Home›Driving Licence›Renewing Your Licence
🔄 Renewing Your Licence

Renewing Your Driving Licence — Everything You Need to Know

Irish driving licences are valid for 10 years (or until age 70, whichever comes first). After that, renewal is required. Here's the complete guide — including what to do if yours has already expired.

⏱ 5 min read✓ Updated 2026🇮🇪 Ireland
Licence validity
10 years
Renewal fee
€55
Over 70s validity
1–3 years
Can renew online
Yes — in most cases

When should you renew?

Your Irish driving licence is valid for 10 years. You should renew it before the expiry date printed on the front of the card. The NDLS does not automatically remind you — set a reminder well in advance.

You can renew your licence up to 3 months before it expires. If you renew early, your new licence still starts from your current expiry date — you don't lose any time.

Under 70? You can renew onlineIf you are under 70 and your current licence photo is less than 10 years old, you may be able to renew online at ndls.ie without visiting a centre. The system will tell you if you're eligible during the online process.

Over 70s — shorter renewal periods

Once you turn 70, your licence is no longer issued for 10 years. Renewal periods for over-70s:

Over 70 renewal periods

Age 70–79Licence valid for 3 years.
Age 80+Licence valid for 1 year.

Over-70 renewals also require a medical fitness report (D501) from your GP in addition to the eye test (D502). Allow extra time for your GP appointment when planning your renewal.

Over 70s cannot renew onlineIf you are 70 or over, you must attend an NDLS centre in person for renewal — online renewal is not available.

How to renew online (under 70)

1

Go to ndls.ie

Click "Renew online". You'll need your current licence number and a MyGovID verified account — or you can use your Public Services Card details.

2

Complete the eye test (if required)

Some online renewals require the D502 eye test report — the system will tell you whether it's needed for your renewal. If required, complete the eye test first.

3

Pay €55

Payment by card. Your new licence is posted to your registered address within 5–10 working days.

What if my licence has already expired?

You can still renew an expired licence — but you must do it in person at an NDLS centre. The process is the same, but:

If your licence expired less than 10 years ago — you can renew without retaking any tests.

If your licence expired more than 10 years ago — you may be required to sit the theory test and/or driving test again before a new licence is issued. Contact the NDLS before attending.

Driving on an expired licence is illegalAn expired licence is not a valid driving licence. You cannot drive on an expired licence — even if it expired yesterday. Renew before it expires to avoid this situation.

Documents needed for in-person renewal

Renewal checklist

Current or expired Irish driving licenceYour existing card.
Eye test report D502Required if over 70, or if the system prompts you for it. Less than 1 month old.
Medical fitness report D501 (over 70 only)Completed by your GP. Required for all over-70 renewals.
Proof of address (if changed)Only needed if your address has changed since your last licence.
Completed D401 formDownload from ndls.ie.
€55 feeCard or cash.

Related guides

NDLS appointment

What to expect at the centre

→

Eye test requirements

What the D502 involves

→

Processing times

How long your renewal takes to arrive

→

Lost your licence

What to do if your card is lost or stolen

→

Have an NDLS form to fill in?

Photograph it and get field-by-field guidance in your language — free, no account needed.

Scan my driving licence form →
Free · No account · 27 languages · Result in 10 seconds