How to Change Your Name on an Irish Driving Licence
(A step‑by‑step guide you can follow today)
Changing your name on an Irish driving licence isn’t a bureaucratic nightmare – it’s a straightforward process once you know exactly what you need, where to go, and how long it will take. In this guide you’ll find:
- A clear checklist of the documents you’ll need
- A table that summarises the fees, processing times and where to apply
- Practical tips to avoid common pitfalls
- A concise FAQ that answers the most‑asked questions
Read on and you’ll be able to update your licence with confidence, whether you’ve just gotten married, adopted a new name, or simply want to correct a spelling mistake.
1. Why Updating Your Name Matters
| Reason | What It Affects | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Legal compliance | Insurance, car registration, law enforcement | Driving with a licence that doesn’t match your identity can lead to fines or claim disputes |
| Personal safety | Identification at banks, hotels, airports | Consistent documentation reduces the risk of fraud |
| Professional credibility | Employment background checks | Employers often validate driving records for certain roles (e.g., delivery, transport) |
If any of these apply to you, updating your licence should be at the top of your to‑do list.
2. When Can You Apply?
You can apply as soon as your name change is officially recognised by the state. This typically means you have:
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or deed poll
- A birth certificate showing a name change (rare, but possible)
Once you have the legal proof, you’re ready to start the licence amendment.
3. The Complete Checklist
3.1 Required Documents
| Document | Format | How to Obtain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Irish driving licence | Original | Your existing card | Must be valid (not expired) |
| Photographic ID | Original or certified copy | Passport, P.P.I. card, or another Irish driving licence | Must show the same name as the new name you are applying for |
| Proof of name change | Certified copy | Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or deed poll | Must be issued by the General Register Office (GRO) or a recognized authority |
| Proof of address (optional, but recommended) | Recent utility bill, bank statement, or tenancy agreement (≤ 3 months old) | Any provider that shows your name and address | Helps the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) verify your details |
| Application form – D 236 (Change of name) | Completed PDF or printed form | Download from [RD Cars & Driving Licence website] | Must be signed in ink |
| Fee payment proof | Receipt or bank statement | Online payment or cash receipt at a post office | Keep a copy for your records |
3.2 How to Certify Copies
If you can’t present the original documents (e.g., you need to keep your marriage certificate safe), you can submit a certified copy. To certify:
- Bring the original and a clear photocopy to a solicitor, notary public, or a Garda station.
- The certifier will stamp and sign the copy, confirming it matches the original.
Important: The certifier’s details (name, signature, and stamp) must be clearly visible on the copy.
4. Where to Submit Your Application
| Option | Location | Opening Hours | Cost (2025) | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Motor Tax Office (MTO) | Any MTO across Ireland | Mon‑Fri 9:00‑17:00 | €20 (standard licence fee) + €10 (name‑change surcharge) | 5‑7 business days |
| Post Office (An Post) – Licence Service | Selected branches (e.g., Dublin 1, Cork City) | Mon‑Fri 9:00‑16:00 | Same as MTO | 7‑10 business days |
| Online via the Driver & Vehicle Licensing (DVLA) portal | www.dvla.ie/driver-licence | 24/7 | €30 (incl. courier) | 10‑14 business days (courier delivery) |
| Mobile Service (for rural areas) | Appointments at community centres | By arrangement | Same as MTO | 7‑10 business days |
Tip: Choose the online option if you’re comfortable uploading scanned documents. It eliminates the need to travel and provides tracking for your delivery.
5. Step‑by‑Step: How to Complete the Change
Step 1 – Gather & Certify Your Documents
- Collect your current licence, proof of name change, and any supporting ID.
- Certify copies if you’re not using the originals.
Step 2 – Fill Out Form D 236
- Download the PDF, print it (single‑sided, black‑and‑white).
- Complete every field – leave no blanks.
- Sign the declaration at the bottom.
