From 1 January 2021 if you are resident in Ireland and hold a UK/NI driving licence it is no longer valid to drive on here in Ireland. It is not legal for driving purposes and must therefore be exchanged.
As a visitor to Ireland you can drive on a driving licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to one year provided the driving licence is current and valid. However, on taking up 'normal residence' in Ireland you must either exchange your driving licence or apply for a driving licence in Ireland.
For FAQ’s on Brexit and driving licence exchange please click here.
A UK/NI driving licence is regarded as a licence from a ‘recognised state’ for exchange purposes and the following rules apply;
- A UK/NI driving licence will not be accepted for exchange if it has expired for more than one year. If it is expired over a year applicants will need to apply for a theory test and learner permit.
- A UK/NI exchange application must be accompanied by an eyesight report unless it is accompanied by a medical report
- If you hold a UK licence you will be contacted by the NDLS to provide a check code so your licence details can be verified. Learn more about sharing your driving licence details here.
To apply online to exchange a UK or Northern Ireland driving licence
As there is currently a delay with verification of UK driving licences by their licensing authority, this will result in a delay processing the exchange of these licences in Ireland. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
You can now quickly and easily exchange your UK/NI licence for an Irish licence online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is the following:
- A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
- Current or most recent UK/NI driving licence (to be submitted by post to the address provided to you during the online application process). If your licence is lost or expired by less than one year or does not have a category start date, you will need to submit an original letter of entitlement/driver statement from the relevant licensing authority
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address is not recorded on your permit and it differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a PSC.
- Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
- Fully completed eyesight report form dated within one month is required unless your application is accompanied by a medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
- Completed CPC is required where the driver is under 24 and exchanging a D or DE, and under 21 where exchanging a C or CE.
- If exchanging a NI licence it must be accompanied by the counterpart
- If exchanging a UK licence you will be contacted by the NDLS to provide a check code so your licence details can be verified. Learn more about sharing your driving licence details here.
- Your application fee of €55.00. You can pay by credit or debit card. If you are 70 years and over you are exempt from paying the fee.
Please note: not surrendering your UK/NI licence or Letter of Entitlement promptly once you have completed the online application, will result in your application being rejected.
As there is currently a delay with verification of UK driving licences by their licensing authority, this will result in a delay processing the exchange of these licences in Ireland. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre.
To apply in person at an NDLS centre you will need the following:
- Current or most recent UK/NI driving licence (if your licence is lost or expired by less than one year or does not have a category start date, you will need to provide an original letter of entitlement/driver statement from the relevant licensing authority)
- Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN)
- Photographic I.D.
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address is not recorded on your permit and it differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a PSC.
- Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
- Fully completed eyesight report form dated within one month is required unless your application is accompanied by a medical report
- Fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
- Completed relevant (CPC) training, if driving professionally
- If exchanging a NI licence it must be accompanied by the counterpart
- If exchanging a UK licence you will be contacted by the NDLS to provide a check code so your licence details can be verified. Learn more about sharing your driving licence details here.
- Your application fee of €55.00. You can only pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or Payzone voucher. If you are aged 70 years or over you are exempt from paying the fee.
You can apply in person at any of the 34 National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres nationwide.
It is important to note that some categories on your UK/NI driving licence may have UK National Codes associated with them, which may mean these particular categories are not transferable to an Irish licence. For more details see below.
Category D1 and D1E Licences with Code 1 or code 101 (not for hire or reward)
The licence for minibus (category D1) and minibus with trailer attached (D1E category) with code 1 or Code 101 indicating “not for hire or reward” (nfhr) which was granted in the UK/NI is not transferable when you exchange it for an Irish driving licence as this was a national category in the UK and only valid to drive in the UK.
However, if you are the holder of a category D1 and D1E driving licence without these codes they are transferable to your driving licence provided you submit a medical report with your application.
Category EC1 Licence with Code 107
The licence for light articulated truck
(EC1 category) with Code 107 was granted in the UK/NI and is not transferable when you exchange
your UK/NI licence for an Irish one, as there is not an equivalent category in Ireland.
Category EC Licence with Code 102The licence for articulated truck (EC category) with Code 102 was granted in the UK/NI and is not transferable when you exchange your UK/NI licence for an Irish one, as there is not an equivalent category in Ireland.