document requirements for Learner Drivers looking to renew their learner permit is the same, although the fee is €35.00. If you’re applying for a third or subsequent learner permit, you must have taken and failed a driving test in the previous two years or have made an application for a driving test in order to renew. Proof of whichever applies to you will be needed.
If applying in person,
you’ll have to set up an appointment at your local National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre – the locations of which you’ll find here – you’ll need to bring:
- Your current or most recent driving licence. If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged you must bring valid photo ID.
- Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN).
- Proof of address dated within the last six months, if it it’s not on your lost, stolen or damaged license and differs from the one provided when you applied for your PSC.
- Proof that you’re normally resident in Ireland, if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
- The application fee of €55.00.
For learner drivers, the fee is €35.00, and proof of a failed driving test in the previous two years or an application for a driving test will be required if it’s a third or subsequent permit.
When do I need to renew?
The first piece of important information to note is that you can apply to renew a licence within three months of its expiry date. Your expiry date is, of course, listed on your licence. If you want to learn more about all the information displayed on your licence, read our article.
As a general rule, for those under the age of 60 when applying, a full licence will be valid for 10 years. Learner permits are valid for two years, on the first and second issuing; thereafter, your prior test record or future test plans will determine whether it lasts for one or two years.
Anything else?
Medical Report Forms
There is one more document that you might need: a fully completed medical report form, dated within a month. This doesn’t apply to everyone, but rather those who have specific identified conditions. You can find details on whether or not you would require a medical report form on the NDLS website.
One such example is for those aged over 70, but there’s good news, too; for all applications, over 70, you won’t need to pay the application fee!
As you may well have spotted, the NDLS website is a great resource for anything regarding your driving license; from updating your personal details to information on adding a category to your current licence.
Once you’re ready for the road, why not embrace the full benefit of your licence and take one of the most scenic driving routes in Ireland.
When you’ve taken care of your licence, let us look after your car insurance. Get 15% off when you buy online. Get your quote today.2
We encourage our customers, where possible, to make use of our online options to access any help you need. If you have a query you can reach us via our contact forms. MyAviva is an online self-service portal available to all our home and car insurance customers.
