Exchanging UK driving licences in Ireland before Brexit

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a final reminder to anyone living in Ireland with a UK or Northern Ireland driving licence to exchange it immediately, as their UK or Northern Ireland licence will not be valid to drive in Ireland after 31 December 2020.

Which licence can I use in Ireland after Brexit?

While the UK has left the EU, a transition period was agreed that allowed for the exchange of driving licences to continue. That transition period ends on the 31 of December 2020. If you are living in Ireland and using a UK licence to drive it will no longer be valid to drive in Ireland after this date.

It is mandatory that you have a valid driving licence and that you are legally allowed to drive in Ireland by exchanging a UK licence for an Irish driving licence if you have one.

How can I exchange my UK driving licence to an Irish one? 

To exchange your licence, you must either visit a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre or apply online at ndls.ie

If applying in person at an NDLS Centre you have to complete a licence application form and present this, the €55.00 fee and your UK licence. You have to make an appointment online at ndls.ie to attend any of the 36 NDLS centres.

Can I apply online to exchange my UK driving licence? 

You can apply online to exchange your licence at ndls.ie if you have a Public Service Card and verified MyGovID account. You can find more information on exchanging your UK licence at ndls.ie.

More information including frequently asked questions on how to exchange your UK licence can be found at ndls.ie and on gov.ie/brexit, the Irish Government’s website to help businesses and citizens around the country to prepare for Brexit.

If I am visiting Ireland can I drive on a UK licence? 

Visitors to Ireland holding a UK or Northern Ireland licence, will continue to be allowed to drive in Ireland as a visitor with their existing driving licence. Visitors won’t be required to carry an International Driving Permit in order to drive here so long as they carry their UK/NI driving licence with them.