Important Update: Driver Numbers Now Required for Car Insurance Policies

From 31st March 2025, all motorists in Ireland will be required to provide their Driver Number when taking out a new motor insurance policy or renewing an existing one. This is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), in cooperation with An Garda Síochána, the Department of Transport, and Insurance Ireland.

This legal requirement applies to all drivers listed on the policy — including additional or named drivers.

What Is the Driver Number and Where Can You Find It?

Your Driver Number is a unique 9-digit code assigned to every licensed driver in Ireland. It stays with you for life — even if you change vehicles, insurers, or renew your licence.

You can find your Driver Number listed under Section 4(d) on your Irish driving licence.

If you have other drivers listed on your policy (e.g. spouse, children, named drivers), their driver numbers will also be required to incept or renew a policy from the end of March.

Why Is This Change Being Made?

This change is being introduced as part of a road safety initiative under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. By adding Driver Numbers to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), authorities aim to:

  • Improve the detection of uninsured and illegal drivers

  • Make it easier for An Garda Síochána to track driving offences

  • Enhance road safety for all users

The IMID already contains insurance details for over 3 million vehicles and 5 million drivers. With this new data point, enforcement will become even more efficient.

What You Need to Do

Starting 31st March 2025, it will be illegal for brokers or insurers to issue or renew a motor insurance policy if the Driver Number has not been provided for all drivers on the policy.

To avoid delays or potential refusal of cover:

  1. Locate your driving licence

  2. Note your Driver Number from section 4(d)

  3. Send us your number when requested at renewal or quotation

  4. Gather Driver Numbers for any named drivers on your policy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I find my Driver Number?
A: It’s listed on your driving licence under section 4(d). It’s a unique 9-digit number.

Q: What if I don’t have my licence right now?
A: You will need to retrieve it before we can issue or renew your insurance policy. Without the Driver Number, cover cannot legally be put in place.

Q: Does this apply to named drivers on my policy too?
A: Yes. All drivers listed on the policy must provide their individual Driver Numbers.

Q: Will my policy be cancelled if I don’t provide this number?
A: From 31st March 2025, we will not be allowed to issue a policy without these details. This means your cover may lapse unless the requirement is fulfilled.

Q: Does the number change when I renew my licence?
A: No. The Driver Number stays with you for life, even if you renew or replace your licence.

Q: Why is this necessary?
A: It helps Gardaí identify uninsured or offending drivers quickly and accurately, making our roads safer.

For more details, visit: https://www.understandinginsurance.ie/driver-number

Have more questions? Feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.