Passport Application Guide for Ireland: Online, Renewal and First-Time

Whether you're an Irish citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation, applying for your first Irish passport or renewing an existing one is now largely a digital process. The Department of Foreign Affairs' Passport Online service handles the vast majority of applications, and understanding which route applies to your situation will save you weeks of waiting.

Should I use Passport Online or apply by post?

Passport Online is available to Irish citizens resident in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and increasingly other countries, and it is by far the faster and cheaper option. Postal (paper) applications, using Form APS 1 or APS 2, are now mainly reserved for first-time applicants who cannot verify their identity online, certain complex citizenship cases, or people applying from countries where Passport Online is not yet supported. If you can use Passport Online, you should, both because of the shorter processing times and the lower fee.

What's different about a first-time passport application?

First-time applicants, including children, need to submit a Passport Application Form Witnessed (PAWS) or verify their application through Passport Online with supporting documents that prove identity and citizenship, such as a long-form birth certificate (not the short-form version), proof of address, and photo identification. If applying for a child, both guardians typically need to consent, and additional documents like the child's birth certificate and parents' ID are required. First-time applications, particularly for adults, sometimes require a witness (such as a Garda, employer, or professional) to certify the application form and photo if you cannot verify identity electronically.

What documents do I need for a renewal?

Renewals are the most straightforward category. You typically need your expired or expiring passport, a digital or physical photo meeting Irish passport photo standards, and confirmation of your Public Services Card or verified MyGovID account if applying online. If your name, gender, or appearance has changed significantly, or if your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged, you may need to provide extra supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.

How much does an Irish passport cost and how long does it take?

As of 2025, a standard 10-year adult passport (34-page) costs €75 through Passport Online, while a passport book application by post costs €80. A child's passport (valid for 5 years) costs €25 online. Passport Online processing for straightforward renewals is typically around 10 working days once your application, photo and payment are all verified, though the Passport Service advises applying well in advance of travel, especially around peak periods like Easter, summer and Christmas, when turnaround can extend to several weeks. Postal applications generally take considerably longer, often 6 to 8 weeks or more.

What counts as a valid passport photo?

Your photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in colour, with a plain light-coloured background, neutral expression, and no glasses, hats or head coverings (except for religious or medical reasons). Passport Online allows you to upload a digital photo taken on a smartphone provided it meets the technical specifications, which removes the need to visit a photo booth or professional photographer for many applicants, though many people still choose professional passport photo services in cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick to avoid rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions