Top passport questions

Consult the guidance linked above for detailed information on important aspects of the application process.

We answer some of the additional most commonly asked questions about passports below. 

Please select a topic that matches your query.

Passport online questions

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Submitting an application

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Issue dates and tracking your application

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I need my passport number to book flights. Where can I find it?

Your Passport Number is located on the top right hand corner of your passport. It will begin with the letter P or L and will be followed by another letter and 7 numbers (example PA1234567).

When your passport is renewed your passport number will change. If your passport application is still being processed it will not be possible to obtain the new passport number before the document is delivered.

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My son/daughter has submitted an application. Can you discuss it with me?

If I phone the passport office can you discuss the application with me?

If the applicant is over 18, for data protection reasons, we cannot discuss this application with a third party. The applicant will need to contact the passport office. If the applicant is under 18 we can discuss the application with a parent/guardian.

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Can you check my friend’s/family member’s application for me?

No. If the applicant is over eighteen, for data protection reasons, we cannot discuss the application with a third party. We can only discuss applications directly with the applicant.

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There is an issue with my application. Can I call into the office to discuss it?

If there is an issue with your application, our staff will contact you and advise what you need to do to resolve the issue.

If you wish to make an enquiry about your application, please contact our Customer Service Hub.

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I need to travel urgently. Can I apply for an emergency passport?

Emergency passports are issued strictly in emergency situations such as death of an immediate family member abroad or urgent medical treatment.

Please contact the Passport Service. Further information will be requested by the Passport Service including verifiable proof of emergency.

For travel emergencies outside of our office hours please call +353 1 408 2000.

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A family member passed away recently - what should I do with their passport?

You can return their passport for cancellation with a copy of their death certificate to:

Customer Care,
Passport Office,
Freepost PO Box 9718,
Balbriggan,
County Dublin.

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Do I need a passport to travel between Ireland and Great Britain?

No, you do not need a passport to travel between Ireland and Great Britain, however, some carriers/airlines require a passport as proof of identification. You should check with your carrier.

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What do I do if I cannot find the original of my birth/marriage certificate?

For fraud prevention purposes, we insist that all applicants submit the originals of their birth and marriage certificates. We do not accept laminated, certified or photocopies of these documents.

If born/married in Ireland contact:

General Register Office,
Joyce House,
8-11 Lombard Street East,
Dublin 2,
D02 Y729.
Website: www.groireland.ie

If born/married in Northern Ireland contact:

General Register Office for Northern Ireland,
Oxford House,
49-55 Chichester Street,
Belfast,
BT1 4HL.
Tel: 0300 200 7890
(028 9151 3101 if calling from outside Northern Ireland)
Website: www.nidirect.gov.uk

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When should I apply for a new passport?

A general rule of thumb is to keep six months validity remaining on your passport from the date you’re returning home. You can travel right up to the date of expiry within the EU.

However it is advisable to contact the embassy of the country to which you intend to travel with queries regarding their specific requirements.

You do not need to wait until your current passport has expired to apply for a new one.

It is advisable to apply at least six weeks ahead of any planned travel to avoid disappointment.

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I’m on holiday in Ireland but live abroad, can I apply for an Irish passport?

No, you must apply for your Irish passport in the country where you live.

Renew online or consult the website of your nearest Irish Embassy.

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