🇺🇦 Ukrainian Nationals
Ukrainian Nationals — Driving Licence in Ireland
If you are a Ukrainian national living in Ireland under Temporary Protection, you have specific rights when it comes to driving. Here's exactly what you need to know — including when your Ukrainian licence is valid and when you need to exchange it.
⏱ 5 min read✓ Updated 2026🇮🇪 Ireland
Ukrainian licence valid
Yes — with conditions
Exchange required
Eventually
Temporary Protection
Accepted document
Ukraine is a recognised country for licence exchangeUkraine is on Ireland's list of recognised countries. This means Ukrainian nationals can exchange their full Ukrainian driving licence for an Irish licence without sitting a theory test or driving test.
Can I drive in Ireland on my Ukrainian licence?
Yes — Ukrainian nationals with Temporary Protection status can drive in Ireland using their valid Ukrainian driving licence. However, this is not indefinite. The rules are as follows:
Driving rights for Ukrainian nationals
Valid Ukrainian licenceYou can drive on your Ukrainian licence in Ireland while your Temporary Protection status is active and your licence has not expired.
If your Ukrainian licence expiresYou cannot renew your Ukrainian licence in Ireland. You must exchange it for an Irish licence before it expires — or you will not be able to drive legally until you complete the full Irish process.
When you become ordinarily residentOnce you are considered ordinarily resident in Ireland (generally after 12 months), you are legally required to exchange your licence for an Irish one.
Do not wait for your Ukrainian licence to expireExchange it before it expires. If it expires and you haven't exchanged it, you cannot drive — and you may face a longer process to get driving rights back.
How to exchange your Ukrainian licence
1
Get an eye test
Visit a registered optician or GP and complete form D502. This must be less than 1 month old when you attend the NDLS.
2
Get a certified translation of your licence (if needed)
If your Ukrainian licence is not printed in English, you need a certified translation. A list of accepted translators is available on ndls.ie.
3
Book your NDLS appointment
Book at ndls.ie. Select "Exchange a foreign licence". Bring all documents to the appointment.
4
Your Ukrainian licence is surrendered
The NDLS will keep your Ukrainian licence and return it to Ukrainian authorities. You will receive an Irish licence in return. Your Irish licence is valid across the EU.
Documents needed
Ukrainian licence exchange checklist
Ukrainian driving licence (original)Must be a full licence — not a learner/provisional. Will be surrendered.
Certified translation of your licenceRequired as the Ukrainian licence is not in English. Use an approved translator from ndls.ie.
Temporary Protection document or passportYour Temporary Protection certificate or Ukrainian passport as proof of identity.
Proof of Irish addressUtility bill, letter from an organisation, or bank statement. Within the last 3 months.
PPS numberRequired. If you don't have one yet, get your PPS number first.
Eye test report (D502)Less than 1 month old.
Completed D401 formDownload from ndls.ie and complete before your appointment.
€55 feeCard or cash at the NDLS centre.
Have an NDLS form to fill in?
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