Updating your personal details on your driving licence or learner permit

When you apply for a driving licence or learner permit, it is in the name and address you provided at that time.

If you change your name or address later, you can exchange your current licence or permit for an updated one.

On this page we explain what you need to do and the documents that prove your new name or address.

Your new licence or permit will have the same expiry date as your original one.

Do I have to update my driving license details if I change my name or address?

No, but it’s a good idea.

You are not legally required to change your licence or permit if you change your name or address, for example if you take a spouse’s name or move home. However, it is advisable.

You must always carry your driving licence or learner’s permit with you when driving.

If asked when driving by a member of An Garda Síochána, you must show your licence or permit.

You can apply online or in person at one of the NDLS centres.

You do not have to provide photographs with your application.

You do need to bring additional documents with you to confirm your identity.

Apply online

You need the following:

• Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN) and a verified MyGovID.
• Proof of your address dated within the last 6 months if your current address differs from the one you provided when you applied for your PSC.
• A Driving Licence Medical Report Form may be required (see below).
• Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside of EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK or Northern Ireland (see below).
• There is no fee for making an application to amend personal details, unless your driving licence is also due for renewal or has been lost, stolen or damaged, in which case a fee will apply. If you are 70 years or over, this fee does not apply.

Apply in person

You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre. You will need to bring the required supporting documents and ID.

An application form is no longer needed. Your photograph and signature will be taken electronically at the NDLS centre.

You must bring the following with you:

• Your current or most recent driving licence or learner permit. If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged, you must bring a valid photo ID with you.
• A Driving Licence Medical Report Form may be required.
• Proof of your Personal Public Services (PPSN) number. (see proof of identity below)
• Proof of your address dated within the last 6 months.
• Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, UK or Northern Ireland. (see below)
• There is no fee for making an application to amend personal details unless your driving licence is also due for renewal or has been lost, stolen or damaged, in which case a fee will apply. You can only pay by credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay or Payzone voucher. If you are aged 70 years or over, this fee does not apply.

Documents to prove a change of name or address

If you are applying online to change your name, you must have updated your name with the Department of Social Protection.

If applying in person, you need to provide evidence of your change of name to update these details on your driving licence or learner permit.

The type of documents required depends on the amendments you need.

You can see the different situations below:

Change of name after marriage or civil partnership

If you have changed your name due to marriage or civil partnership, you can either:

• Provide your original civil marriage or civil partnership certificate. Certified translations must be submitted with the original marriage or civil partnership certificate if they are not in English or Irish.
• Present an acceptable form of photo ID in your new name (see Photo ID below).

See the NDLS website for more information.

Change of name upon divorce or separation

To change your name after a divorce, separation, or civil partnership dissolution, you need to provide original proof of divorce or separation.

This can be:

• A divorce decree
• A judicial separation court order
• A separation agreement
• A letter from your solicitor confirming that you have started the separation process

You must also include one of the following to confirm your original (birth) surname:

• Your original UK or Irish birth certificate
• Your original civil marriage certificate
• Your original civil partnership certificate

Or you can show a valid photo ID in your new name.

When do I need a certified translation?

You will need to provide a certified translation of your marriage or civil partnership certificate if the original is not in English or Irish.

Translations must be provided by a member of the Association of Translators and Interpreters Ireland.

You must submit the original marriage or civil partnership certificate with the certified translation.

See the NDLS website for more information.

Change of name following a deed poll

If you changed your name by deed poll, you can either:

• Present an acceptable photo I.D issued in your new name
• Provide an original Irish deed poll document which has been enrolled in the Irish High Court

See the NDLS website for more information.

Change of name using the Irish version of your name

If you want to use the Irish version of your name, you can either:

• Submit evidence that you are using the Irish version of your name. For example, 2 official documents that show you've been using your new name for 2 years.
• Present photo I.D in your new name.

See the NDLS website for more information.

Change of address

You must submit proof of your new address.

Proof of address documents, (like a Public Services Card, bank statement or utility bill) must be fewer than 6 months old if your current address is different from the one you gave when you applied for your Public Services Card.

Mobile phone bills and statements from store cards or catalogue companies are not accepted.

You can find a full list of documents that will not be accepted on the NDLS website.

Proof of identity

You can use your Public Services Card (PSC) as a proof of identity. The name and address on your learner permit or driving licence application must match the name and address on your PSC.

If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you can also use the PSC as proof of your residency entitlement. If you don't have a PSC, you need one document listed on the NDLS website from any of the sections below:

• Photo ID
• Proof of your residency entitlement
• Evidence of your PPS Number
• Proof of address

More information is available on the National Driver Licence Service website.