Tachograph Driver Cards and How to Apply for One

Written By Valentin Vizuroiu

In addition to the wide-ranging commercial vehicle testing offered from our Dublin workshops, the Argent team also offers tachograph installation, tachograph calibrations and tachograph supply and fit services and it’s a topic we delve into further, as we talk about how to obtain a driver card and where you need to apply. 

What is a Tachograph Driver Card?

Essentially, a Tachograph Driver Card is a smart card used by professional drivers in Ireland across the EU. It keeps track of driving hours, breaks, and rest times in vehicles with digital tachographs. The card lasts for five years and holds 28 days of data (which must be downloaded periodically and stored securely for inspection). 

Who Can Apply for a Tachograph Driver Card?

In order to apply for a tachograph driver card in Ireland, you must hold a valid Irish or EU/EEA driving licence with the appropriate vehicle categories. For Category B licence holders operating vehicles like electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes that require a tachograph, additional documentation is necessary. You must also be a resident of Ireland with a Personal Public Service (PPS) number. 

How Do You Apply For a Tachograph Driver Card in Ireland?

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) offers two methods to apply for a tachograph driver card:

Here you’ll need to select the appropriate application type: first-time application, renewal, replacement, or exchange. Then you’ll be asked to provide personal details, including your driving licence number, PPS number, and current address.

You’ll also be asked to consent to the use of your driving licence photo and signature or submit a new passport-sized photograph. At the end of the application process, you’ll be required to pay the €45 fee online.

You’ll then need to attach a passport-sized photograph to your application form that’s witnessed by a Garda if you’re not consenting to the use of your driving licence photo.

If you’re using your existing valid driving licence, you must include a clear photocopy of both sides of it with your application along with a proof of residence (utility bill or bank statement dated within three months)


Then pay the €60 fee through Payzone,  include the reference number and mail the completed form and documents to:

Road Safety Authority / Clonfert House / Bride Street / Loughrea / Co. Galway / H62 ET93

Other important considerations include:

  • When renewing, you must apply 3 to 4 weeks before your current card expires. The new card will be issued 28 days prior to the expiry date. 

  • If your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or malfunctioning, apply for a replacement within seven days. You may continue to drive without a card for up to 15 days, provided you can prove the impossibility of using the card during that period. 

  • Exchanging EU Cards: If you hold a valid tachograph driver card from another EU member state, you can exchange it for an Irish card by providing proof of residence and a copy of your driving licence. 

Dublin’s Commercial Vehicle Testing Experts

At Argent Equipment, we offer the full range of commercial vehicle testing from our Dublin workshops, in addition to tachograph services, seat belt certification, compliance plating and more. To learn more about how we can help you, take a moment to browse our website where you’ll find everything you need to know. 

Alternatively, if you have any questions about our services, call us today on 01 572 6500 and our team will do what they can to assist.


Valentin Vizuroiu
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Key Rules for Tachograph Drivers in Ireland