Current turnaround times
Current passport turnaround information
All turnaround times are the same regardless of the country of residence of the applicant.
Turnaround times do not include postage delivery times.
Turnaround times for applications which require supporting documents begin from the date the Passport Service receives the supporting documents.
If you have submitted your documents and the Passport Service needs to request further supporting documents turnaround time can take longer.
| Application type | Current average turnaround time |
|---|---|
| Simple Adult Renewal | 10 Working Days |
| Complex Adult Renewal | 15 Working Days |
| Child Renewal | 15 Working Days |
| First Time Online Application (Adult and Child) | 20 Working Days |
| Passport Card Application | 3-5 Working Days |
| Post Passport (paper) Application | 8 weeks |
The application types are explained below.
Passport Online
Passport Online is the quickest way to get an Irish passport.
Nearly all Irish citizens across the world can apply for first time passports and renewals online.
Passport Online remains our priority service as it facilitates us to process your passport application more efficiently.
When you use Passport Online, you submit an online application and then send any required supporting documents to us by post.
Once we receive your documents, you can use our Passport Tracker to get updates on your application’s current status. Most applications have 5 steps as outlined below.
| (1) Application received | We have received your Passport Online application. If supporting documents are required, we cannot process the application until you send us the required supporting documents by post. |
|---|---|
| (2) Alert | We have received your application. You must submit your supporting documents to proceed with the application. |
| (3) Processing application | We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents. |
| (4) Processing application | Your application is being processed. |
| (5) Printing | Your passport book is being printed. Any documents submitted will be returned separately. |
First time applicants
First time applications are the most complex as all documents need to be verified. You should not book any travel until you have received a passport as these applications cannot be expedited.
You need to submit extra documentation and for children, the consent of all guardians has to be verified.
Complex renewals/Child renewals
This is when you are renewing a passport and you are required to submit extra documentation or you are changing information on your passport. For example, this could be changing your name or notifying us about a lost or stolen passport.
All applications for children are considered complex renewals. This is because the consent of all guardians has to be verified.
Postage time is not included in the average turnaround time. Postage will be longer for applicants outside of Ireland.
Simple adult renewal
This is where you are an adult who needs to renew your Irish passport. We normally do not require any supporting documents for these applications.
Post Passport (paper) applications
Paper-based applications will take significantly longer than Passport Online. You should use Passport Online if you have travel plans within the next 3 months.
The current estimated turnaround time for paper applications is 8 weeks but this is not a service guarantee and you should not book flights until you have your passport.
Once you have made a paper-based application, it cannot normally be expedited and we cannot return your supporting documents to you before the application is complete.
If you are submitting a paper-based application through an Embassy or Consulate abroad, please see the Embassy or Consulate website for further guidance.
Two post offices in Great Britain currently offer a paper-based passport postal service.
Applicants applying via paper-based applications are strongly advised not to book flights until they have their passport.