The Irish government has recently updated its car insurance law, introducing a regulation mandating the provision of a driver number for everyone purchasing or renewing car insurance[i]. Brought into force on 31st March 2025, this law also requires all insurance providers in Ireland to collect and validate driver numbers for all policyholders to ensure only licensed individuals are insured.     

This law is an amendment to the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, establishing greater transparency, risk assessment and improved enforcement of car insurance regulations. With the new mandate, drivers in Ireland will be required to be more proactive and responsible in ensuring they comply with the new law and are properly insured. This article aims to simplify the new regulation procedures and prepare drivers for the latest changes.     

Understanding the role of driver numbers in insurance policies

The new mandate aims to introduce a more data-driven and standardised insurance system. Insurers can utilise driver numbers to: 

• Verify the policy seeker’s driving history, ensuring accurate records
• Assess risk levels and determine fair premiums
• Prevent fraudulent claims by linking each policy to a unique, identifiable driver number
• Accelerate the insurance application and renewal process

Where can policy seekers find their driver number?

In Ireland, each licensed driver receives a unique driver number as a personal identifier. This number appears in section 4(d) of the Irish driving licence and remains unchanged throughout the driver’s lifetime, even if they renew their licence multiple times.     

If applicants cannot locate their driver number, they can check their previous insurance documents or contact the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) for assistance. Alternatively, they can visit the NDLS website to retrieve their registered number.   

What happens if policy seekers fail to provide a driver number? 

If applicants do not provide this information insurers cannot issue car insurance. Additionally, premiums may increase as insurers cannot accurately assess the risk without the driver number. Insurers could also deny coverage requests if they don’t receive all necessary details before policy renewal.   

Introducing a mandatory driver number creates a direct and unique link between drivers and their insurance policies, significantly improving the detection of uninsured drivers.   

Will this affect current insurance policies?

If a driver already has an insurance policy, they must provide their driver number to the insurance provider. While renewing the policy, the insurance company will ask for this number again.  

Why has this new regulation been introduced?

The primary goals of this regulation are to:  

Tips to ensure compliance with new regulations

• Policy seekers must verify their license and locate their driver number.
• If the driver’s number is unclear, they can contact the NDLS or the insurance provider to confirm the records.  
• Before renewing the next policy, it is crucial to ensure that the insurance provider has accurate information. If discrepancies arise, update the details promptly to avoid delays.

Stay ahead of the changes with Gallagher

Complying with current regulations and fully understanding the various coverage options available are both crucial to preventing any delays in obtaining coverage. Staying informed is key, and our specialists at Gallagher can guide you to navigate the latest changes with personalised solutions.      

For more information and guidance, visit Gallagher Car Insurance, where you can find resources, expert insights and the latest industry updates.   

[i] “Driver Licence Number Requirement,” Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland, accessed on 11 Jul 2025.

[ii] “Legislation Will Require Motorists to Provide Driver Number When Taking Out Motor Insurance,” GOV.IE, 12 Apr 2025.

The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.