IRISH PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
APPLYING FOR AN IRISH PASSPORT OR PASSPORT RENEWAL
Applying for an Irish passport has been made quite simple through an online service made available 24/7. In fact, applying in person should only be done for urgent renewals and in cases in which one does not have access to Passport Online or Post Passport. That said, the documents required for first time passports change depending on the particular circumstances in which you acquired Irish citizenship. While we provide general guidelines below, always check your own specific requirements for additional documentation.
In order to apply for an Irish passport, you must first have Irish citizenship. For first time passport applications, this includes documentation verifying your citizenship status.
If you do not yet have Irish citizenship, you can check the other pages on our website covering obtaining citizenship through descent, naturalization, and marriage to see if you qualify.
Getting an Irish Passport with Dual Citizenship
As mentioned above, in order to apply for an Irish passport, you must first obtain Irish citizenship, which can most commonly be done through descent, naturalization, or marriage. Ireland has no restrictions on holding dual citizenship, but you should always check the rules and regulations of your home country.
Your Irish passport will act as an official government ID, along with affording you more flexible travel options. The Irish passport is ranked third in the world, granting one visa-free access to 120 countries.
Regardless of where you live, everyone can make an initial application through the Passport Online service. Following this, if you are a first time applicant, or in certain particular situations, you will also need to submit original documents to the Passport Service. Which documents you need will be specified during the online application. Note that, other than those who live in places with unreliable postal services, paper applications cannot be sent to your local Irish consulate or embassy.
First Time Irish Passport Application for Adults (Over 18 Years)
Here is a list of requirements you will need to renew the passport which is expiring:
As part of your application, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A digital photograph (see the official requirements here)
- An Identity Verification Form that has been witnessed
- Your birth certificate
- Your marriage certificate (if your name changed after marriage)
- Proof of address (e.g. official government letter, utility bill, bank statement)
- Proof of name (e.g. official government letter, utility bill, bank statement)
- An original government-issued photo ID (e.g. an original passport from another country or a certified copy of your driver’s license)
It is important to note that though the documents required for proof of address and proof of name are the same, you must have two different documents, one for the address and one for the name. Also, all documents not in English or Irish will need to be translated.
Finally, depending on your particular circumstances and the route in which you became an Irish citizen, there might be additional documents to provide. These can include the birth certificate of your Irish-born parent, your naturalization certificate, or your Foreign Birth Registration certificate.
Renewing your Irish Passport
You can apply to renew your passport if its validity is 12 months or less. You can renew online, providing an updated digital photograph (with the same guidelines as above) along with your old passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address. Further documentation is not usually required.
Applying in Ireland
If you live in Ireland and have a MyGovID account, you can use this to access the Passport Online service. If you do not have an account, it is not necessary, however.
You also have the option to apply by post, rather than online, through Post Passport. This service is available for those residing in Ireland and the UK (including Northern Ireland) and is provided by An Post. You will need to fill out the form APS 1, which you can find at Garda stations and the post office (it is not available online).
Along with the form, you will need to provide four photographs, two of them witnessed. You can find more information on the specifications here. The other documents required for online applications remain the same if you are applying by post.
Irish Passport Processing Times
First time applicants will receive their passports in about 20 working days, if applying online.
First time applicants who applied by Post Passport can instead expect their passport in 8 weeks.
Passport renewals (for children and adults) can take between 10 and 15 working days, depending on the complexity of the application.
Passport card applications take 3-5 working days.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has the most updated information regarding turnaround times.
Emergency Passport Applications
First time applicants cannot request urgent passports because their Irish citizenship needs to first be established through the other required documents. Those who are renewing and live in Ireland or the UK can make an appointment for an expedited renewal via the offices in Dublin, Cork, or London.
Applicants are treated on a first come, first served basis. You can get renewals on the same day, in four days, or five days (London only).
Irish Passports for Minors
As with adults, passport applications for children (under 18) can be made via Passport Online. These passports have a validity of 5 years, as opposed to 10 years for adult passports. You will need at least the following:
- A digital photograph (following the same requirements as noted for adult applications)
- An Identity and Consent form for both of the child’s parents/guardians
Supporting documentation depends on if the child was born in Ireland or not and the guardians’ citizenships, among other factors. You can find the requirements for your particular situation here.
Lost or Stolen Irish Passports
If you are abroad and your passport is lost or stolen, you can get help from the nearest Irish embassy or consulate.
You can also apply for a new passport, either online or by post, and indicate that your passport was lost or stolen in the application.
It is also recommended to alert the Gardai as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I get Irish passport?
If you are an Irish citizen—whether by birth, descent, naturalization, or marriage—you are eligible for an Irish passport.
Can I apply for an Irish passport?
You can apply for an Irish passport if you are an Irish citizen. Once your citizenship is approved in the Irish Foreign Birth Registry, you can then file your application for an Irish passport.
How long does it take to get an Irish passport?
Irish passport applications filed online for first-time applicants will take up to 30 days. For those applying via mail expect an average of 2 months for your passport renewal application to be processed.
How do I check the status of my Irish passport?
You can track your passport using your 11-digit application number through the Passport Service.
How much does an Irish passport cost?
Fees depend greatly on the method in which you apply for your passport, where your apply, and if international shipping is needed. The ones provided below are standard fees, but you can find more detail here.
Passport Online
Adult – €75
Child – €20
Post Passport (An Post)
Adult – €80
Child – €30
This page was last updated with with help by Marco Permunian
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