FAQs - Frequently asked questions

MyGovID is an online identity service that enables customers to access Government provided online services in a safe and secure manner. Customers with verified MyGovID accounts may now make an adult first time or renewal application by using this service.

Details on how to obtain a verified MyGovID account can be found on their site.

The use of a verified MyGovID account when making an online application is entirely optional. If you have a verified MyGovID account, a non-verified MyGovID account or do not have a MyGovID account, you may continue to apply through Passport Online.

If you decide to use a verified MyGovID account when making an adult first time or renewal application via Passport Online, certain editable and non-editable personal details are prepopulated by MyGovID during the application journey. Please ensure your editable personal details are correct.

These personal details include:

• First Name
• Last Name 
• Gender
• Date of Birth
• Birth Surname of Mother
• PPS Number

Please note that this service is only currently available for customers aged 18+ with a verified MyGovID account. If you hold a verified MyGovID account and are under the age of 18, your application will be redirected to the normal Passport Online service.  

Passport Online is the fastest way for Irish citizens to apply for their passport.

Apply for your or your child's passport or passport card, from anywhere in the world, on a smartphone, tablet or personal computer.

This secure and convenient service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Applications will be processed within the current processing times. If you need to submit documents, the processing time will only start when we receive them.

Q. My passport was issued more than 15 years ago. Am I eligible for the Online Passport Service?

Yes, you can apply online. 

You are considered a first-time applicant if your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago. During your online application, please select no when asked if your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago.

Q. My passport was issued in 2005 or prior to 2005, starts with S and has 6 digits. Can I use the Online Passport Service?

Yes, you can apply online.

You are considered a first-time applicant if your most recent passport was not a biometric passport. Biometric passport book numbers have 2 letters followed by 7 numbers and the first letter must be ‘P’ or ‘L’ (for example, ‘PT’ or ‘LB’).

If your most recent passport starts with an S and has 6 digits, please apply as a first-time applicant. During your online application, please select no when asked if your most recent passport was issued less than 15 years ago.

You will be required to submit documents to the Passport Service to support your application. You will be advised what documents to provide at the end of the process.

You will need:

• Your current passport,
• A digital photograph,
• An email address
• Credit/debit card.

You will need access to a printer for:

• First time applicants
• Application for a child
• If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago
• If your current passport is lost or stolen

The online application will tell you of any other documents you may need to submit. More information on extra documents can be found here.

Q. How long will it take to complete the online application form?

The online application will take about 10 minutes. Make sure you have your digital photo or photo code ready to upload.

Q. Do I need to get my identity verified by a member of An Garda Síochána or an appropriate witness?

If you are an adult renewing your passport you do not need to have a member of An Garda Siochána verify your identity.

First time applications require that your identity is verified by a member of An Garda Síochána in Ireland or an appropriate witness outside of the State.

The identity verification form will tell you what witness is required.

Q. How do I pay?

You must pay by debit or credit card. Pre-paid credit cards are also accepted. Currently, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club International and American Express cards are accepted.

Q. Where can I get a receipt?

Your receipt will be provided on your application confirmation page which you can print out for your records. You will also receive an email which confirms that your application has been submitted.

Q. What happens if there is an issue following the submission of my online application?

We will email you with any issues. Please check your spam or junk folders for emails.

If we cannot process your online application, we will cancel it. We will refund you any money paid. This refund will be via the original payment method.

Q. After I submit my application online, how long will it take to receive my new passport?

Information on the current processing times for passport applications is available here.

Processing times do not include postage delivery time.

Some applicants have to submit extra documents. If you do, the processing time begins when we receive these documents. It's important to submit all documents as soon as possible so we can issue your passport.

Q. I received a clarification email and sent my reply. How much longer will it take to process my application?

If the issue has been resolved it will take approx. 5-10 working days to reprocess.

Q. Does ‘Passport Online’ conform to web accessibility standards?

‘Passport Online’ aims to comply with Level Double-A of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

You cannot get an emergency/temporary passport using Passport Online.

If you need to travel urgently, please let us know through our Customer Service Hub.

If you live overseas, please contact your local Embassy of Ireland

Passport Online is the quickest way to renew your passport. Please see our current turnaround times.

Q. Do I need to provide documents in support of my application?

For most adult passport renewal applications, no documentation is required. First time applicants will need to print an extra Application Cover Page. Some adult applications (such as lost passports) will need extra documents.

