You cannot walk in to an NDLS centre. Every visit needs a booked appointment, made online or by phone. Before you book, check whether you need to visit at all: most applications can now be done online.
Step 0: can you skip the appointment?
If you have a Public Services Card (PSC) and a verified MyGovID account, you can apply online at ndls.ie for a first learner permit, renewals, replacements, address or name changes, and most foreign licence exchanges. It takes 10–15 minutes and you can save a half-finished application for up to 20 days.
You still need a centre appointment if you have no PSC, if your PSC photo is more than 10 years old (or renew the PSC on MyWelfare first), if you need an International Driving Permit, or if you are exchanging a Moldovan licence.
How to book an NDLS appointment
- Open the NDLS booking service. On ndls.ie go to Book an Appointment. You can log in with your driver number (item 4d on your permit or licence) or with your PPSN.
- Pick the service. Choose what you are applying for, such as a renewal, a first learner permit or an exchange.
- Choose a centre and a slot. You can pick any of the 34 centres, not just your county's. If your nearest is full, look at the next closest.
- Confirm and keep the details. Note the date, time and centre address. The confirmation is what you rely on, as centres do not take walk-ins on the day.
Booking by phone
Call 0818 919 090, Monday to Friday 9am–6pm (not bank holidays). Phone is the only way to book an International Driving Permit appointment.
Special requests
- Irish-language service: the NDLS warns that short-notice bookings may not have an Irish speaker available. Book with some notice if you want the appointment in Irish.
- Sign language interpreter: do not use the normal booking flow. Fill in the NDLS contact form and ask for an interpreter.
Cancelling or changing an appointment
The booking service has a Cancel an appointment option alongside Book. Cancel if you cannot make it, so the slot goes to someone else, then book a new one.
On the day
- Bring every document on the What to bring list. A missing proof of address is the most common reason applications get delayed.
- Pay by card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or Payzone voucher. No cash.
- No photos or application form needed: staff capture your photo and signature at the desk.
- The NDLS says the process takes no more than 15 minutes once you are called.
- Your permit or licence comes by post: 5 to 8 working days to process, plus up to 10 working days for delivery.
Where to go
Popular centres: Santry, Leopardstown, Citywest, Clarehall, Cork City, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athlone, Sligo, Letterkenny, Drogheda, Tralee. All 34 centres.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk in to an NDLS centre?
No. Walk-in service has ended. You must book an appointment online or by phone.
What is the NDLS booking phone number?
0818 919 090, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, excluding bank holidays.
Can I book at an NDLS centre outside my county?
Yes. Any of the 34 centres will take your application.
How do I book an International Driving Permit appointment?
Only by phone on 0818 919 090. IDP appointments cannot be booked online.
How long does an NDLS appointment take?
About 15 minutes at the desk once you are called, according to the NDLS.
Official source: www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply/applying-in-person.html. Fees and rules checked 2 October 2026. If anything differs, the NDLS website takes priority.