# Which countries' driving licences can be exchanged in Ireland | Transportation | Moving to Ireland > Whether you can swap your existing driving licence for an Irish one, or must start again with a learner permit, depends entirely on where your licence… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/driving-licence-exchange-countries-list/ Transportation · Step 8 of 9 # Which countries' driving licences can be exchanged in Ireland 4 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 Whether you can swap your existing driving licence for an Irish one, or must start again with a learner permit, depends entirely on where your licence was issued. Ireland exchanges licences from every EU and EEA state and from a short list of "recognised states" with which it has a bilateral agreement. Everyone else, including holders of US, Indian, Brazilian and Chinese licences, goes through the full Irish licensing process, with one concession. This guide sets out the full list published by the NDLS and Citizens Information in 2026, the process and fee, and what to do if your country is not on it. ## The full list of exchangeable licences
GroupCountries and territoriesNotes
EU member statesAustria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, SwedenYou may drive on your EU licence while it is valid; exchange within 10 years of its expiry
EEA statesIceland, Liechtenstein, NorwaySame rules as EU licences
United Kingdom and Crown dependenciesUnited Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Jersey, GuernseyUK visitors can drive on a UK licence; UK residents of Ireland must exchange
Recognised states: Europe and AsiaSwitzerland, Georgia, Moldova, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), TaiwanExchange within 1 year of the licence's expiry date
Recognised states: rest of worldAustralia, New Zealand, South AfricaExchange within 1 year of the licence's expiry date
Canada (listed provinces only)Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, SaskatchewanLicences from Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and the territories cannot be exchanged
Two important limits apply. Not every category transfers in every case: some agreements cover car (category B) licences only, and truck, bus or motorcycle categories may not carry over, so check the country-specific rules on the NDLS site. And if your first licence came from a country Ireland does not recognise and you later exchanged it for one from a recognised state, the NDLS will still refuse the exchange; the original issuing country is what counts. Ukrainian licence holders under temporary protection can drive on their Ukrainian licence in Ireland, but the exchange arrangement for Ukrainian licences has ended. ## How long you can drive before exchanging Holders of EU and EEA licences can keep driving on them for as long as they remain valid. If your licence is from a recognised state you can drive as a visitor for up to **12 months**, but once you become normally resident, meaning you live here at least 185 days a year, you should exchange it. Holders of licences from non-recognised countries can also drive for up to 12 months as visitors if they hold an international driving permit, but if they plan to stay longer than a year they must apply for an Irish licence through the full process. Only full licences can be exchanged; a foreign learner permit is not valid for driving in Ireland. ## The exchange process and fee The fee is **€65**, and free if you are aged 70 or over. You can apply online or in person at an NDLS centre by appointment. - **Online:** you need a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID. Complete the form on ndls.ie and then post your foreign licence to the NDLS; it is sent to the issuing authority or retained, so keep a photocopy. - **In person:** book an appointment at an NDLS centre and bring your current licence, proof of your PPS number, photo ID, proof of address dated within six months, and proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU/EEA citizen. - **Eyesight report:** if you are exchanging a recognised-state (non-EU) licence you must bring a completed eyesight report form signed by an optician or doctor. - **Medical report:** needed if you are over 70, have certain medical conditions or are applying for truck or bus categories. - **Professional drivers:** bring your Certificate of Professional Competence if you hold one. The NDLS sometimes has to confirm details with the issuing country, and when that happens the exchange takes longer. Your foreign licence is surrendered, so if you need it for another country ask about the return arrangement before you apply. ## If your country is not on the list You cannot exchange, and you go through the same steps as a new Irish driver, with one shortcut. The steps are: 1. Pass the **driver theory test** (book online at theorytest.ie). 2. Apply to the NDLS for a **learner permit**; you will need your PPS number, proof of address and an eyesight report. 3. Complete **Essential Driver Training**. New drivers must do 12 lessons, but if you hold a full licence from a non-recognised country you need only **6 EDT lessons**. 4. Drive accompanied by a fully licensed driver, display L plates, and wait for your test date. First-time learner permit holders must normally hold the permit for six months before sitting the test. 5. Pass the **driving test** and apply for your full licence. Driving test waiting times are published by the Road Safety Authority and have run to several months in the Dublin area, so book as early as you are allowed. Insurers will price you as an inexperienced driver until you pass, so shop around. ## Practical points - Get your PPS number first; the NDLS will not process any application without it. - Your address must match your Public Services Card record or be proven with a document dated within six months. - An Irish licence is valid for 10 years for most drivers under 70. - An Irish licence lets you drive throughout the EU. ## ★ Useful links - [NDLS: exchange a foreign driving licence](https://www.ndls.ie/licensed-driver/exchange-my-foreign-driving-licence.html) - [Citizens Information: foreign driving licences in Ireland](https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/motoring/driver-licensing/exchanging-foreign-driving-permit/) - [RSA: exchanging a foreign licence](https://www.rsa.ie/services/licensed-drivers/driving-licence/exchange-foreign-licence) - [Driver Theory Test](https://theorytest.ie/) - [National Driver Licence Service](https://www.ndls.ie/) ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 27% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Which countries' driving licences can be exchanged in Ireland** — about 3 minutes more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. Still to come in this guide - How long you can drive before exchanging - The exchange process and fee - If your country is not on the list - Practical points [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on transportation [All 9 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/) - ### [Public Transportation System of Ireland](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/public-transportation-in-ireland/) Ireland has a relatively efficient public transport system that includes buses, trains, trams, and taxis. While it may not be as extensive as some other… 2 min read - ### [Leap card](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/transportation/leap-card/) If you’re planning to use public transport in Ireland, you might have heard about the Leap Card. 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