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Checking service

If you're applying for a Northern Ireland driving licence and you don't want to send your identification through the post to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), you may be able to use the checking services available at DVA local offices.

All DVA local offices provide a checking service. They're open from 9.15 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday. The local offices don't accept credit cards for payment and the DVA reserves the right to recall original identity documents.

You can have your DL1 application form checked at the following DVA local offices:

  • Ballymena
  • Belfast
  • Coleraine
  • Downpatrick
  • Londonderry
  • Enniskillen
  • Armagh
  • Omagh

Staff will check your authenticated application form and photograph to ensure it's in order and has been completed correctly. Your United Kingdom or Ireland birth certificate and marriage certificate or passport will be checked, if required, and any documents will be returned to you immediately. Your application will be sent to DVA Driver Licensing Headquarters for processing.

Unfortunately local offices are unable to identity check any documents other than those issued by United Kingdom or Ireland authorities. These and other documents must be sent to the Driver Licensing Headquarters where they will be dealt with by a specialist section. This may mean that your application takes a bit longer to process.

At present, identity checking for holders of EEA passports cannot be carried out at DVAs Local Vehicle Licensing Offices (LVLOs). It is, however, DVA's intention to begin an EEA passport checking service in the very near future. Until then, applicants who provide EEA passports as proof of their identity may continue to submit applications for driving licences at all LVLOs. The passports will be delivered to DVA driver licensing in Coleraine using secure courier service.

EEA, Gibraltar or designated country licence exchanges

If you're the holder of a full European Economic Area (EEA), Gibraltar or designated country driving licence and are exchanging it for the Northern Ireland equivalent, you will be required to leave all documentation at one of the DVA local offices.

The designated countries are: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Provinces and Territories of Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

Staff will check your application to ensure it's in order and has been completed correctly. Once checked, your application and licence will be sent to the DVA for processing. Please note that processing may take longer than normal.

For more information about the local office checking service, phone 0845 402 4000.

Return of supporting documents

The driving licence fee includes return of your supporting documents (where applicable) by second class post. If you would like your supporting documents returned by secure delivery, please supply an appropriate pre-paid special delivery envelope.

Please Note – DVA will not provide compensation for any loss or delay resulting from the use of second class post.

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