How to Change Your Address on a Irish Driving Licence – A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Moving house? Changing your name after marriage? Whatever the reason, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) expects you to keep the address on your driving licence up to date. Failing to do so can lead to fines, delays when you need to renew, and even complications if you’re stopped by the Gardaí.
This article walks you through everything you need to know, from the legal requirement to the exact paperwork, fees and timelines. You’ll find handy tables, checklists and a FAQ section at the end so you can update your licence with confidence – no guess‑work required.
1. Why Updating Your Address Matters
| Reason | What Happens If You Don’t Update | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Road‑safety communications (e.g., recall notices, penalty points) | You may miss crucial information, leading to unknowingly accumulating penalty points. | Road Traffic Act 1961, Section 15 |
| Renewal & replacement | The RSA will send renewal reminders to the old address, causing delays and possible expiry. | Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 2006 |
| Insurance | Insurers often check the address on your licence; mismatches can invalidate a claim. | Central Bank (Consumer Protection) Regulations 2020 |
| Legal compliance | You could be fined up to €75 for an inaccurate licence. | Road Traffic (General) Regulations 1996, Reg. 2(3) |
Keeping the address current isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal obligation.
2. Who Must Notify the RSA?
- All licence holders – private cars, motorcycles, mopeds, commercial licences, learner permits, and provisional licences.
- People who have moved within Ireland (county or city change).
- People who moved abroad but still hold an Irish licence – you must still keep the Irish address up to date, though you can also add a foreign address on the “Correspondence” field if you wish.
3. When Must You Update?
The RSA requires you to notify them within 28 days of moving. The clock starts on the day you take up residence at the new address.
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder for the day after you move. A quick online application takes less than 10 minutes, so there’s no excuse to delay.
4. How to Change Your Address
You have two main routes:
| Method | How It Works | Typical Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (RSA MyAccount) | Log in with your licence number, password and a security code sent to your email/phone. Fill in the new address and upload a proof of residence. | 3–5 working days (often sooner) | €0 (free) |
| In‑person (local RSA office or post office) | Complete a Form D 156 (Change of Address) and submit with supporting documents. | 7–10 working days | €30 (replacement licence fee) |
4.1 Online Process – Step‑by‑Step
- Gather Required Documents – You’ll need a digital copy (PDF, JPG, or PNG) of a recent utility bill, bank statement, or local authority rate notice (must show your name and the new address, and be dated within the last three months).
- Log Into MyAccount
- Go to the RSA website → MyAccount → “Sign In”.
- If you don’t have an account, click “Create Account” and follow the prompts (you’ll need your licence number, date of birth, and a valid email address).
- Select “Update Address”
- Choose “Change Address” from the menu.
- Enter the new address exactly as it appears on official correspondence (including county, Eircode, and any apartment/unit number).
- Upload Proof of Residence
- Click “Add Document” and attach the file.
- The RSA validates the document automatically; if there’s a problem, you’ll receive an email within 24 hours.
- Confirm and Submit
- Review all details. Once satisfied, click “Submit”.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
- Receive Updated Licence
- The RSA sends a new licence card by post to the updated address.
- If you need the licence urgently, you can request a ‘fast‑track’ service for an additional €15 (delivery within 48 hours).
4.2 In‑Person Process – Step‑by‑Step
- Download or Pick Up Form D 156 – Available on the RSA website or at any local RSA office.
- Complete the Form – Fill in:
- Licence number
- Full name (as on the licence)
- Old address (for reference)
- New address (including Eircode)
- Signature and date
- Prepare Supporting Documents – Same as online: a recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax demand notice (original or certified copy).
- Visit an RSA Office or Participating Post Office
- Bring the completed form, supporting docs, and €30 (cash or card) for the replacement licence.
- Submit and Pay
- The clerk will verify your documents, process the change, and issue a temporary paper licence while the new card is printed.
- Collect Your New Card
- Usually ready within 7 days; you’ll be given a collection slip. Some offices offer a same‑day pick‑up for an extra €10.
5. What Documents Are Acceptable?
| Document Type | Example | Must Show | Issue Date Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Bill | Electricity, gas, water, broadband | Your name + new address | ≤ 3 months |
| Bank Statement | Current account, credit card | Your name + new address | ≤ 3 months |
| Council Tax Bill | Local authority demand notice | Your name + new address | ≤ 3 months |
| Tenancy Agreement | Signed lease | Both parties’ names + address | ≤ 12 months |
| Driving Licence (old) | Not a proof of address, but required for identification | — | — |
Tip: The RSA does not accept expired documents, photocopies without a certified stamp, or documents that do not display the full address (e.g., “County Dublin” without a specific street).
