Your driving licence expiring can easily sneak up on you, so it’s important to stay on top of the renewal date and understand the process. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! From different licence categories to any medical checks you might need, we’ve broken it all down to make renewing your licence simple and stress-free. Ready to become a pro at driving licence renewal? Let’s get that new licence sorted with ease!
Driving Licence Categories In Ireland
How To Get A Driving Licence Renewal
How Your Age Impacts Your Driving Licence Renewal In Ireland
The Different Driving Licence Costs
Eye Test For Your Driving Licence
Driving Licence Categories In Ireland
There are two main driving licence categories in Ireland:
- Group 1. This covers cars, motorcycles and work vehicles. This is your traditional category, and your licence lasts up to 10 years, depending on your age and medical status.
- Group 2. This group represents buses and trucks, with renewal every five years.
How To Get A Driving Licence Renewal
There are two ways to get a driving licence renewal in Ireland, online or in person. Let’s take a look at how each licence renewal works.
Renewing Your Driving Licence Online & What You Need
You can renew online at NDLS.ie, a super easy way to get a new licence at the touch of a button. If you are keen to renew online, there a few things you’ll need to have at hand.
- Public services card and MyGovID.
- Proof of address within last six months if the address differs from the one you used to get your initial public services card.
- Proof of Irish residency.
- Medical report form dated in the last month, if it is required.
- €65 for the application fee, unless you are over 70 in which it is free.
Renewing Your Driving Licence In Person And What You Need
If you prefer an in-person experience, you can renew your driving licence by visiting an NDLS centre. There are plenty of locations around Ireland to choose from, and you can take a look at what’s near you by visiting the NDLS site here. Before you visit an NDLS centre, you must have an appointment. You can book an appointment online or by contacting the NDLS on 0818 919 090. When it comes to renewing your driving licence in person, you’ll need the following:
- Your current driving licence or ID (if your licence was lost).
- PPS number and proof of this.
- €65 application fee (if you are over 70, this is free).
- Proof of Irish residence.
- Proof of address. If you have changed address since the initial licence was issued, bring proof of this also.
- Medical or eyesight report form (if required).
How Your Age Impacts Your Driving Licence Renewal In Ireland
Believe it or not, your age has a massive impact on the type of licence you are eligible for. Let’s break down how each age impacts your driving licence in Ireland.
- Under 65: Your licence renewal will be valid for 10 years, the maximum amount possible.
- 65-71: Your new licence will expire on the eve of your 75th
- 72-74: Your new licence will be valid for three years.
- 75 or over: Your licence options will either be one year or three years.
The Different Driving Licence Costs
As we just touched on, there are plenty of different licences available based on your age. Each one has a different cost, which we’ve summarised below.
- 10-year licence: €65.
- 3-year licence: €35.
- 1-year licence on medical grounds: free.
- Renewals for over 70s: free.
Medical Card Application
If you are applying for a bus or truck licence, you will need to provide a completed medical report form. If you have provided one in the past however, you don’t need to again. If you are applying for a motorcycle, car or work vehicle licence, you don’t need a medical report form.
If you need to make a medical card application, you can get a medical report form online or by visiting an NDLS centre in person.
Eye Test For Your Driving Licence
If you have sight issues, you may need to complete an eye test report form. The form will require you to fill in some personal details, followed by a section that a medical practitioner or Optometrist will need to fill in. You can get hold of an eye test report form online or in person at an NDLS centre.
Sounding Off On Driving Licence Renewal
Renewing your Irish driving licence in Ireland can seem daunting, but if you prepare well and know what licence is needed, you can sail through the process with ease. Make sure you are well aware of when the licence renewal is due so that you can get a head start on your renewal.
Driving Licence FAQs
What should I do if I’ve lost my driving in Ireland?
If you have lost your driving licence, don’t worry! You can simply apply for a new licence either online or in person. To get ready for your renewal online, you will need the following:
- Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
- A completed Garda Declaration form.
- Proof of address dated within the last six months, if the address is different from the one on your lost licence.
- Medical report form, if needed.
- €35 for the application.
To renew in person, you will need:
- A completed Garda Declaration form and valid photo ID.
- Proof or personal public services number (PPSN).
- Proof of address dated within the last six months, if the address is different from the one on your lost licence.
- Medical report form, if needed.
- €35 for the application.
What are the driving licence categories in Ireland?
There are two main driving licence categories in Ireland:
- Group 1 – this covers cars, motorcycles and work vehicles. This licence lasts up to 10 years, subject to your age and medical conditions.
- Group 2 – this covers buses and trucks, and is valid for up to five years.
What should a driving licence look like in Ireland?
An Irish driving licence is a credit card-sized document with your image on the left and information on the right. Your licence will display the following information:
- Family name.
- First name.
- Date and place of birth.
- Date of issue.
- Date of expiry.
- Licence number.
- Licence category.
What is a medical card application?
A medical card application form is needed if you have an issue that affects your driving ability. You can access a medical report form online or in person by visiting an NDLS centre. Your form will require some personal details, followed by a section to be completed by a medical practitioner.
How do I renew my licence if I’m over 70?
If you are over 70, there are a few options based on your age.
If you are aged 70-71, you can apply for a licence that will expire on the eve of your 75th birthday. If you are aged 72-74, you can apply for a three-year licence. If you are 75 or over, you require a certification of fitness to drive from your doctor, to receive a three or one year licence. Take a look at the medical fitness requirements and download your medical report form here.