Converting a Foreign Driver's Licence in Ireland

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 some factors like 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 it 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. 

You must also have taken up normal residence in Ireland before you can convert a foreign driving licence. 

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. However, you can only use it for up to 1 year. 

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.

Recommended Reading 

How to Get an International Driving Permit in the UK

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. According to Ireland rules, you've taken residence if you stay up to 185 days each calendar year due to personal and occupational ties. 

Countries under the recognised states for Irish drivers licence are:

• Australia
• Canada, Alberta Province
• Canada, British Columbia Province
• Canada, Manitoba Province
• Canada, New Brunswick Province
• Canada, Newfoundland & Labrador Province
• Canada, Ontario Province
• Canada, Saskatchewan State

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 licence 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 licence from the United States, and you hold 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 license. 

This will require completing the following steps

• Passing the driver theory test.
• Obtaining an Irish learner permit.
• Completing Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons.
• 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 that Ireland does not have an exchange agreement with, you might not be eligible to exchange it for an Irish one. In such cases, you must go through the full driving licence process.

Recommended Reading 

Do I need an International Driver's Permit to Drive in Europe?

Who needs to convert or exchange their licence in Ireland?

Depending on your nationality, you can use your international driver's licence in Ireland for specific periods. However, you need to exchange your Irish driving permit if you are 

• A national of a recognised state staying longer than 12 months in Ireland.
• A non-EU/EEA national working or studying in Ireland and part of a recognised state.
• An expired international EU/EEA driving licence holder.

Note: The requirements for foreign licence holders to convert it to Irish one might differ in each case. Always confirm from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) or Ireland National Drivers License Service website for details. 

Recommended Reading

How to Become an Irish Citizen Through Naturalization

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 License Service in Ireland processes both applications. Here are the steps to follow 

source

Step 1 – Check if your country is on the recognised list

If you are from a non-EEA/EU country, you should first confirm if they have an exchange agreement with Ireland. Some countries on this list are Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, South Africa, and New Zealand. 

For some countries like Canada, the exchange agreement only covers selected states. That means, if you are a Canadian citizen, you can only exchange your driving licence if issued in Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador and 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.

Note: You need to get a certified drivers licence translation for the application. 

Documents such as birth certificates and passports not issued in Ireland must also be translated into Irish.

Step 3 – Submit your application to NDLS

You can start the application process if you are eligible and have all the documents required for converting 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 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 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. 

source

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 drivers 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. 

Pro Tip: Use certified translation services in Ireland with 100% acceptance and a fast turnaround time. This ensures you get high-quality translation and certification and avoid rejection during the NDLS application process.

Recommended Reading 

How To Get An Apostille On Documents Issued In Ireland

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

Pro Tip: Confirm country and document requirements before starting your application.

source

How Translayte supports licence conversion applications in Ireland 

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 Irish driving license conversion. Here's how we help you with this process

• Translayte provides certified, official translations with 100% acceptance by Irish and global authorities.
• All translation is done by authorised translator with experience in translating documents into Irish.
• We provide same-day delivery options within 12-24 hours.
• Our ordering process is online and easy, with multiple payment options.
• Transparent translation rates starting at $25 per page

With a 4.6-star rating from over 9000 reviews on Trustpilot, Translayte is a reliable certified translation company for driving licence conversion in Ireland.

Get a free quote for your certified translation services today.