Latest passport turnaround information

If you need a passport renewed urgently, consider booking an Urgent Passport Appointment.

Passport Online

Nearly all Irish citizens can apply for first time passports and renewals online.

It is the quickest way to get an Irish passport

Passport Online remains our priority service as it facilitates us to process your passport application more efficiently.

Nearly all Irish citizens can use Passport Online to apply for their first passport or to renew their passport. We are issuing over 90% of Passport Online applications within our advertised turnaround times.

When you use Passport Online, you submit an Online application and then send (by post), the required supporting documents.

Once we receive your documents, you can use our Passport Tracker to get updates on its current status. Most applications have 5 steps as outlined below.

1. Application received: We have received your Passport Online application. We cannot process it until you send us, by post, the required supporting documents.
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 have to submit extra documentation or you are changing information on your passport. For example, this could be changing your name or a lost or stolen passport. All applications for children are 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.

Post Passport from An Post

Paper based passport service from An Post

This application 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 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.

If you submitted a paper based application through an Embassy or Consulate abroad, please see the Embassy website for your country of residence.

See how to apply by passport postal service in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain

Two post offices currently offer a passport postal service in Great Britain.

Applicants are strongly advised not to book flights until they have their passport.