Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged driving licence or learner permit
Introduction
If your current driving licence or learner permit is lost, stolen, damaged or defaced, you should apply to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) for a replacement. The replacement licence or permit is a copy of your original driving licence or learner permit.
If there are any special driving licence codes on your original licence or permit (for example that you must wear glasses when driving), the replacement will also show these codes. The replacement licence or permit will be valid for the same period as your original.
The Road Safety Authority has responsibility for driver licensing and the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) manages licence applications and renewals. You can apply online or in person at an NDLS office.
Rules
You must carry your driving licence or learner permit with you at all times when driving in Ireland. Failure to produce your licence or permit when asked to by a member of the Gardaí is an offence.
A driving licence or learner permit will be issued for the time remaining on the original licence or permit.
Expired licence or permit
If your most recent driving licence or learner permit has been lost, stolen or damaged and is out of date, you can only apply for a new licence or permit. You can apply online. See ‘How to apply’ below for more details.
Rates
The fee for a replacement driving licence or learner permit is €35.
The fee for a new driving licence or learner permit if your licence or permit has been lost, stolen or damaged and is out of date is:
Driving licence |
Cost |
| Ten-year driving licence | €55 |
| Five-year bus or truck driving licence | €55 |
| Three-year driving licence | €35 |
| One-year driving licence (medical grounds) | Free |
| Learner permit | €35 |
Motorists over the age of 70 can renew or get their first driving licence or learner permit for free. The replacement fee of €35 applies to the over 70’s if the licence is lost or damaged.
If you are paying online you can pay by credit card, debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.
Any required eyesight tests or medical examinations are not free of charge.
How to apply
You can apply online or in person at an NDLS office.
Applying online
You will need the following to apply online:
- A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID
- A completed Garda Declaration Form
- Proof of your address if your address is different to the one you provided when you got your Public Services Card
- Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU or EEA citizen
- A medical report form if required
- Application fee of €35
- A medical report form if required
Applying in person
You are no longer required to submit an application form. See guidance notes on applying for a Driving Licence and Applying for a Learner Permit on ndls.ie.
You must bring the following documentation:
- Your current or most recently issued driving licence or learner permit, if your licence has been damaged rather than lost or stolen
- A Driving Licence Medical Report Form may be required (see below)
- A Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form may be required (see below)
- The appropriate fee - see ‘Rates’ above
- A completed Garda Declaration Form
- Documentation to prove your identity
- Proof of address
If you have a Public Services Card, you can use this to prove your identity.
Medical report form
You will need a Driving Licence Medical Report Form if:
- You are applying for driving licence categories C, C1, D, D1, CE, C1E, DE or D1E (unless you previously provided a medical report which is still applicable)
- You will be 75 years of age or more on the first day of the new licence period
- You have any of certain disabilities or conditions (see application form)
You can download the medical report form (pdf) (it must be printed back to back on one page). It is also available from NDLS centres. A registered medical practitioner should carry out your medical examination and then complete the form. You must sign the declaration on the medical report form in the presence of the registered medical practitioner. It must be submitted within 1 month of the medical examination.
Eyesight report form
Generally any eyesight issues will be reported in the Driving Licence Medical Report Form. But, you will need a Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form if you no longer need glasses or contact lenses (for example if you've had laser eye surgery). You can download the eyesight report form (pdf) (pages 1 and 2 should be printed back to back on one page). It is also available from NDLS centres. It must be submitted within 1 month of completion.
Where to apply
An application for a replacement or new driving licence or learner permit should be made online, or in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre - see ‘How to apply’ above. You must book an appointment online. There is no walk-in service available.
The National Driver Licence Service provides information on applying for a driving licence or a learner permit.