For child applications you will need to print the Child Passport Identity and Consent Form. This form will need to be witnessed and submitted to the Passport Service. Find more information here.

You will be informed early in the process if your application requires supporting documents. More information is available here.

Q. Do I need to return my current passport to the Passport Service?

If your current passport book is valid for more than 12 months, you must submit it. If your child's passport book is valid for more than 6 months, you must submit it.

We will tell you what to do during the online application process.

Q. Where do I post my documents to?

When you finish your online application, you will print an Application Cover Page. This will tell you where to send your documents.

We recommend that you use a secure method of postage to ensure that the Passport Service receives your documents.

If you live in Ireland, a postage label will be generated. You should print this label and affix it to the envelope with your documents. The envelope must be posted to the Passport Service.

Note: Each envelope must contain documents for one application only.

If you are living in Northern Ireland, the UK or elsewhere, please use a secure method of postage.

In some countries, the local postal services are not reliable. In this case, you will submit your documents to your nearest Irish Embassy. They will securely deliver them to the Passport Service. The online application system will tell you if you need to do this.

Q. Will my application be processed without documents (if required as part of the application process)?

No. The Passport Service will ask for documents. We can only process the application when you submit these documents. The processing time does not include the time it takes you to submit your documents.

You should factor in postage times into the overall turnaround time for the processing of your application.

Processing times also exclude the time it takes for your passport to be delivered to you when it is printed.

Q. I have received my passport book but have not received my original documents back?

Where you have provided original documents in support of your application they will be returned to you separately from your new passport book.

Q. I have received my new passport. Do I have to return my old passport now?

No, once you have received your new passport, there is no need for you to return your old passport.

Q. How will I receive my new passport?

If you reside in Ireland your passport will be delivered by Express post and no signature is required.

If you reside outside of Ireland, your passport will be sent by registered post and will need to be signed for on delivery. You should provide a daytime delivery address if you are not normally at home during the day. 

Where there is no reliable postal service available, we will deliver your passport through our network of Embassies and Consulates. If you have pre-paid for delivery (€15), there will be no further charge.

If you need an update, please contact our Customer Service Hub.

Q. Can I get my passport posted internationally? How much will it cost?

Yes, your passport can be posted worldwide. There is be an additional postal fee of €15 for all applications.  Where your application is returned to your local Embassy, the Embassy will advise on local postage charges.

Q. Can I get my passport posted in Ireland? How much will it cost?

Postage is free for adult applicants. It costs €5 for children’s applications because of the additional postage costs to submit documentation like the guardian’s consent.   

Q. If I apply for a Passport Book and Passport Card, will they be delivered together?

No, they will be delivered separately. Your passport book will be delivered first followed by your Passport Card approximately one week later.

Q. Can my passport be sent to my work address?

Yes, your passport will be sent to the address you inputted in the online application form.

Q. Why is my passport book being sent to my nearest Irish Embassy?

Due to unreliable postal services in some countries, passport books may be sent to your nearest Irish Embassy.  They will contact you directly to arrange collection or delivery.

Q. How will my documents be returned to me?

Original documents will be returned to you following the processing of your application. Photocopies of documents will not be returned.

Your Passport Book, Passport Card (if you applied for a card) and your documentation will all be returned separately. 

If you live in Ireland, Northern Ireland or Great Britain, your original documents will be delivered by Express Post. You do not need to sign for your passport at delivery.

For the rest of the world your documents and passport will be sent by registered post and you will need to sign for them at delivery. You can enter a separate daytime delivery address.

Where there is no reliable postal service available, we will deliver your passport and documentation via our network of Embassies and Consulates. If you have pre-paid for delivery (€15), there will be no further charge.

Q. I have received my original documents back but have not received my new passport book?

Your Passport Book, Passport Card (if you applied for a card) and your documentation will all be returned separately. 

Where there is no reliable postal service available, we will deliver your passport and documentation through our network of Embassies and Consulates. If you have pre-paid for delivery (€15), there will be no further charge.

If you need an update, please contact our Customer Service Hub.

Q. I have received my new passport but have not received my original documents back?

Where you have provided original documents in support of your application they will be returned to you separate from your new passport.

Where there is no reliable postal service available, we will deliver your passport and documents through our network of Embassies and Consulates. If you have pre-paid for delivery (€15), there will be no further charge.

If you need an update, please contact our Customer Service Hub.

Please see information about the current turnaround times for passport applications.

Processing times do not include postage delivery time.

