Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
194. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport if a process for online driver licence renewals that does not require a public services card is being considered during Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card (PSC), is needed to access the online system provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).
To apply for, or renew, a driving licence you are required to present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement.
When an applicant presents in person at a NDLS centre, a face-to-face verification can be made and the required documentation can be examined. These offices are still open for applications and renewals where someone does not have a PSC and cannot access the online system.
The same information is required when accessing the online system, and the Public Services Card satisfies this requirement as the information has already been provided and verified by another Government department. Without a PSC, it is not possible to access the online system as the necessary face-to-face validation has not been made.
