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Frequently asked questions

It can take up to a few hours for your confirmation to arrive once we’ve checked your application. This will be sent to the email address you provided during your application. Don’t forget to check your spam folder. 

No. We can’t accept copies. The original document (e.g., Passport, Irish Resident Permit (IRP), foreign licence, or letter of entitlement) must be posted to the address below along with your application number. These will be sent back to you once we’ve completed our checks.

Postal address: Online applications, National Driver Licence Service, PO box 858, southside delivery office, Cork

Here’s a list of documents that we accept as proof of ID or evidence of address, PPSN or residency entitlement.

Important: If the original documentation isn’t received with the timeframe outlined in the ‘Action Required’ e-mail, your application may be rejected, and you could lose your fee. 


You cannot apply online for your learner permit or driving licence services if your Public Services Card (PSC) photograph is over 10-years-old. You will need to renew your PSC ONLINE on the MyWelfare.ie website.

 

To Renew PSC Online

 

1.Go to Renew your Public Services Card
2.You must have a verified MyGovID account
3.Review your personal details and make sure they are correct
4.Confirm your address
5.Upload a recent digital photo that meets the requirements

After making a successful PSC renewal application with an updated photograph of yourself please wait until your application is approved. Once this process is completed you will be able to avail NDLS services online.


Please try the following:

  • Make sure the page is fully loaded. Depending on the strength of your broadband, this could take a few minutes
  • Check you’re uploading the correct file size (Max. 5MB) and document type (i.e., only pdf, jpeg and png files are accepted)
  • If you’ve more than one file to upload, please combine these in a single document and upload as a pdf. 

If, after trying the above, you’re still having technical difficulties, you can call our helpline on 0818919090. 

This could be for one of the following reasons:

  • You’re not eligible to apply. For example, if your permit or licence is not yet due for renewal or if you’ve already exchanged your licence abroad. 
  • You’re trying to renew a third or subsequent learner permit. If so, you will need to prove that you’ve either sat and failed a driving test in that category in the past two years or have recently applied for a driving test. 
  • You have a foreign licence that needs to be exchanged for an Irish licence. Know more > 
If the above scenarios don’t apply to you, please try the following:

  • Make sure the page is fully loaded. Depending on the strength of your broadband, this could take a few minutes
  • Make sure you’re selecting the correct application type from the drop-down menu. 
  • Use an internet browser such as Google Chrome or Safari.
  • If you’re using a phone or iPad, try accessing NDLS online using a different device e.g., a laptop or computer.
If, after trying the above, you’re still experiencing technical difficulties, you can call our helpline on 0818919090.

Please try the following:

  • Make sure the page is fully loaded. Depending on the strength of your broadband, this could take a few minutes
  • Clear your browser cookies. 
  • Use an internet browser such as Google Chrome or Safari.
  • If you’re using a phone or iPad, try accessing NDLS online using a different device e.g., a laptop or computer.

If, after trying the above, you’re still experiencing technical difficulties, you can call our helpline on 0818919090. 

Once you’ve verified your MyGovID account, you need to go back to NDLS online and click on the ‘Continue with MyGovID’ button. This will bring you to the MyGovID login page once more but this time, after entering your username and password, the NDLS portal should open.

  • If you’re still having technical issues, please try the following:
  • Make sure the page is fully loaded. Depending on the strength of your broadband, this could take a few minutes
  • Clear your browser cookies.
  • Use an internet browser such as Google Chrome or Safari
  • If you’re using a phone or iPad, try accessing NDLS online using a different device e.g., a laptop or computer.

If the above suggestions don’t work, you can call our helpline on 0818919090.


If you’ve recently passed your theory test, you must wait a few hours for the system to capture your details, so please try again after this time.

If you’re still experiencing technical difficulties, you can call our helpline on 0818919090. 

Once you get to the main menu page (after confirming your contact details), please click on ‘Your application status’, followed by the ‘Resume’ button. This should allow you to progress.

If the ‘application status’ option isn’t showing for you, it could be the case that your previous application didn’t save so you could try starting a new one.

If you’re still experiencing technical difficulties, you can call our helpline on 0818919090.

Yes. The system will not allow you to apply for a first -time learner permit until you have passed the driver theory test in that category. 

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