6. Special Situations
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Moving abroad but keeping Irish licence | Update the Irish address to your last Irish residence (to satisfy RSA requirements) and add a foreign correspondence address in the “Additional Notes” field via MyAccount. |
| Lost or damaged licence after moving | Apply for a replacement (Form D 156) and include your new address in the same application. |
| Changing address for a company‑held commercial licence | The company must submit a Form D 156 signed by an authorised director, plus a copy of the Companies Registration Office (CRO) certificate showing the new registered office. |
| Under 18 (learner’s permit) | Parents or legal guardians can complete the address change on the learner’s permit, but the minor must also sign the form once they turn 17. |
| Multiple addresses (e.g., primary residence + seasonal home) | The RSA only allows one official address. Choose the address where you spend the majority of your time, or where your official correspondence (tax, voting) is sent. |
7. Costs & Fees – Quick Reference
| Service | Fee | When to Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Online address change (no replacement) | €0 | At submission (free) |
| Replacement licence (postal) | €30 | When you collect or order the new card |
| Fast‑track delivery (online) | +€15 | Optional, added at checkout |
| Same‑day in‑person collection | +€10 | Pay at the office |
| Additional documentation (certified copies) | Varies (usually €5–€10 per copy) | At the certifying agency |
8. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Spelling errors in the address – Double‑check every line, especially the Eircode. A single typo can delay delivery.
- Using an outdated proof of residence – The RSA rejects anything older than three months. Keep a recent bill handy before you move.
- Forgetting to update the address on other documents – After you change your driving licence, also update your car registration (VRT) and insurance policies.
- Submitting an unsigned Form D 156 – The signature line is mandatory; an unsigned form will be returned.
- Assuming the old licence remains valid – Once the RSA processes the change, the old card is cancelled. You must carry the new card at all times.
9. Checklist – Ready to Change Your Address?
- Proof of residence (utility bill, bank statement, council tax) dated within the last 3 months.
- Form D 156 (downloaded or printed).
- Current driving licence (to verify identity).
- Payment method (€30 for replacement, plus any optional fees).
- Eircode of the new address (verify on eircode.ie).
- MyAccount login (if you choose the online route).
Having this checklist on your phone or printed will keep you organized and prevent last‑minute trips to the RSA office.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does it take to receive the new licence after I submit the online application?
A: Most online applications are processed within 3–5 working days. If you opt for the fast‑track service, the card arrives in 48 hours.
Q2. Can I change my address without receiving a new licence card?
A: No. The RSA automatically issues a new licence card reflecting the updated address. The old card is cancelled for security reasons.
Q3. I moved only a few months ago and my utility bill still shows the old address. What can I use?
A: Acceptable alternatives include a recent bank statement, a council tax demand notice, or a tenancy agreement signed within the last year.
Q4. I’m a commercial driver. Do I need to inform my employer as well?
A: Yes. The employer must update the driver’s address in the company’s HR system and, where relevant, notify the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) if the driver holds a C or D class licence.
Q5. What if I forget to change my address within 28 days?
A: You risk a €75 fine if stopped by the Gardaí and your licence address does not match your current residence. It’s best to act promptly.
Q6. Can I change my address by phone?
A: No. The RSA requires a written application (online form or Form D 156) plus supporting documents. Phone support can answer queries but cannot process the change.
Q7. Is there a way to expedite a replacement licence if I need it urgently for a job interview?
A: Yes. Choose the same‑day collection option at an RSA office for an additional €10, or use the fast‑track delivery online for €15.
Q8. Do I need to inform the Department of Transport (DoT) separately?
A: No. The RSA is the authority responsible for driving licences, and updating your address with them automatically updates the DoT’s records.
Q9. Are there any age‑related restrictions for changing the address on a learner’s permit?
A: Learner’s permits must be held by the individual who will eventually obtain a full licence. A parent or guardian can complete the address change on behalf of a minor, but the minor must sign the form once they turn 17.
Q10. What happens if I move abroad permanently?
A: You should still maintain a valid Irish address for the licence (e.g., a family member’s address) and can add an overseas correspondence address via MyAccount. If you intend to surrender the licence, you can apply for a “voluntary surrender” through the RSA.
11. Final Thoughts
Keeping your driving licence address current is a small administrative task that pays big dividends: you stay legally compliant, avoid unnecessary fines, and ensure that the RSA can reach you when it matters most. Whether you prefer the convenience of an online update or the reassuring face‑to‑face interaction at a local office, the steps are straightforward and the costs modest.
Take a few minutes today, gather the required documents, and tick the checklist off. Your future self (and perhaps a vigilant Garda) will thank you.
Ready to get started?
- Online: Visit https://www.rsa.ie/myaccount and click Change Address.
- In‑person: Find your nearest RSA office here: https://www.rsa.ie/contact-us/locations
Safe driving, and happy moving!