Whether you can swap your licence for an Irish one depends on who issued it. EU/EEA licences and those from Ireland's "recognised states" can be exchanged for €65. Everyone else, including US licence holders, has to go through the learner process.
EU and EEA licences
You can keep driving on a valid EU/EEA licence in Ireland. Exchanging is optional, but must be done within 10 years of the licence expiring. Two catches:
- A licence that was itself obtained by exchanging a licence from a country Ireland has no agreement with cannot be exchanged.
- Code 95 (CPC) does not carry over. Professional drivers apply to the RSA for a separate CPC card.
Recognised states
Ireland has exchange agreements with these jurisdictions:
| Country | Jurisdictions covered |
|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia |
| Canada | Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Saskatchewan |
| Others | Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Moldova, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom |
Key rules for recognised-state licences:
- You must hand in your most recent physical licence. No licence, no exchange.
- An expired licence can be exchanged up to one year after expiry, with an original Letter of Entitlement dated within six months. After one year it cannot be exchanged.
- An eyesight report is required, plus a medical report if your case needs one.
- Most Australian states and Canadian provinces give an automatic-only Irish category B unless a Letter of Entitlement proves you passed in a manual car. Only categories shown on your licence transfer.
- UK: bring a DVLA check code. You also need a Letter of Entitlement if the licence expired less than a year ago or has no category start date. Some UK national codes do not transfer.
- Japan and Korea: a translation from your embassy in Dublin is required. Taiwan: a Letter of Entitlement from the Taipei Representative Office. South Africa: an original letter of entitlement from the RTMC. Ontario and Manitoba: an original driver's abstract.
- Moldova: only categories first issued on or after 8 May 2022, and only in person at an NDLS centre.
How to apply
Online: PSC and verified MyGovID; post the physical foreign licence after you apply; proof of address and residence if needed; reports if needed; €65 (free at 70+).
At a centre: Book an NDLS appointment and bring the foreign licence, proof of PPSN, photo ID, proof of address and residence where needed, eyesight report (non-EU), any medical report and CPC, and €65.
The NDLS says exchanges can take up to three months, because it often has to confirm the licence with the issuing country.
Licence from a country without an agreement (e.g. USA, India, Brazil)
Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months. Once you become normally resident (185+ days a year), you cannot keep driving on a non-EU/EEA licence that is not exchangeable. You must:
- Pass the driver theory test.
- Apply for a Learner permit. From then on, learner rules apply (L plates, accompanied driving).
- Apply for reduced EDT: a minimum of 6 lessons instead of 12 for holders of a full foreign car licence, and an exemption from the six-month wait.
- Pass the driving test, then apply for your full licence. See how to book the test and current waiting times.
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 exchange a US driving licence in Ireland?
No. The USA is not a recognised state. You can drive on it as a visitor for up to 12 months, but residents must go through the theory test, learner permit, reduced EDT and driving test.
Can I exchange a UK driving licence in Ireland?
Yes. The UK and Northern Ireland are recognised. You need a DVLA check code, and a Letter of Entitlement in some cases.
How much does a licence exchange cost?
€65, or free if you are 70 or over.
How long does a licence exchange take?
Up to three months, because the NDLS may need to verify the licence with the issuing authority.
Will I get a manual licence after exchanging an Australian or Canadian licence?
Usually automatic only, unless a Letter of Entitlement proves you passed your test in a manual vehicle.
Official source: www.ndls.ie/licensed-driver/exchange-my-foreign-driving-licence.html. Fees and rules checked 2 October 2026. If anything differs, the NDLS website takes priority.