Can you drive in Ireland with a foreign licence?
You can drive in Ireland with a foreign licence. However, how long you can drive, and other requirements, depend on factors such as the country that issued your driver's license and how long you stay in Ireland. Here's a breakdown of the requirements to drive in Ireland under different categories
EU/EEA licences
Foreign licence holders from EE/EEA countries can continue driving in Ireland until their licence expires. That means if you have a licence issued in Germany, you can use it to drive in Ireland until it expires.
However, you can only drive vehicles designated in your foreign driver's licence. Additionally, if you are exchanging a foreign licence in Ireland, you must do so within 10 years of expiration.
Note: EU professional drivers with code 95 CPC noted on their licence cannot exchange it for an Irish one. You must apply for a separate CPC card to the RSA.
UK licences
A UK driver's license is valid for driving when visiting Ireland. If you take up normal residence in Ireland, you must exchange it for an Irish licence. If you don't convert the permit, it becomes invalid, and you cannot use it in Ireland.
Recognised states
Ireland has agreements with some states outside the EU/EEA, and they are designated as “recognised states". If you have a licence from a recognised state, you can drive in Ireland for up to 1 year.
However, if you reside in Ireland, you must exchange your driver's license in Ireland. Under Irish law, you've taken residence if you stay for up to 185 days in each calendar year due to personal and occupational ties.
Countries under the recognised states for an Irish drivers licence are:
If you become a resident in Ireland, you should exchange your licence within one year of its expiration date.
Unrecognised/non-EU states
Foreign driver's licences issued in states outside the EU/EEA and not part of the exchange states are valid for up to 12 months as a visitor. However, you must have an international driving permit from your country.
For example, if you hold a valid, current United States licence and an international driving permit from your own country, you may drive in Ireland for the duration of your temporary visit.
However, if you become a resident, you must apply for an Irish driving licence.
This will require completing the following steps
Passing the driver theory test.
Obtaining an Irish learner permit, which will take precedence over your foreign driver's licence. Once approved, all rules and regulations pertaining to the holder of a learner permit apply
Completing Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons. You might be eligible for a reduced EDT if you've held your foreign driver's licence for more than 2 years before applying for your Irish learner permit.
Pass a driving test
Note: If your current licence from a recognised state or EU/EEA was initially issued in exchange for one from a country with which Ireland does not have an exchange agreement, you might not be eligible to exchange it for an Irish one. In such cases, you must go through the full driving licence process. Always confirm from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) or Ireland National Drivers Licence Service website for details.
What are the steps to convert a foreign driving licence in Ireland?
You can exchange your driving licence in Ireland online or in person. The National Drivers Licence Service in Ireland processes both applications. Here are the steps to follow
Step 1 – Check if your country is on the recognised list
If you are from a non-EEA/EU country, you should first confirm whether your country has an exchange agreement with Ireland. Some countries on this list are Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, South Africa, and New Zealand.
In some countries, such as Canada, the exchange agreement only covers selected states. That means that if you are a Canadian citizen, you can only exchange your driving licence if it was issued in Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, or Saskatchewan.
If you aren't qualified for an exchange in Ireland, you can apply to be a licensed driver in Ireland.
Step 2 – Gather the required documents
Whether you are applying for an Irish driver's licence online or in person, there are some documents you must submit. This includes
A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
Your current or most recent foreign driving licence issued by a recognised state.
Proof of your address dated within the last six months. This is required if your current address differs from what's on the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) database when you applied for a PSC.
Proof of residence in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK/Northern Ireland. You can use an Irish passport/passport card, EU/EEA birth certificate, or current Irish residence permit.
Fully completed eyesight report form D501 dated within one month.
Fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
Completed relevant driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), if required.
Proof of PPS number
Photographic ID
Letter of Entitlement (Required if your foreign licence has expired, or when one or more licence categories do not show a start date)
Note: You need to get a certified driver's licence translation for the application.
Step 3 – Submit your application to NDLS
You can start the application process if you are eligible and have all the documents required to convert a foreign driver's licence in Ireland. Here are the two options
Exchange for an international driving licence online
Visit the NDLS Portal
Log in with your verified MyGovID
Complete the application form
The application fee is €65.00, which can be paid by credit or debit card. Your license is free if you are over 70.
Post your original foreign driving licence to the NDLS as instructed.
Apply for an Irish drivers licence in person
Book an appointment at the nearest NDLS centre. To receive confirmation of your appointment, you will need a valid Irish driver's number or a valid PPS number, as well as a valid email or mobile phone number.
Attend the appointment with all required documents.
Submit and pay the €65.00 application fee. Your licence is free if you are over 70.
Note: NDLS centres operate strictly by appointment; walk-in services are unavailable. Ensure you arrive on time, as late arrivals may need to reschedule. Additionally, payment can only be made via debit/credit card, Google Pay/Apple Pay, or Payzone vouchers.
Step 4: Receive an Ireland driving licence
After you apply for an Irish driving licence, the licensing authority will verify your information and other documents. If approved, the NDLS will issue an Irish licence, which is sent by post.
Additionally, your previous foreign driver's license will be returned to the licensing authority in your home country.
When is certified driving licence translation required?
A certified translation is mandatory if your foreign driving licence or any supporting documents (such as a Letter of Entitlement or Certificate of Professional Competence) are issued in a language other than English or Irish.
This applies to all applications regardless of whether your valid licence is from a recognised state, the EU/EEA, or a non-recognised country.
Additionally, a professional translator or translation company must translate the driver's license and other documents. It should include
A complete and accurate translation of the original document.
A certificate of translation accuracy confirming that the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.
The translator's or translation agency's contact details, signature, stamp, and credentials.
Translayte provides professional and certified translation services in over 150 languages. Our document translation service covers driver's licenses, birth certificates, and passports needed for the Irish driving license conversion
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Common challenges and how to avoid rejection
Although getting an Ireland driving licence is straightforward, simple mistakes can lead to rejection or delays. Here are some things to avoid
Submitting invalid or damaged documents, like your foreign driving license
Using documents with a different name from what's on your international driving license
Trying to exchange driver's license issued in an unrecognised country
Getting to NDLS appointment late
Being banned from driving in your country renders your application for exchange invalid
Submitting documents without a proper certified translation
