Irish Driving Licence Contact Numbers – Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re a brand‑new driver, a seasoned motorist with a few licences under your belt, or someone who’s just lost their card, you’ll eventually need to get in touch with Ireland’s National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). Knowing the right phone number, the best time to call, and what to have on hand can save you minutes – sometimes hours – of waiting on hold.
In this post we’ll walk you through all the official contact numbers, explain when to use each one, give you a handy checklist for a smooth call, and answer the most common questions you might have. By the end, you’ll be equipped to handle any licence‑related issue with confidence.
Why a Dedicated Contact Number Matters
The Irish driving licence system is run by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in partnership with the Department of Transport and an array of local Motor Tax Offices. Each body handles a specific set of services:
| Service | Primary Agency | Typical Reason for Call |
|---|---|---|
| General licence enquiries (status, fees, eligibility) | NDLS (National Driver Licence Service) | “What’s the status of my licence application?” |
| Lost, stolen or damaged licence replacement | NDLS – Lost/Replacement team | “I need a new licence after it was stolen.” |
| Driving test scheduling / cancellations | Road Safety Authority (RSA) – Test Booking Unit | “I need to change my driving test date.” |
| Medical fitness for driving | National Driver Licence Service – Medical team | “I’ve had eye surgery – do I need a medical report?” |
| Appeals & complaints | RSA – Customer Services | “My licence was rejected – how do I appeal?” |
| Motor Tax & registration queries | Local Motor Tax Office | “I need to update my address on my vehicle registration.” |
Having the right number means you talk directly to the people who can resolve your issue – no more endless transfers or “please call back later.” Below, you’ll find every official line, the hours they operate, and the best way to reach them.
Official Irish Driving Licence Phone Numbers (2025)
| Department | Phone Number (Ireland) | International | Opening Hours (Mon‑Fri) | Typical Call Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Driver Licence Service – General Enquiries | 01 570 4800 | +353 1 570 4800 | 08:30‑17:00 | 5‑10 min |
| NDLS – Lost / Stolen / Damaged Licence | 01 570 4800 (option 2) | +353 1 570 4800 | 08:30‑17:00 | 7‑12 min |
| RSA – Driving Test Booking & Rescheduling | 01 666 5550 | +353 1 666 5550 | 09:00‑16:30 | 5‑8 min |
| RSA – Medical Fitness & Vision Reports | 01 666 5550 (option 3) | +353 1 666 5550 | 09:00‑16:30 | 8‑15 min |
| RSA – Appeals & Complaints | 01 666 5550 (option 4) | +353 1 666 5550 | 09:00‑16:30 | 10‑20 min |
| Local Motor Tax Office – General Vehicle Queries | Varies by county – see table below | Varies | 09:00‑17:00 | 5‑10 min |
| Road Safety Authority (RSA) – General Information | 01 666 5550 (option 1) | +353 1 666 5550 | 09:00‑16:30 | 3‑5 min |
Tip: The NDLS line is a single number; choose the appropriate option when prompted. Most callers find it faster to press the relevant option straight away rather than waiting for an operator.
Local Motor Tax Office Numbers (by region)
| Region | Office Location | Phone | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin (Central) | 34 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 | 01 706 5000 | 09:00‑17:00 |
| Cork | 1 Dublin Street, Cork | 021 423 1000 | 09:00‑16:30 |
| Galway | 5 Crown Street, Galway | 091 574 7000 | 09:00‑16:30 |
| Limerick | 10 Civic Office, Limerick | 061 520 6000 | 09:00‑16:30 |
| Waterford | 8 Cork Road, Waterford | 051 945 2000 | 09:00‑16:30 |
| Donegal | 3 Market Square, Donegal | 074 923 9000 | 09:00‑16:30 |
| All other counties | See the RSA website’s Motor Tax Office Finder | +353 1 666 5550 (central RSA) | 09:00‑16:30 |
How to Prepare Before You Call
A quick pre‑call checklist lowers the chance of being put on hold for additional information.
- Licence Number (or Application Reference) – 8‑digit personal licence number or the reference you received after applying.
- Photo ID – You’ll be asked to confirm your name, address, and date of birth. Keep your passport, PDN, or existing licence handy.
- Proof of Address – Recent utility bill or bank statement (if you’re changing details).
- Medical Documents – If you’re calling about a health‑related restriction, have any certificates ready.
- Payment Details – For replacement or new licences, you may need to confirm the fee (currently €33 for a standard replacement, €55 for a full licence). Have a credit/debit card number available if you’ll be paying over the phone.
- Preferred Call‑Back Time – If the line is busy, note the best time you can be reached. RSA sometimes offers a callback service for waiting callers.
- A Quiet Environment – Reduce background noise; it helps both you and the operator.
Having these items at the ready usually makes the call finish within the “Typical Call Duration” shown in the table above.
Step‑by‑Step: Calling for a Lost or Stolen Licence
Below is a short, actionable walkthrough. Use it the next time your licence goes missing.
