What’s changing?

The Government has changed the law about the information you need to provide when you buy or renew a motor insurance policy. From 31st March 2025, to secure insurance cover, you will need to provide your insurer or broker with your driver number and the driver number of anyone named on your policy. You will be legally obliged to provide this information and it will be an offence for the insurer or broker to sell you a policy without it.  

Why is this important?

It is an important measure aimed at detecting uninsured drivers. Every licensed driver has their own unique driver number which stays with them regardless of the vehicle they are using. The legal requirement to add this information to the Irish Motor Insurance Database will provides An Garda Síochána with a more comprehensive insight into any offences a driver may have committed, making it even more difficult for drivers who act illegally on Irish roads to evade detection.

Do I risk losing insurance cover if I can’t find my driver number before my renewal date?

Yes. Under the new law, an insurer or broker will be prevented from issuing a policy to anyone who fails to supply their driver number. Similarly, if a named driver cannot provide a driver number they will have to be removed from the policy. Equally the policyholder or prospective policyholder is legally required to supply their driver number and the driver numbers of anyone named on their policy. In the short-term, you can call the NDLS to request your driver number on 0818 700 800. You will need to confirm your identity by providing your name, date of birth and PPSN. 

What is the difference between my driver number and my driver licence number?

You can find the driver number in Section 4(d) on an Irish driving licence or learner permit.

Where can I find my Driver number?

Your driver number can be found in section 4(d) of your driving licence or learner permit. Your licence number can be found in section 5. 

What is the difference between my driver number and my driver licence number?

Your driver number can be found in section 4(d) of your driving licence or learner permit. Your licence number can be found in section 5. 

What do I need to do if I hold a licence that has not been issued in the Republic of Ireland?

You will need to provide a copy of your licence to your insurer or broker prior to cover being placed.

Does a licence issued outside the Republic of Ireland have a driver number?

Different countries have different formats for their licences. The legislation sets out that in the case of foreign licences, “the driver number, licence number or unique identifier of any person to whom the licence is issued” is required.

You will need to email us a copy of your licence so that we can record the relevant information on the policy.

What if I hold a UK licence?

Since Brexit, you can no longer drive on your UK licence if you live in Ireland. In this case, you should exchange your driving licence immediately. You must surrender your UK licence in this case and the NDLS will issue you with a receipt while the exchange process takes place. Once again, this will take time, so address this immediately and provide your driver number to your insurer or broker as soon as you have it. Read the FAQs about exchanging a foreign driving licence on the NDLS website. If you do not provide a copy of your licence, regardless of whether it is a UK licence or an EU licence, your insurer will not issue you with a policy.

My son is a named driver on my car insurance policy, but I can’t get his driver number at the moment as he is away traveling. Do I need it? 

Yes, you need your son’s driver number to renew your policy as any named driver will have to provide their driver number. If you cannot get the driver number of a person who is named on your policy you can remove them from the policy until it is available from them. 

I’m on my partner’s policy. Do I need to give her my driver number? Will it impact her premium if she doesn’t include the number? Will I still be insured? 

Your partner needs to have your driver number to renew the current policy. If they cannot provide your driver number, you will be removed from the policy and this may have an impact on the premium.  Insurers use various factors to calculate the premium, including any drivers on the policy; therefore, if a driver is removed from the policy it may affect the cost. For this reason, if you are no longer on her policy because you couldn’t provide your driver number at the time of renewal, your partner may see a change in premium. 

My son has been living abroad but is returning in the new year for holidays and I want to put him on the insurance. Do I need his driver number? What happens if he if he can’t find his licence and will he have to get a replacement?

You do need his driver number and he will have to get a replacement. (Note, you must be resident in Ireland in order to apply for an Irish Licence. He may not be eligible to get a replacement licence while living abroad).

I am at college and I don’t have my licence with me but my insurance is up for renewal tomorrow. Will I still be able to get insurance?

No, from 31st March 2025, you will need to provide your driver number to renew your policy. In the short-term, you can call the NDLS to request your driver number on 0818 700 800. You will need to confirm your identity by providing your name, date of birth and PPSN.