Changing the Address on Your Irish Driving Licence – A Complete Guide
If you’ve recently moved house, changed your county of residence, or simply need to update the address on your driving licence, you’re in the right place. This step‑by‑step guide walks you through everything you need to know about changing the address on a driving licence in Ireland – from legal obligations and the paperwork required, to the quickest ways to get it done and what happens if you ignore the rule.
1. Why Updating Your Address Matters
| Reason | What It Means for You | Potential Consequence if Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Legal compliance | Irish law (Road Traffic Acts) requires the address on your licence to be current. | Fine of up to €250 and possible invalidation of the licence. |
| Safety & emergency services | Accurate address helps police and emergency responders locate you quickly. | Delays in contacting you in accidents or traffic stops. |
| Insurance premiums | Insurers use your address to calculate risk. | Higher premiums or denied claims if the address is outdated. |
| Official correspondence | All notices (e.g., renewal reminders, penalty notices) are sent to the address on file. | Missed notices could lead to missed deadlines or additional penalties. |
Keeping the address on your driving licence up to date is more than a bureaucratic chore – it protects you legally, financially, and personally.
2. When Must You Change It?
- Within 14 days of moving – The Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations 2008 specify a two‑week window after any change of residence.
- If you change your name – A name change usually goes hand‑in‑hand with a new address on the licence.
- When you move between counties – Even though the licence is a national document, the address field still reflects your local address.
If you’re unsure whether the 14‑day deadline applies, treat any change of address as urgent – the sooner you act, the less chance you’ll face a penalty.
3. How to Change the Address – Your Options
Ireland offers three primary routes to update your licence address: Online (via the Driver Licence Service), post, or in‑person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre. Below is a quick‑look table to help you decide which method suits you best.
| Method | Where to Start | Typical Processing Time | Cost | Documents Needed | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Access the Driver Licence Service (DLS) portal (www.gov.ie/dls) | 5‑7 working days after submission | €13 (including a new licence) | Photo ID, proof of address (if requested) | Tech‑savvy users; fast turnaround; no travel |
| Post | Download & complete Form D401 (Change of Address) and mail to National Driver Licence Office | 10‑14 days | €13 (including new licence) | Completed D401, photocopy of current licence, proof of address | Those who prefer paper; limited internet access |
| In‑Person | Visit any NDLS centre (e.g., Dublin, Cork, Galway) | Same‑day or next‑day (if you pay for express service) | €13 (standard) / €20 (express) | Current licence, proof of address, passport‑size photo (if requested) | Immediate need; want help from staff; no online option |
3.1 Updating Online – Step‑by‑Step
- Create a MyGovID (if you haven’t already). This is a secure digital identity you’ll need to log into government services.
- Log into the Driver Licence Service using your MyGovID credentials.
- Choose “Change Address” from the menu.
- Enter your new address exactly as it appears on official documents (e.g., utility bill).
- Upload supporting documents if prompted. The system usually validates the address via the Public Services Card (PSC), but you may need to attach a recent utility bill or bank statement.
- Pay the €13 fee using a credit/debit card.
- Confirm and submit. You’ll receive an e‑mail confirmation and a reference number.
- Receive your new licence: It will be mailed to your new address within 5‑7 working days.
Tip: Keep the confirmation email until the new licence arrives – it contains your reference number for any follow‑up queries.
3.2 Updating by Post – Step‑by‑Step
- Download Form D401 from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website.
- Fill in the required fields: personal details, old address, new address, and licence number.
- Attach a photocopy of your current licence (front and back).
- Provide proof of address – a recent utility bill (within 3 months), bank statement, or a letter from a public body.
- Enclose a passport‑size photo (if the RSA requests a fresh photo).
- Add a €13 cheque or postal order payable to “National Driver Licence Office”.
- Mail everything to:
National Driver Licence Office Department of Transport Dublin 7 Ireland - Wait for processing – the RSA will send the updated licence to your new address within 10‑14 days.
3.3 Updating In‑Person – Step‑by‑Step
- Book an appointment online (recommended) or walk straight into an NDLS centre.
- Bring the following:
- Current driving licence (original)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or PSC)
- Passport‑size photograph (if requested)
- Complete a short form on the spot – staff will guide you.
- Pay the fee (standard €13 or €20 for express service).
- Receive a temporary licence (if you opt for express) and the new licence will be posted to your address within 1‑2 days.
Pro tip: If you need the updated licence for an imminent test or travel, ask the staff about the express service – it’s only a few euros extra for same‑day processing.
