Further extension to driving licences announced
Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton T.D. has today announced details of an extension to the expiry dates of driving licences that have not benefited from a previous extension.
The move comes as the EU and national Governments take steps in response to the disruption caused by Covid-19 to driver licensing services across the EU.
The extension will apply to driving licences expiring from 1 July 2021 to 31 October 2021 with 10 months added to the expiry date in cases where the driving licence has not benefited from an extension previously.
Drivers can visit www.ndls.ie and use the expiry date calculator to show the new expiry date for your licence.
Commenting on the extension to driving licences Minister Naughton "this extension to driving licences will address the concerns that drivers have in renewing their licence."
"Demand for the service is expected to be strong over the coming months as licences and permits previously extended expire and need to be renewed.
“Increased demand for a first learner permit, as a result of the resumption of the driver theory test service will also place extra demand on the service.”
The Minister added:
“I would strongly encourage drivers to check the new expiry date of their driving licence by using the expiry date calculator on www.ndls.ie.
“Anyone who receives the licence extension will not be sent out a new licence. The driver record will automatically be updated to show the new expiry date. The RSA has also told Insurance Ireland and An Garda Síochána about the new expiry date of driving licences.
“The extension is recognised by Driver License Authorities and enforcement authorities across the EU”
If you are a driver who has benefited from previous extensions and the new renewal date is falling due you must renew it with the NDLS.
Drivers who have been granted this new extension and who have already booked an appointment at an NDLS centre to renew their licence are being asked to cancel the appointment, to make it available for others who need it.