Conditions and qualifications
All who hold a ROC (Taiwan) driving license and are ‘normally resident’ in Ireland are qualified to apply to the National Driver License Service (NDLS, http://www.ndls.ie) to exchange their license. Being ‘normally resident’ in Ireland means that you live here for at least 185 days in each calendar year. Even if you work or study abroad for lengthy periods, you may still be regarded as being normally resident in Ireland provided that you have personal ties in Ireland and return here regularly.
Procedure for License Exchange
- Applicants should send the information listed below to the email address of this office (irl@mofa.gov.tw) in order to apply for an entitlement letter:
- An electronic copy of their passport information page
- An electronic copy of their existing Taiwan license (both sides)
- A postal address and telephone number
- Please note that if your Taiwan licence has expired for more than one year, you will need to renew it before applying an entitlement letter from this office.
- This office will verify the details with Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications and will issue an entitlement letter to the applicant upon confirmation.
- Applicant needs to book an appointment with NDLS centre to exchange their license after receiving the entitlement letter. The following documents should be presented upon application:
- Taiwan driving license and the entitlement letter from this office
- Application form for a Driving License D401
- Driving License Eyesight Report Form
- Document to verify your identity (e. g. passport)
- Document to verify your PPSN (e. g. PSN Card)
- Proof of address (e.g. utility bill with address)
- Application fee
- Applicants who are over 70 years of age, or do not meet all the requirements of the D401, must provide a Medical report form
For the latest information, please visit https://www.ndls.ie/holders-of-foreign-licences.html#to-apply-to-exchange-a-foreign-driving-licence-issued-by-a-recognised-state
Other notes
- All who hold a ROC driving license for small vehicles, motorcycles (between 250cc and 500cc) and mopeds (between 50cc and 250cc) can also apply for an exchange of license. For people wish to exchange their Taiwan driving licenses for both cars and motorcycles, please send over all the relevant information and apply for the entitlement letter at the same time.
- After providing a new Irish driving license, NDLS will send the original ROC driving license back to the ROC Ministry of Transportation and Communications Motor Vehicle Office for official storage through this office. If applicants wish to change back to the ROC license upon their return to the ROC, they apply for an exchange at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications with the Irish license.
Irish Driving License Holder
If a holder of an Irish driving license intends to exchange to a ROC license, an examination of their Irish license will first be conducted by RSA authority, and they must comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications before exchanging it at the local motor office in Taiwan. If there are any concerns regarding this matter, please contact Ms. Mindy Shi at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in Taiwan (email: mindy@thb.gov.tw , tel: +886-2-2307-0123 ext. 2312)
