To apply for a licence you must be able to demonstrate that you are normally resident in Ireland; this generally means that you live here at least 185 days each calendar year because of work or personal ties. If you are studying or working abroad you may still be considered normally resident in Ireland provided you return here regularly. Where a person lives some part of the year outside of Ireland the question of personal, family and community ties helps determine whether or not you are normally resident. For queries please contact licensingqueries@rsa.ie. You can apply for a licence up to three months before the expiry date of the licence. If your licence has expired for ten years or more you must start the application process afresh and take a driver theory test, mandatory driving lessons and a driving test.
If you are an applicant for an Irish driving licence you will be required to verify your identity as part of the face to face application process in an NDLS centre. This means that you will have to submit documentation to prove your identity, your address & your PPSN, as well as confirmation of your country of birth/residency entitlement
What does the learner permit/full licence look like?
The learner permit and full licence are in a credit-card sized format.
Licence features
1. Surname
2. First Name
3. Date and Place of birth
4. a) Date of issue; b) Date of Expiry; c) Issued by; d) Driver Number
5. Licence Number
6. Photograph
7. Signature
8. Address
9. Categories
10. Date Issued from
11. Date Issued to
12. Additional Information / Restrictions
13. Administrative information
14. Optional for information in relation to licence or Road safety
