Why do we need Driver Numbers?
The Government has changed the law about the information you need to provide when you buy or renew a Car Insurance policy.
From 31 March 2025, you will need to supply your Driver Number to purchase Car Insurance in Ireland; this applies to policyholders and named drivers.
The new law requires us to include the Driver Number, together with other information we already provide about our customers and their Car Insurance policies, to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and it will be an offence to sell you insurance without having your Driver Number. (But don’t worry, we have made it quick and easy for you to supply this information to us… Keep reading)
Why have they changed the law?
It’s all to do with the Irish Motor Insurance Database, which supports the Gardaí in their efforts to detect uninsured drivers. The database contains the records of 3 million vehicles and 5 million drivers and is updated daily.
The Gardaí use an app (in real time) on the roads to scan registration plates; the app checks the information against the database, allowing the Gardaí to identify uninsured drivers.
The system has already been very successful and will be strengthened by the inclusion of Driver Numbers on the database. You can find out more in the ‘Clamping Down on the Uninsured’ video from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland.
How to Submit your Driver Number:
New customers: We’ll simply ask you to provide us with the Driver Numbers for all drivers before buying the policy.
Existing 123.ie customers: If you are an existing 123.ie Car Insurance customer, it is very important that you send us your Driver Number and the Driver Numbers of any drivers on your policy before your renewal, so we can renew your policy. You can do this online or by sending us an email:
- Online: It’s quick and easy to log in to your My123.ie account and update your details. Please note, if you have an Irish license, you only need to input your Driver Number (see below how to find your Driver Number), however if you have a non-Irish license, you also need to upload a copy of your license card.
- Email: Send a photo of your driver’s license or send your Driver Number directly to drivernumber@123.ie (see below how to find your Driver Number). Please note, if you have an Irish license, you only need to send us your Driver Number, however if you have a non-Irish license, you also need to send a copy of your license card.
Where to find your Driver Number:
For Irish driving numbers, the 9-digit Driver Number is located on the front of the driver’s license, under section 4d.
For non-Irish driving licenses, your Driver Number may appear in a different location. Different countries have different formats for their licenses and the legislation sets out that in the case of foreign licenses, “the Driver Number or unique identifier of any person to whom the license is issued” is required.
Either way, you will simply need to provide us with a copy of your license so that we can record the relevant information on the policy. If you are uncertain where to find your Driver Number please see the below examples or click here for a full list of countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is This Necessary?
The introduction of this new law aims to reduce uninsured driving on Irish roads, and it also helps to prevent insurance fraud as it links valid Driver Numbers to valid Car Insurance policies.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
If you do not provide a valid Driver Number, you will not be able to get Car Insurance from us or any provider in Ireland.
Is providing my Driver Number mandatory?
From 31 March 2025, to secure Car Insurance cover, you will need to provide us with your Driver Number and the Driver Number of anyone on your policy. You will be legally obliged to provide this information and it will be an offence for us to sell you a policy without it.
- If you have an existing policy with 123.ie, please send us your Driver Number by logging into the My123 portal or by sending an email to drivernumber@123.ie.
- If you are renewing a policy, please ensure you add your Driver Number by logging into the My123 portal or by sending an email to drivernumber@123.ie.
- If you are buying a new policy with 123.ie, we’ll ask you for this information before you buy the policy.
Will this affect the price of my quote?
No, this will not affect your price.
How is my Driver Number used?
We will upload your Driver Number to the Irish Motor Insurance Database which will be accessed by An Garda Siochana. This supports the Gardai in their efforts to detect uninsured drivers.
Is my information secure?
Yes, your Driver Number is encrypted and handled in accordance with GDPR and other data protection laws. It is only used for verification and is uploaded to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (as required by law).
What happens if I don’t have my Driver Number?
If you have a driving license card, you will have a Driver Number, however if you need assistance locating this number, you can call the NDLS on 0818 700 800 to request your Driver Number. When you call them, you will need to confirm your identity by providing your name, date of birth and PPSN.
If you’ve lost your license, you’ll need to contact the NDLS to retrieve your details.
Can I refuse to provide my Driver Number?
Providing your Driver Number is mandatory under the new regulation. Without it, we won’t be able to offer you insurance.
How do I find my Driver Number?
The 9-digit Driver Number is located on the front of the driver’s licence, under section 4d.
For non-Irish licences the number may appear in a different location on your licence.
Does this apply to Standard Motor Car Insurance and 123GO Car Insurance?
Yes, it applies to every Car Insurance policy.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you have any concerns or questions about providing your Driver Number, please reach out to our customer service team drivernumber@123.ie.