Our April 2026 Report
The Irish-US Driver’s Licence Campaign has published a new report, “Easing the burden on our returning citizens” to highlight the unnecessary barriers faced by returning Irish citizens and US citizens moving to Ireland who are unable to exchange their existing driving licences. It outlines how current rules impose avoidable costs, delays and stress on individuals and families, and sets out practical, lawful steps the Government and Road Safety Authority could take to create a fairer, more workable licence exchange system.
Report Conclusions:
Under Irish law, Ireland could exchange foreign licences unilaterally, without a reciprocal agreement.
Under Irish law, Ireland could, via amendment to Statutory Instrument No. 527 of 2007, add a country or state for exchange of a foreign license unilaterally, without a reciprocal agreement.
Based on review of what is being done in other EU countries, a unilateral license exchange process is practical and permissible by precedent under EU law.
This unilateral license exchange process is in alignment with and is permissible by EU driving license Directive 2205 of 2025.
Ireland could reinstate expired Irish driving licences for holders of current licences from other countries.
Recommendations for action by the Minister and the RSA:
Prioritise License Exchange Agreements with US states that already have reciprocal exchange agreements with other EU countries.
Via amendment to Statutory Instrument, allow for unilateral as well as reciprocal foreign license recognition, as is the case in other EU countries.
Via amendment to Statutory Instrument, allow for reinstatement of Irish driving licenses that have been expired for more than 10 years if the person holds a current license from another country.
