How to exchange a foreign driving licence in Ireland

What it is

When you live in Ireland (normally resident: at least 185 days a year), you should drive on an Irish licence. EU and EEA licences stay valid. For other licences, it depends on where yours is from:

• Recognised states: you exchange your licence through the NDLS (National Driver Licence Service), without a test.
• Everywhere else: you can't exchange it. You get an Irish licence by going through the learner process.

Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months; that's not meant for people who live here.

Is your licence from a recognised state?

The list includes the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and some Canadian provinces (for example Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta). Check the full list on the RSA website before you start.

Not on it (for example the United States, India, Brazil or most of Asia, Africa and Latin America)? See Learning to drive in Ireland below.

Before you start

You'll need:

• Your foreign licence.
• A letter of entitlement from the country that issued it, if your licence is expired, lost, stolen or damaged (translated into English if needed).
• An eyesight report from an optician or doctor (needed for licences from outside the EU/EEA), or a medical report if you have a condition that needs one.
• Proof of your residence in Ireland.
• Your PPS number and photo ID.

Steps

1. Book an NDLS appointment online.
2. Bring your documents and your foreign licence, and have your photo and signature taken.
3. Hand over your foreign licence.
4. Receive your Irish licence by post.

Learning to drive in Ireland

If your licence can't be exchanged:

1. Pass the driver theory test.
2. Apply for a learner permit at the NDLS.
3. Take Essential Driver Training: a reduced course of 6 lessons if you held a foreign licence, instead of 12.
4. Pass the driving test, then apply for your full licence.

Start early: the theory test, lessons and test dates can take months.

Cost

An NDLS fee, shown when you book. The learner route costs more (theory test, permit, lessons and driving test).

Common pitfalls

• Assuming a US or Indian licence can be swapped. It can't: start the learner process early.
• Letting your foreign licence expire. You'll then need a letter of entitlement.
• Driving on the learner permit unaccompanied. Learner rules apply to you too.

When to ask a helper

Ask someone from your country who got their Irish licence recently: they'll know which documents the NDLS asked for and how long the test wait was.