How to renew your driving licence

Introduction

You can renew your driver licence online. You must have a Public Services Card and a MyGovID verified account. You renew your licence in person at an NDLS centre to. You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre.

This page explains how to renew your driving licence. You find out what to do if your licence is lost, stolen, or damaged.

The Road Safety Authority has responsibility for driver licensing. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) manages licence applications and renewals.

Rules

You can apply to renew your driving licence if is expiring within 3 months or it expired less than 10 years ago.

If your licence expired more than 10 years ago, you must complete a Driver Theory Test and then apply for a learner driver permit.

How to renew a driving licence?

There are 2 ways that you can renew your driving licence.

  1. Online at NDLS.ie, or
  2. In person by booking an appointment at an NDLS centre.

Apply online

To renew your driving licence online, you will need:

  • A Public Services Card* (PSC) and verified MyGovID
  • Proof of your address dated within the last 6 months if your address is different to the one you provided when you got your Public Services Card
  • Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU or EEA citizen
  • A medical report form dated within one month if required
  • Application fee of €55 (unless you are 70 or over)

*If your PSC photo is over 10 years old, you must renew it on MyWelfare first using a verified MyGovID. Then apply online at ndls.ie to renew your driving licence.

Apply in person

If you cannot renew your licence online, you must apply to an NDLS centre in person. You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre.

You do not have to provide photographs with your application, your photo and signature will be digitally recorded.

You no longer need to complete an application form. See guidance notes on applying for a Driving Licence and Applying for a Learner Permit on ndls.ie.

You must bring the following documentation with you when renewing your driving licence:

  • Your current or most recent driving licence. If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged you must also bring a valid photo ID with you.
  • Proof of your PPS number
  • The appropriate fee - see ‘What is the cost of renewing a driving licence’ below
  • Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU or EEA citizen
  • Proof of address, dated within the last 6 months is required if your current address is not recorded on your lost, stolen or damaged permit and it differs from the one you provided when you got your Public Services Card
  • A Driving Licence Medical Report Form, dated within one month if required (see below)
  • A Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form, if required (see below)

Medical report form

You will need a Driving Licence Medical Report Form if you are applying for driving licence categories C, C1, D, D1, CE, C1E, DE or D1E (buses and trucks), unless you previously provided a medical report which is still applicable.

You will need a Driving Licence Medical Report Form if you are applying for driving licence categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE or W (motorcycles, cars and work vehicles) if you have a specific disability or condition (see application form).

If you are 75 or over, you will need a certification of fitness to drive from your doctor to apply for a 3-year or a one-year licence. You can read the medical fitness to drive guidelines (pdf).

You can download the medical report form (pdf) (it must be printed back to back on one page). A registered medical practitioner should complete your medical examination and then complete the form. You must sign the declaration on the medical report form in the presence of the registered medical practitioner. It must be submitted within 1 month of the medical examination.

Eyesight report form

Generally, your medical practitioner will report any eyesight issues in the Driving Licence Medical Report Form.

However, you will need a Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form if you no longer need glasses or contact lenses to drive (for example, if you've had laser eye surgery).

You can download the eyesight report form (pdf) (pages 1 and 2 should be printed back to back on one page). It is also available from NDLS centres. It must be submitted within 1 month of completion.

Medical fitness guidelines and health information leaflets

You can get medical fitness guidelines and forms on the NDLS website. There are also health and driving information leaflets. The leaflets have information to help drivers with medical and other conditions.

How long is a driving licence valid?

Period of Driving Licence

Licence Categories

10 years

Group 1 - Motorcycles, Cars and Tractors

5 years

Group 2 - Buses, Trucks and Articulated Vehicles

Your age and medical fitness will decide the duration of licence which can be issued.

Age

Licence Term

Under 65 years

Maximum* 10 year licence - Cars and Motorcycles or

Maximum* 5 year licence - Trucks and Buses

 

65 - 71 years

A licence which will expire on the eve of your 75th birthday at the latest. However please note that any group 2 categories (trucks and buses) will be for a maximum of five years which could expire before the driver turns 75.

72 - 74 years

3 year licence

75 or over

3 year licence or 1 year licence (subject to certification of fitness to drive by your doctor)

What is the cost of renewing a driving licence?

You can see the renewal rates below:

Driving licence

Cost

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

Category added

€35

If you are aged 70 or over, when your driving licence is due to expire you will receive a renewal reminder in the post. There is no fee to renew your driving licence.

Any required eyesight tests or medical examinations are not free of charge.

More information

More information is available on the National Driver Licence Service website.

You can find information on:

National Driver Licence Service

Po Box 858
Southside Delivery Office
Cork
Ireland

Opening Hours: Lines open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (excluding Public Holidays) and Saturdays 9am – 1pm.
Tel: 0818 700 800

Road Safety Authority (RSA)

Moy Business Park
Primrose Hill
Ballina
Co Mayo
Ireland

Page edited: 26 March 2024