Foreign Licences
How to exchange a foreign licence, diplomatic driving licences, and international driver disqualifications.
You can drive in Ireland with a valid EU/EEA licence until it expires and then you must exchange it for an Irish one. As a visitor, you can drive on a licence from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to one year, provided it's current and valid. However, once you take up normal residence here you must either exchange it for an Irish licence or apply for a new one.
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Exchange a foreign licence for an Irish licence
Exchange of Foreign Licences FAQs
Frequently asked questions about exchanging your foreign licence.
Diplomatic driving licence
Staff who are members of diplomatic missions and relevant accredited members of missions, including qualified family members, may apply for an Irish diplomatic driving licence.
- If you're currently serving as a diplomat in Ireland and hold an EU/EEA driving licence, you do not need to apply for an Irish diplomatic driving licence
- If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA, you must apply for an Irish diplomatic driving licence.
- If your diplomatic mission has ended and you continue to reside in Ireland and hold a foreign driving licence, you can apply to exchange it for an Irish driving licence under certain circumstances (listed above). Otherwise, you will need to go through the necessary steps to qualify for an Irish driving licence.
- If you're no longer serving as a diplomat in Ireland, you must return your diplomatic licence by post to: Road Safety Authority, Licensing Section, Moy Valley Business Park, Dublin Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
If you're disqualified in another EU country
It's an offence to apply for an Irish driving licence or learner permit if you're currently disqualified from driving in another EU country. For further information see Driver Disqualification in EU country.