Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
207. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered introducing technology to allow drivers use an app or digital wallet to store their driving licence so they do not have to carry it and a valid copy can be shown off their phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4938/24]
View answerThe introduction of a mobile driving licence is one of the measures proposed in the new EU driving licence Directive currently being examined by Member States. It aims to introduce an EU wide mobile/digital licence which will be mandatory in approximately 7 years time.
Currently, Member States can issue mobile driving licences, but they are only recognised in the Member State that issued them. The new Directive proposes that a mobile licence will be the default licence in the EU and Member States will be required to recognise each other’s mobile licences. It will still be possible for a driver to request a physical driving licence instead of, or together with, a mobile licence.
Ireland welcomes this new provision in the proposed Directive. A major benefit is that real time information will be available to enforcement authorities on all EU licences.
In addition to the Directive proposal, the OGCIO is running a pilot, using electronic copies of driving licences, to explore the feasibility of and technical requirements for the use of digital licences in Ireland, in the context of establishing a digital wallet for major life event documents for Irish citizens. This initiative will be beneficial in the introduction and implementation of the mobile licence proposal.
