Apply for your first driving licence
What you need to know about your first driving licence and how to apply.
You must abide by the rules of your learner permit until you've been issued with a driving licence. A driving licence allows you to drive unaccompanied on all public roads in the category of vehicle for which you hold a driving licence. If you passed your driving test in an automatic vehicle you will only be licensed to drive that type of vehicle.
After passing your driving test, you can apply for a driving licence online at ndls.ie or in person at an National Driver Licence Service centre (NDLS). You should apply within two years of the date you passed your test. If not, you will have to re-sit and pass the driving test.
How to apply for your first licence
You can now quickly and easily apply for your driving licence online. No need to complete paper forms, make appointments or visit an NDLS centre in person. All you need is your Public Services Card and your verified MyGovID for safe, secure access to ndls.ie.
To apply for your driving licence online you will need the following:
- a Public Services Card (PSC) and verified MyGovID
- to have successfully passed the driving test in the category
- proof of your address dated within the last six months if your current address differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC
- proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
- your completed and signed eyesight report form or medical report form dated within one month, if applicable to you (eyesight/medical)
- your application fee for a new 10-year licence is €55.00. Other licence durations and fees may apply to you. You can pay by credit/debit card, Google Pay/Apple Pay or Payzone voucher.
You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre.
To apply for your first driving licence in person you will need the following:
- To have successfully passed the driving test in the category that you are applying for within the last two years
- Your current or most recent learner permit. If your permit has been lost or stolen, you must also bring valid photo ID with you
- Proof of your address dated within the last six months
- Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA
- Your completed and signed eyesight report form or medical report form dated within one month, if applicable to you (eyesight or medical)
- Your application fee for a new 10-year licence is €55.00. Other licence durations and fees may apply to you. You can pay by credit/debit card, Google Pay/Apple Pay or Payzone voucher.
Your photograph and signature will be captured electronically at the NDLS centre.
You can visit any of the 34 National Driving Licence Services (NDLS) centres nationwide.
National Driver Licence Service (NDLS)
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions please visit the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) website.
Now you can easily and safely manage all your driver services, tests, permits and licences online