Time Running Out For NI/UK Licence Exchange

Irish drivers with a UK or Northern Irish driving licence are warned that time is running out for a licence exchange ahead of Brexit.

With just twenty days until the UK's schedule departure from the EU, and a current 10-day wait to process an exchange, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) says there is no guarantee that anyone applying in the second half of October will receive their Irish licence on time.

To exchange your licence you must complete a licence application form and present this, the correct fee and your UK licence at any NDLS centre. You can make an appointment online to attend any of the 36 centres. Walk in applications are accommodated, however people are advised to arrive early if they wish to avail of this option.

The Road Safety Authority has warned motorists they are at risk of being without a licence exchange if they fail to heed the warnings.

Ms. Moyagh Murdock, CEO, RSA said: "We are advising that any applications received after Monday 14 October may not be processed in time. This will certainly be the case if there is a high volume of applications in the coming week and bearing in mind that it takes up of 10 working days to process a normal licence exchange. We urge UK and Northern Ireland licence holders resident here to exchange their licence without delay to ensure that they are legally entitled to drive on Irish roads if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October."

In anticipation of an increase in demand ahead of 31 October, the NDLS is offering some extra opening hours in addition to the normal hours at some centres. Details are included online.

Where an applicant cannot submit an original licence and instead includes a 'letter of entitlement' from the DVLA in the UK, the forms will take longer to process.



(JG/CM)