Step 3 – Pay the Fee
| Payment Method | Where to Pay | What You Receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | At the MTO or An Post | Receipt (keep it) |
| Debit/Credit Card | Online portal or MTO | Transaction reference |
| Bank Transfer | To DVLA’s designated account (IBAN: IE29DVLA…) | Bank confirmation slip |
Step 4 – Submit the Application
- In person: Hand your documents and receipt to the clerk. They’ll scan and forward your request.
- Online: Upload scanned PDFs of each document, enter the payment reference, and click Submit. You’ll receive an email confirmation with a reference number.
Step 5 – Wait for Processing
- Standard processing (MTO) – 5‑7 days.
- Courier delivery (online) – 10‑14 days.
You can track the status:
- MTO: Call the licence office with your reference number.
- Online: Log into the DVLA portal and view “My Applications”.
Step 6 – Receive Your New Licence
When the new card arrives, check:
- Your name is spelled correctly.
- The licence number matches the old one (it should not change).
- Your photograph is clear.
If anything is wrong, contact the DVLA within 7 days to request a correction – you’ll likely need to re‑submit the form, but the fee is usually waived for genuine errors.
6. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | Why It Happens | How to Prevent It |
|---|---|---|
| Submitting an uncertified copy of the marriage certificate | Some applicants think a photocopy is enough. | Always get a certified copy from a solicitor or Garda. |
| Using an expired licence as proof of identity | The system rejects expired licences. | Renew your licence first if it’s close to expiry, then request the name change. |
| Incorrect fee amount | Fees change annually; older information may be outdated. | Check the current fee table on the DVLA website before you pay. |
| Misspelling the new name | Simple human error, especially with hyphens or apostrophes. | Double‑check the spelling on the marriage certificate and on Form D 236. |
| Forgetting to sign the declaration | Overlooked line on the form. | Review the form checklist before submitting; make signing the final step. |
7. Quick‑Reference Checklist (Print‑out Friendly)
- Certified copy of marriage / civil partnership / deed poll
- Current Irish driving licence (original)
- Photographic ID (passport or P.P.I. card)
- Proof of address (optional but recommended)
- Completed Form D 236 (signed)
- Fee payment receipt or online transaction reference
- Courier‑ready envelope (if applying online)
Tip: Keep a digital copy of every document for your records – you may need it for future renewals.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I change my name on a provisional licence?
A: Yes. The procedure is identical to a full licence. Just ensure the provisional licence is still valid; otherwise, you may need to renew it first.
Q2. Do I need to re‑take the driving test after a name change?
A: No. Changing your name does not affect your driving entitlements or test results.
Q3. What if my marriage certificate is in a language other than English?
A: You must provide an official translation certified by a recognized translator, together with the original certificate.
Q4. Can a non‑resident apply for a name change on an Irish licence?
A: Only if you still hold a valid Irish licence and can present a valid Irish address for correspondence. Otherwise, you’ll need to contact the Irish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Q5. How long will my new licence be valid?
A: The expiry date remains unchanged. If your licence was due to expire in two years, the new card will still show that same two‑year expiry.
Q6. Is there an express service for urgent name changes?
A: No dedicated express service exists, but you can request priority processing at the MTO for an additional €5. It reduces the turnaround to 3‑4 business days.
Q7. What should I do if I lose my licence while waiting for the new one?
A: Report the loss to the Gardaí (optional but advisable) and apply for a replacement using the standard “lost licence” form. You can still receive the name‑changed licence once the replacement is issued.
Q8. Will my car insurance premium change after a name change?
A: The insurer may need to update their records, but the premium typically remains unchanged unless other risk factors have shifted.
9. Final Thoughts
Updating the name on your Irish driving licence is a relatively quick task once you have the right paperwork. By following the checklist, double‑checking the spelling, and using the appropriate submission channel, you can avoid delays and keep your identification consistent across all legal and financial documents.
Take a few minutes today to gather your documents, fill out Form D 236, and book an appointment at your nearest Motor Tax Office or complete the online application. Within a fortnight you’ll have a brand‑new licence that reflects your updated identity—ready for road trips, insurance renewals, and everyday life.
Safe driving, and congratulations on your new name!