Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
126. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department is taking to reduce Irish driving licence exchange processing times, in view that many applicants are experiencing delays of up to 12 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31292/26]
View answerAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that
the length of time taken to complete a licence exchange may vary for a number of reasons. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report, or the physical licence itself in the case of an online application.
The most common reason for delays in exchanging a licence is the verification process. Vigilance is needed when processing a licence exchange application, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the country in which the licence was obtained. In the exchange of a non-EU licence for an Irish licence, the applicant's driving entitlements must be verified by the authority that issued the non-EU licence. Accordingly, the time taken for verification is dependent on the response time from the other licensing authority.
