Important Information
Effective from April 1st, 2025, significant changes to Ireland’s Road Traffic Act will require all motorists to submit their unique driver number when obtaining or renewing car insurance policies. This initiative aims to considerably improve road safety while simultaneously reducing the prevalence of uninsured drivers on Irish roads.
What Is the Driver Number?
Each licensed driver in Ireland receives a unique nine-digit identifier referred to as the driver number. It remains consistent across an individual’s driving history. It can be found in section 4(d) on the plastic card driving licence or learner permit. The driver number’s location and format may vary in format and location for non-Irish licences.
Why Is This Change Being Implemented?
This legislative update, and it is an initiative that aims to considerably reduce accidents along with their associated costs by guaranteeing that all drivers on Irish roads have valid insurance in addition to appropriate licensing. This legislation mandates that 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.
- Enhance Verification: Insurers will carefully validate the driver numbers against the Irish Motor Insurance Database before issuing Motor Third Party Liability (MTPL) policies, thereby guaranteeing the proper licensing of each driver.
- Improve Enforcement: By including driver numbers in the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), An Garda Síochána can use an app in real time on the roads to scan registration plates. The app checks the information against the database and identifies uninsured drivers.
- Improve Road Safety: This initiative aims to considerably reduce accidents along with their associated costs by guaranteeing that all drivers on Irish roads have valid insurance.
What Actions Do Drivers Need to Take?
To comply with the new requirements:
- Locate Your Driver Number: Check section 4(d) on your driving licence for your nine-digit driver number.
- Provide Driver Numbers for All Named Drivers: When applying for or renewing you car insurance policy, it is necessary to supply the driver numbers for each individual as well as all additional drivers included in the policy.
- Ensure Licence Validity: Guarantee that all driving licenses, including those of every additional driver, are current and valid by confirming their authenticity. Consulting the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website is recommended for thorough information on renewing or replacing a license.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to provide the required Driver Numbers will prevent you from obtaining or renewing your car insurance policy. Driving without valid insurance is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines, penalty points, and potential disqualification from driving.
Support and Assistance
AA Ireland is committed to assisting customers throughout this transition. The AA customer service team is prepared to answer any questions and help with updating your policy when you provide the necessary driver numbers. For further information or assistance, please contact us at 0818 244 244 or by emailing us at customerservice@theaa.ie.
