How to Change Your Irish Driving Licence – A Complete Guide
If you already hold an Irish driving licence, you’ll eventually need to make a change – whether it’s updating an address, swapping a photo, adding a new category, or converting a foreign licence after Brexit. The process can feel bureaucratic, but with the right information you can complete it quickly and avoid costly mistakes.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know: the steps you must follow, the documents you’ll require, the fees involved, and some handy FAQs that cover the most common concerns. Grab a notebook, follow the checklist, and you’ll be back on the road with an up‑to‑date licence in no time.
1. When Do You Need to Change Your Licence?
| Situation | Legal Requirement | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Change of address | Must reflect your current residential address | Within 30 days of moving |
| Name change (marriage, divorce, etc.) | Must match the name on your official documents | As soon as possible; no set deadline but advisable |
| Photograph replacement | New photo required if the licence is damaged, blurred, or after a major facial change | Immediately if the licence is unreadable |
| Adding or removing vehicle categories | Required when you acquire a new entitlement (e.g., B to C) or surrender one | When you first use the new category |
| Replacement after loss, theft, or damage | Must have a valid licence to drive | As soon as you realize it’s missing |
| Converting a non‑EU licence (post‑Brexit) | EU law requires a local licence after 12 months of residence | Within 12 months of moving to Ireland |
If any of the above applies to you, it’s time to start the change process.
2. Core Steps to Update Your Licence
Below is a straightforward, step‑by‑step list you can follow. Tick each item off as you go.
- Gather the Required Documents – See the table in Section 3 for a full list.
- Complete the Relevant Application Form – Most changes are handled via the RNLI (Road Safety Authority) – Licence Change Form (Form D201), available online or at any National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre.
- Pay the Fee – Fees vary by change type; you can pay online, by debit/credit card, or in cash at an NDLS centre.
- Submit the Application – You can either:
- Online: Upload scans of your documents through the NDLS portal.
- In‑person: Visit your nearest NDLS centre (no appointment required).
- Receive Confirmation – You’ll get a receipt and a reference number. Keep it safe; you’ll need it if you have to track the application.
- Collect or Await Delivery – Most licences are posted within 10‑14 working days. If you need it urgently, you can request a temporary paper licence (valid for 30 days) while you wait.
3. What Documents Do You Need?
| Change Type | Documents Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Address change | • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement) dated ≤ 3 months • Current licence | Acceptable documents are listed on the NDLS website. |
| Name change | • Official name change certificate (marriage certificate, civil partnership, deed poll) • Current licence • Photo ID (passport or existing licence) | All documents must be original or certified copies. |
| Photo replacement | • New passport‑style photo (35 mm × 45 mm) • Current licence | Photo must be taken by a professional or meet the NDLS specifications. |
| Adding a vehicle category | • Completed Category Add‑On Form (RNLI) • Proof of competency (e.g., completed training certificate) • Current licence | Some categories (e.g., C or D) require a medical report. |
| Lost/ stolen licence | • Police report (optional but recommended) • Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate) • Current licence (if retained) | If you retain the old licence, you’ll receive a duplicate. |
| Converting a non‑EU licence | • Original foreign licence (valid) • Proof of residency (letter from employer, tenancy agreement) • Driving test pass certificate (if required) • Current Irish licence (if you already have one) | After Brexit, many UK licences now need conversion. |
| Medical condition update | • Medical report (GP or specialist) • Current licence | Required for categories C, D, and certain B extensions. |
Pro tip: Scan all documents at a resolution of at least 300 dpi before uploading—they must be legible.
4. Fees – How Much Will It Cost?
| Change | Fee (Euro) | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Address or name change | €15 | Online, card, cash |
| Photo replacement | €20 | Online, card, cash |
| Adding a new category | €30‑€55 (depends on category) | Online, card, cash |
| Lost/ stolen licence (replacement) | €30 | Online, card, cash |
| Temporary paper licence | €5 | Online, card |
| Foreign licence conversion (post‑Brexit) | €45 | Online, card, cash |
| Medical condition update | €20 | Online, card |
Fees are subject to change; always verify the latest amounts on the NDLS website before you pay.
5. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Incorrect Photo Dimensions – The NDLS will reject any image that doesn’t meet the 35 mm × 45 mm requirement. Use a professional studio or the NDLS‑approved photo booth.
- Out‑of‑date Proof of Address – Documents older than three months are automatically declined. Keep a recent bill handy.
- Missing Signature – Some forms require your signature in a specific field; a missing signature stops processing.
- Skipping the Medical Report – Adding categories C (large goods vehicles) or D (buses) without a medical clearance will delay your application by weeks.
- Not Updating Online – If you apply online, don’t forget to log in later to check your application status. A “pending” flag may indicate missing documents.
6. Quick Checklist – Everything You Need in One View
- Identify the type of change you need.
- Download the correct form (Form D201 or Category Add‑On).
- Collect all required documents (see Table 3).
- Take a compliant passport‑style photo (if required).
- Pay the appropriate fee (see Table 4).
- Submit the application (online or in‑person).
- Keep the receipt and reference number.
- Track the status via the NDLS portal.
- Collect your new licence or wait for delivery.
Having this checklist at your desk makes the whole process smoother and helps you avoid unnecessary trips to the NDLS centre.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does it take to receive a new licence after I submit my application?
A: Standard processing time is 10‑14 working days for most changes. If you need a licence urgently, you can request a temporary paper licence (valid for 30 days) at no extra cost.
Q2: Can I change my address online, or do I have to go to an NDLS centre?
A: Both options are available. Online submissions are faster, but you must upload a clear proof‑of‑address scan. In‑person applications are useful if you prefer face‑to‑face assistance or need to submit original documents.
Q3: I’m moving from the UK after Brexit. Do I need to exchange my GB licence for an Irish one?
A: Yes. If you’ve been resident in Ireland for 12 months or more, you must convert your UK licence to an Irish one. The process involves submitting the foreign licence, proof of residency, and a standard fee of €45.
Q4: My licence is damaged but still readable. Do I need to replace it?
A: It’s advisable. A licence that is cracked, faded, or has a torn photo can be rejected by law enforcement. Replacement costs €20 for a photo change, plus the standard processing fee.
Q5: I want to add a C1 (light goods vehicle) endorsement. Do I need a driving test?
A: Yes. Adding any C‑type category requires you to pass a practical driving test for that class, unless you already hold an equivalent EU licence. After passing, submit the test certificate with your application.
Q6: What if I lose my licence while abroad?
A: Contact the nearest Irish embassy or consulate to obtain a temporary travel document. You can then apply for a replacement licence via the Online Replacement Service once back in Ireland.
Q7: Are there any discounts for multiple changes at once?
A: No. Each change (address, photo, category addition) is billed separately. However, submitting a single application that includes all required documents can save you time and reduce the risk of duplicated processing fees.
8. What Happens After Your Licence Is Updated?
Once you receive your new licence, double‑check that:
- All personal details (name, address, date of birth) are correct.
- The photo is clear and matches your current appearance.
- Any new categories appear on the licence certificate.
If you spot an error, contact the NDLS immediately – you have 14 days to request a correction without incurring another full fee.
Finally, keep a digital copy of your new licence (photo or scanned PDF) in a secure cloud folder. While it’s not a legal substitute for the physical document, it can be handy for quick reference when filling out forms or proving your driving entitlement online.
9. Bottom Line
Changing an Irish driving licence doesn’t have to be a headache. By understanding the exact documents you need, the fees you’ll pay, and the steps to follow, you can complete the process smoothly and stay compliant with Irish road‑traffic law. Use the tables, checklists, and FAQs above as your personal roadmap, and you’ll be back behind the wheel with confidence in no time.
Safe driving, and remember: keeping your licence up‑to‑date is not just a legal requirement – it’s an essential part of staying safe on the road.