Because of new legislation that came into force on January 9, from now on you’ll have to replace your driving licence as it expires.
The legislation phases out the old-fashioned, pink brochure with the unsightly pink stickers stuck unceremoniously onto your licence.
The process of replacing the document is not simply a matter of surrendering the pink brochure, however. Drivers must pass a medical in advance of the expiration date of their current license date. If the driver has any medical requirements, this information will be added to the department of transportation’s database. Then the department will issue a receipt confirming the validity of the licence, which the doctor will print out, sign and deliver to the applicant. This receipt will be valid until the new driver’s licence arrives by post, up to 60 days.
Although the total cost for renewing the licence remains the same: 25 euro (16 euro for the revenue stamp and 9 euro for department of transportation fees, paid with a postal order), there are new, additional costs involved in the process. Drivers must pay for the postal order, which is to be given to the doctor along with a photo (which the driver must supply). The driver must also pay for the medical exam and 6.80 euro to cover the cost of registered mail, which is how the new licence will be sent to the driver.
ARE YOU STREET LEGAL?
See theflr.net/driving and theflr.net/drivinglaws for information about legally driving as a tourist or a long-term resident.
