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🇪🇺 Exchange EU Licence

Exchanging an EU / EEA Licence — What You Need to Know

If you hold a driving licence from an EU or EEA country and are now living in Ireland, you can exchange it for an Irish licence without taking any tests. Here's the full process.

⏱ 5 min read✓ Updated 2026🇮🇪 Ireland
Tests required
None
Fee
€55
Your old licence
Surrendered
Where to apply
NDLS centre
You can drive on your EU licence while living in Ireland — but only temporarilyOnce you become ordinarily resident in Ireland, you are legally required to exchange your EU licence for an Irish one. There is no fixed deadline, but you should exchange it as soon as possible to avoid complications.

Which licences qualify for direct exchange?

All EU and EEA member state licences qualify for direct exchange to an Irish driving licence. EEA countries include Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein in addition to all EU member states.

The exchange is like-for-like — the categories on your Irish licence will match the categories on your EU licence. If you held a Category B (car) licence, you'll get a Category B Irish licence. If you also held Category A (motorcycle), that transfers too.

Expired EU licences can still be exchanged — but with conditionsIf your EU licence has expired, you may still be able to exchange it, but NDLS staff will assess it individually. If it expired more than 10 years ago, you may be required to take a theory test and driving test. Contact the NDLS before attending.

Step-by-step process

1

Get an eye test

You need a completed D502 eye test report signed by a registered optician or GP. This must be less than 1 month old on the day of your NDLS appointment. The minimum standard is 6/12 in the better eye (corrected if needed).

2

Complete form D401

Download the D401 application form from ndls.ie. Complete it fully before your appointment — do not leave sections blank.

3

Book your NDLS appointment

Book online at ndls.ie. Select "Exchange a foreign licence" and follow the prompts. Bring all documents to the appointment.

4

Your original EU licence is surrendered

This is the most important thing to understand: when you exchange your EU licence, the NDLS takes your original licence and sends it back to the licensing authority in your home country. You will not get it back. If you plan to drive in your home country, be aware that your Irish licence is valid throughout the EU — so this should not be an issue in practice.

5

Receive your Irish licence

Your Irish driving licence will be posted to your address within 5–10 working days. You'll receive a temporary paper licence on the day if needed.

Documents needed

EU licence exchange checklist

Your EU driving licence (original)Will be surrendered. Bring the original — no copies.
Proof of Irish addressUtility bill, bank statement, or official letter. Must be within the last 3 months and show your name and Irish address.
PPS numberYour PPS card or a document showing your PPSN.
Eye test report (D502)Signed by a registered optician or GP. Less than 1 month old.
Completed D401 formDownloaded and completed before your appointment.
€55 feeCard or cash.

Related guides

Exchanging a non-EU licence

Different rules apply for licences from outside the EU

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NDLS appointment guide

What to expect on the day

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Eye test requirements

What the D502 involves and who can sign it

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Processing times

How long the exchange takes

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