molly1664

One thing we forgot to do before moving from the UK was enquire with the DVLA about changing our address on our driving license. Does anyone know what we need to do. Is it just a case of sending our licenses off with change of address? My husband as tried several times to phone the DVLA without any luck!

Pulaski

Once you leave the UK you can no longer change the address on the license, and you should look to exchange your license for a "local" licence where you now live.

BritInParis

What Pulaski said. You can drive in the Republic on your UK licences provided it remains valid. If you have an old style paper licence then that doesn't expire. If you have a photocard then that will expiry; you should look to exchange it for an Irish licence if it will expiry before your intended return date or the move will be permanent.

molly1664

Thanks guys, providing we are eligible to stay in Ireland we have no intention of returning to the UK so will look into exchanging our licenses.

yhp22

Hi Molly
Did you find out how to exchange your licence?
Thanks in advance .... from anyone who can advise.
My son has a UK licence but now resident in Ireland.

guirijohn

You can find out about the procedures here.

https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply.html

You make an appointment online, take along the required documents, proof of address and the UK licence. It takes a couple of months to receive the new licence in the post. You will be given a receipt to cover you for driving in the meantime. It is not valid outside the Republic and nor do hire companies accept it.

yhp22

Thank you for your reply.
This is a very complicated situation isn't it? How do you drive in the UK without a UK licence having surrendered it so that you can get an Irish licence?
If he wants to be drive and be legal in both countries I am not sure how he goes about it because he now lives in Ireland with an Irish address so needs an Irish licence to drive but if he wants to keep his UK licence they won't let him put an Irish address on it??
I am truly confused on this as the insurance company have no problem with him living in Ireland on a UK driving licence but at the moment he is technically 'illegal' as he has not told DVLA his change of address because they say he has to tell Ireland.
Where and how does this get legally sorted out so that you can be sure he isn't breaking any laws?

BritInParis

The change of address is only a requirement when you move within the UK. If you move aboard then you should keep your last UK address on your licence until such time that you return to the UK. Otherwise your son can simply exchange his GB licence for an Irish one.

yhp22

Thank you - that is very helpful and much appreciated