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dial 01 570 4800 (or +353 1 570 4800) | Connects you to the NDLS hub. |
| 2 | When asked, press 2 for “Lost / Stolen / Damaged” | Routes you to the specialist team. |
| 3 | Verify your identity – state full name, DOB, licence number | Confirms you are the legitimate holder. |
| 4 | Declare the loss – give a brief description of when/where it disappeared | Helps the system flag possible fraud. |
| 5 | Provide a postal address for the new licence to be sent | The replacement is mailed to the address on record. |
| 6 | Pay the €33 replacement fee using your card | The payment is processed instantly; you’ll receive a receipt by email. |
| 7 | Ask for a reference number and note it down | This is your proof of the transaction and can be used for follow‑up. |
| 8 | End the call – you’ll receive the new licence within 5‑7 working days. | Gives you a clear timeline and peace of mind. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 – What’s the fastest way to check the status of my licence application?
A: Call the NDLS General Enquiries line at 01 570 4800 and choose option 1. Provide your licence reference, and the operator can instantly tell you whether the licence is “in processing,” “awaiting documents,” or “ready for collection.” You can also track status online via the RSA portal using your PDN (Personal Digital Number).
Q2 – I’m overseas and need a replacement licence. Can I still call?
A: Yes. Use the international version of the number (+353 1 570 4800). You’ll be asked for an overseas mailing address; the RSA will courier the replacement to most EU/EEA destinations free of charge. For non‑EU countries, an additional €15 postage fee applies.
Q3 – How long does it take to schedule a driving test?
A: Slots are allocated on a first‑come‑first‑served basis. After you call the RSA Test Booking line (01 666 5550, option 2), you can usually secure a date within 2‑4 weeks. If you need an emergency test (e.g., for a medical requirement), request a “priority” slot – a limited number are released each month.
Q4 – My licence shows a medical restriction I don’t recognise. Who can clarify?
A: Contact the RSA Medical Fitness team (01 666 5550, option 3). Have any recent medical reports handy; the team can either confirm the restriction or advise you on the steps to have it removed.
Q5 – I received a “License Not Received” notice after paying for a replacement. What should I do?
A: Call the NDLS Lost/ Stolen line with your reference number. It usually indicates a delivery failure (e.g., wrong address). They’ll verify the address and, if needed, re‑send the licence at no extra charge.
Q6 – Are there dedicated numbers for hearing‑impaired callers?
A: Yes. The RSA operates a Text Relay Service (TRS) – dial 1800 555 123 (free) and follow the prompts to speak with a live agent via text. This service is available during the same opening hours as the standard lines.
Q7 – Can I change my name on the licence after marriage?
A: Absolutely. Call the NDLS General Enquiries line, provide a Marriage Certificate or Civil Partnership Certificate, and pay a €15 name‑change fee. The updated licence will be mailed within 5‑7 days.
Q8 – What if I need a licence urgently for work travel?
A: Request an Express Replacement (available for €55). The RSA can issue a provisional licence within 48 hours, which you can collect from your nearest Motor Tax Office. Confirm availability when you call.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | Phone | Option | Best Time to Call | What to Have |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General licence questions | 01 570 4800 | 1 | 09:00‑11:00 | Licence number, PDN |
| Replace lost/stolen licence | 01 570 4800 | 2 | 08:30‑10:30 | ID, address, card for payment |
| Driving test booking | 01 666 5550 | 2 | 09:30‑11:30 | Learner permit number |
| Medical fitness query | 01 666 5550 | 3 | 10:00‑12:00 | Medical reports |
| Appeals/complaints | 01 666 5550 | 4 | 13:00‑15:00 | Reference number, supporting docs |
| Motor tax office (local) | See regional table | – | 09:30‑16:00 | Vehicle registration, proof of address |
| Hearing‑impaired (TRS) | 1800 555 123 | – | Any opening hour | Licence number, written notes |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling the wrong department – The RSA and NDLS share similar numbers; always double‑check the option you need before the call connects.
- Not having your reference number – Operators cannot locate your file without it; you’ll be sent back to the start.
- Calling outside business hours – The lines close at 17:00 (or 16:30 for RSA). You’ll get a recorded message with a callback request form.
- Skipping the payment preparation – If you’re asked to pay and you don’t have a card ready, the call may be dropped and you’ll have to start again.
- Ignoring the email confirmation – Many services send an email receipt that doubles as proof; keep it for future reference.
Final Thoughts – You’re Now Ready
Navigating bureaucratic phone trees can feel like a test of patience, but with the right numbers, a clear purpose, and a quick pre‑call checklist, the process becomes painless. Keep this guide bookmarked, print out the tables, and store the numbers in your phone’s contacts under “Driving Licence – RSA” and “Driving Licence – NDLS.”
Remember:
- General enquiries → 01 570 4800 (option 1)
- Lost/Stolen licence → 01 570 4800 (option 2)
- Driving test → 01 666 5550 (option 2)
- Medical fitness → 01 666 5550 (option 3)
If you ever feel stuck, the RSA’s online portal (www.rsa.ie) also offers live chat and email support, but the phone route remains the fastest for urgent matters.
Safe driving, and may your licence always be where you expect it to be! 🚗💨