If additional documents are required to support your application, the processing of the application will not begin until those documents are received.

Yes, you can track the progress of your application by clicking here.

Q. My personal circumstances have changed and I wish to change my name on my passport. Can I change my name on my passport using Passport Online?

Yes.  You can change your name through the Online Passport Service.

You will need to post your current passport and additional supporting documents to the Passport Service.

The full fee for your new passport will apply.

For further information on name changes and supporting documents required, please see here.

Q. I have obtained a gender recognition certificate. Can I apply using Passport Online?

Yes. For further information on supporting documents required, please see here.

Q. I want an observation recorded on my passport, can I do this using Passport Online?

Yes. You can record observations on your new passport using the online service.

You can have your previous passport number or your birth certificate name entered as an observation.

You may need to post additional documents to the Passport Service to support your application.

For further information on observations please see here.

Upholding the integrity of the Irish Passport is a key commitment of the Passport Service. The PSC is the most efficient way for an applicant to verify their identify. This ensures that their application can be processed quickly.

We need further verification of identity from:

• adults making first time applications
• adults where their last passport has been lost or stolen
• adults where their last passport has been expired for more than 5 years

If you need to verify your identity and do not submit a Public Services Card, we will contact you to provide more documentation.

You will need to submit an original government issues photographic identification. This could be a valid driver's licence or a valid passport from another country. You can also attend for an interview in person at the Passport Office in Cork or Dublin. You will need to make an appointment to attend for interview. Please allow for 10 working days to arrange an appointment.

If you encounter any technical difficulties while making your online application, please let us know through our Customer Service Hub.

Consult our how to apply for a passport guide to determine the most appropriate application method for you.

Passport Online is a fast, secure and convenient way to apply for your passport.

Check your eligibility through the guide linked above and apply online.

Always check that you and your family's passports are in date before you book a holiday. Apply at least 12 weeks before travelling.

A guide to the documents you will need for online and paper applications can be found here.

For online applications, your will be told what documents are required for your own application towards then end of the application process.

An Urgent Appointment Service is available at our public office in Dublin and Cork.

You must book an appointment and make on online payment to attend our offices.

You cannot book an appointment if you already have an application lodged through Passport Online.

You can book an appointment if you have applied by Post Passport but it could take a significant amount of time to refund you the cost of your Post Passport postal service applications.

If you book an appointment and when you arrive we can see you have also applied through Passport Online, we will cancel the appointment and refund your payment when you attend the appointment. This refund normally takes 30 days.

Make sure you choose the application channel that best suits your travel times before you apply.

If you have already submitted your application, you can track your application online for an estimation of when your passport will be issued.

Up to date average turnaround times are available here. Turnaround times represent average processing times and are not a service delivery guarantee.

Turnaround times are a guideline only and will vary depending on the level of seasonal demand and other factors. The date given by the passport tracker is the most accurate estimation of when your passport will be issued.

Applications can only be expedited in the case of a genuine travel emergency, made necessary by the death, illness or welfare of a family member.

In the case of a genuine emergency, please contact the Passport Service. Further information will be requested by the Passport Service including verifiable proof of emergency.

Once an application has been submitted, it is not possible to pay an additional fee to speed up an application.

Turnaround times are affected by seasonal demand. Please continue to track your application online.

If the passport tracker has generated an alert message, it means that there is an issue with your passport application (for example, insufficient supporting documentation).

When this happens, a letter is sent to you outlining the issue and the steps you need to take for your application to resume.

In some cases, it can take five to ten working days for the application to appear on the passport tracker.

We may be able to find it. Contact the Passport Service and provide your name as it is to appear on your application, date of birth, mother’s surname, address and PPSN.

Your target issue date will not change, however, information about the status of your application will appear under the progress bar.

If there is an issue with your application, we will contact you.

Post Passport is a postal service. We will note your request but there is no guarantee that collection can be facilitated.

Please note that the Balbriggan production facility is not a public office and collections are not facilitated at this location.

The initial assessment of your application is performed by the Embassy/Consulate.

Once entitlement is established your application will be sent to Ireland for processing and only then is it recorded on our tracking system.

Until it appears on the tracking system, any requests for an update should be made via the Embassy/Consulate with which you submitted your application.

If you submitted your application at the passport office in Mount Street, Dublin or Cork, you may nominate a person to collect it on your behalf.

They must bring a signed letter from you authorising them to collect the passport and their own photo ID.