Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2014
228. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason original driving licences are taken from clients when making new applications for renewal as opposed to photocopies as clients are made to wait for a new licence which causes major problems for job opportunities when driving licences need to be produced to prospective employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3059/14]
View answerThe main reason people are asked to return old licences when renewing their licence is to provide assurance that the old licence is no longer in circulation. Given the fact that driving licences are used for identification in many contexts, it is important to minimise the risk of identity fraud. The best way to ensure that old licences cannot be amended in some way and fraudulently reused is for the State to require their return.
This practice may raise concerns regarding the legal requirement to produce a licence when requested by a member of An Garda Síochána. If the person cannot produce the licence at the time, the law allows ten days in which to produce it at a Garda station. In most cases, if a licence is in process, this is sufficient time for the new licence to arrive. Where it is not, the Gardaí may choose to exercise discretion.
