To Exchange a foreign licence
The Department of Transport has advised those who have a valid licence issued by a member state need not exchange, as in accordance with EU Directive 91/439/EEC there is mutual recognition of national driving licences issued by member states without any obligation to exchange licences.
To exchange a driving licence the following is required:
- Full licence from other country - See List of Recognised Exchange Countries Below. If the foreign licence is not available the applicant must submit certified details from the Licensing Authority that issued the licence ie a ‘Letter of Entitlement’. A form D8 (a) Lost Licence declaration must also be submitted.
- The Counterpart Driving Licence of the credit card style full U.K. licence must be submitted when applying for exchange of driving licence.
- Full application form D401 to be completed. A "Care of" address is not acceptable. Ensure PPSN (formerly RSI number) is inserted on the application form (Number is available from the Dept. of Social & Family Affairs).
- Exchange of Driving Licence Form D900
- Two identical passport sized photographs (signed on back by applicant)
- Appropriate Fee
- A medical report must be submitted (if higher categories or over 70 ) or if you answer yes to any of the medical questions apart from questions 16 and 17.
- If the foreign licence is out of date, an exchange may not be guaranteed. Exchange is dependent on the licensing authority providing the necessary information to the Motor Tax Office to facilitate an exchange.
- 2 forms of proof of residency.
Proof Of Residency
- Vehicle log book/vehicle licencing certificate (showing name and current residential address in Republic of Ireland).
- Utility Bill e.g. electricity, gas, phone –( not Mobile Phone or TV Licence)
- Utility Bill e.g. electricity, gas, phone –( not Mobile Phone or TV Licence)
- Bank statement/other financial institution account statement (e.g. credit union, building society book).
- Rent Book/Tenancy Agreement for residence.
- Payslip showing name and current residential address in Republic of Ireland.
- Social Welfare Card/Social Welfare payment book/Income tax documents (showing name and current residential address in Republic of Ireland).
The Motor Tax office concerned will write to the relevant licensing authority requesting confirmation of its validity prior to issuing a full Irish licence. This usually takes approx 2 weeks to receive a response.
NOTE ONLY FULL DRIVING LICENCES CAN BE EXCHANGED. Please note that a provisional licence and certificate of competency from another country cannot be submitted for exchange. The licence must have been converted to full in the particular country first. Provisional licences are only valid in the jurisdiction they are issued.
E.U. States
Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom
European Economic Area
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
Recognised States
Australia (Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia), Austria, Gibraltar, Guernsey,Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland
EU countries can drive on their national licence as long as it is valid. All other countries listed must exchange their national licence for an Irish licence after 1year of taking up residence. [Statutory Instrument No. 352 of 1999, Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999].
Countries not listed above can drive on their national licence for a period of 1 year from arrival in Ireland. [Statutory Instrument No. 384 of 1992, Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (International Circulation)(Order1992]. If persons plan to stay longer than 1year, it will be necessary to start the process of applying for an Irish learner permit.
If an Irish driver who holds a full Irish driving licence emigrates to a country that has an arrangement with Ireland they have the option to exchange their licence for a licence in the country they now live in. The Irish licence will be returned to the issuing M.T.O.
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