4. Documents Checklist – What You’ll Need
| Document | Why It’s Required | How to Obtain It |
|---|---|---|
| Current Driving Licence | Confirms your entitlement to a licence and provides the licence number. | Keep it with you; you already have it. |
| Proof of New Address | Verifies that the address you’re entering is legitimate. | Recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax invoice, or a letter from a government agency (must be dated within the last 3 months). |
| Passport‑Size Photo | Needed only if the RSA requests a fresh picture (rare for simple address changes). | Take a photo at a pharmacy, post office, or use a high‑quality smartphone picture that meets RSA specifications (35‑40mm width, plain background). |
| Payment (€13 or €20) | Covers the cost of issuing a new licence. | Credit/debit card (online), cheque/postal order (post), or cash/card (in‑person). |
| Form D401 (Change of Address) | Official form that records the change. | Download from the RSA website or collect at an NDLS centre. |
Quick Checklist (Print & Tick):
- Current licence (front & back)
- Proof of address (dated ≤3 months)
- Completed Form D401 (if posting)
- Photo (if required)
- €13/€20 payment method
5. What Happens After You Submit?
- Confirmation – You’ll receive an email or postal acknowledgement with a reference number.
- Processing – RSA staff verify your documents, update the National Driver Licence Database (NDLD), and issue a new licence.
- Delivery – The new licence is mailed to the new address you provided. If you opted for express service, you may receive a temporary licence on the spot.
Keep your old licence until the new one arrives – it remains a valid document.
6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Submitting an outdated utility bill (older than 3 months) | Application rejected, delays. | Check the date before attaching; request a recent statement if needed. |
| Leaving the fee out of the envelope | Processing stalls; you’ll be asked to resend payment. | Double‑check the payment method before mailing or uploading. |
| Using an abbreviation or typo in the address | Licence may be printed with the wrong address, leading to future penalties. | Copy the address exactly as it appears on official documents. |
| Waiting past the 14‑day deadline | Potential fine of up to €250. | Set a calendar reminder as soon as you move. |
| Forgetting to update the address on your car insurance | Higher premiums, claim disputes. | After licence change, also update address with insurer. |
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need to update my address if I’m only moving within the same county?
A: Yes. The law requires any change of residence, regardless of county, to be reported within 14 days.
Q2: Can I change the address on my licence while I’m abroad?
A: You can submit the change online using the DLS portal, provided you have a valid Irish address to which the new licence can be mailed. The RSA will not issue a licence to an overseas address.
Q3: Will my licence number change after I update the address?
A: No. The licence number remains the same; only the address field is modified.
Q4: I lost my licence while moving. Do I need a new licence and an address change?
A: Yes. You’ll need to apply for a replacement licence (Form D401) and, at the same time, provide your new address. The fee is €13 for a replacement plus €13 for the address update (total €26).
Q5: How can I confirm that the RSA updated my address?
A: Log into the Driver Licence Service with your MyGovID and view the licence details. The updated address will be displayed. You can also call the RSA helpline (01 553 3333) and quote your reference number.
Q6: Is there any way to get a licence instantly without paying the €13 fee?
A: No. The €13 fee covers the production and mailing of a new licence. There is no free shortcut. However, the express service (£20) provides a temporary licence on the same day for a small additional charge.
Q7: Do I need to inform the Gardaí about my address change?
A: No. The Gardaí rely on the licence database. Updating your address with the RSA automatically makes the new details available to law enforcement.
8. Tips for a Smooth Process
- Use MyGovID – It streamlines all online interactions with the RSA and eliminates the need for paper forms.
- Double‑check the address formatting – Irish addresses typically follow the order: house number/name, street, town/city, county, Eircode.
- Save the confirmation email – It’s your proof of submission and contains the reference number for any follow‑up.
- Notify other agencies simultaneously – While you’re updating the licence, also revise your address with the Department of Transport (Vehicle Registration), your bank, and any employer.
- Keep the old licence – Until the new one arrives, you must carry the original licence when driving.
9. Bottom Line – Why Acting Quickly Saves You Time and Money
Changing the address on your Irish driving licence is a straightforward, low‑cost task that protects you from legal penalties, insurance headaches, and missed communications. Whether you prefer the convenience of the online DLS portal, the familiarity of mailing a form, or the immediacy of an in‑person visit, you can complete the update in under two weeks and for just €13.
Remember the 14‑day rule, gather the required documents, and choose the method that fits your schedule. Once you’ve submitted, sit back and await the fresh licence in the mail—knowing your record is now accurate and fully compliant with Irish road‑traffic law.
Safe driving, and welcome to your new address!