Renewing your driving licence in Ireland has, thankfully, never been easier thanks to the introduction of online renewal - there's no need to go and have a face-to-face meeting at one of the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) offices around the country. However, if you do want to renew your licence, you'll have to jump through a few hoops first...
You'll need a Public Services Card and a MyGovID
These aren't hard to get. If you're living and working in Ireland, you'll most likely already have your Public Services Card. If you don't have one, you can apply for one here. A MyGovID is simply an online registration service that verifies who you are and which social services you're entitled to use. There is a 'simple' level of ID that just requires registration, but for the driving licence, you need a verified ID that requires a PPS number and proof of identity, such as a current passport or, helpfully, a current driving licence. Which you will have, as you're looking to renew one... Apply for your MyGovID here.
Proof of address
Having a proof of address isn't strictly required, but you will need to be able to show some proof if your current address is not the one that goes with your Public Services Card.
Proof that you're normally resident in Ireland
This is only for those people applying for an Irish driving licence if you were born, or if your nationality comes from, outside the EU or the European Economic Area.
Medical report?
You normally don't need a medical report to obtain a driving licence, unless you're over 70, or have some form of illness or congenital issue that affects your movement or your sight.
The fee
Applying for a renewal of a licence costs €55, and can be paid by credit or with debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. If you're over 70, though, it's free.
Fill out the forms
You can find the online forms at ndls.ie, but you will need your MyGovID all set up and verified first, as your government ID is basically your driving licence login. Back to square one if you haven't got it yet...
Three months before it's up
You don't have to leave it to the last minute to renew your licence - indeed, given all the potential Covid-related delays in the system at the moment, it's a good idea not to. You can renew your driving licence at any time in the last three months before it expires.
You don't have to do it online
If you're not confident at dealing with online forms, you can still go through the in-person renewal process, although obviously at the moment you need to be aware that Covid restrictions can cause delays.
You'll need to bring your valid photo ID, a proof of your PPS number, medical report (if needed), proof of address (if it's different from the one on your old licence, or your PSC card) and, of course, the application fee. There are 34 NDLS offices around the country, and you can book an appointment here.