Current Irish passport processing times

How long does it usually take to get an Irish passport? The waiting times depend on the type of application, such as a renewal, first-time passport, or replacement for a lost or damaged passport. The application method also affects how quickly your passport is issued.

Read this article to learn how long each type of application currently takes and how to monitor your application after submission.

Table of contents

• How long does it take to get an Irish passport at the moment? Current waiting times
• Passport online vs. paper applications
• Urgent passport processing in Ireland
• Documents required for an Irish passport application
• Get your Irish passport photo online!
• How to track your Irish passport application
• When should you apply before travelling?

How long does it take to get an Irish passport at the moment? Current waiting times

The average times to get an Irish passport as of July 2026 are as follows:

• First-time Irish passport application processing time (adult or child) is 20 working days.
• Passport Assist application: 6 weeks.
• Passport Card Only application: 8–10 weeks.

How long does it take to get an Irish passport renewal online? The timeframes are as follows:

• Simple adult renewal: 10 working days.
• Child renewal: 15 working days.

How long does it take to get a lost Irish passport? And how long does it take to get a replacement Irish passport? The Irish Passport Service treats a replacement passport for a lost or stolen one as a "complex adult renewal."

• Complex adult renewal (lost or stolen passport): 15 working days.

Passport online vs. paper applications

The online service is the main way to apply for an Irish passport, offering a faster and more convenient process than traditional paper forms. Below, we explain the differences between the two application methods.

Passport Online is the quickest option. Most online applications are processed within 10 to 20 working days, depending on the application type. The service is available 24 hours a day from almost anywhere in the world, and applicants can follow the progress of their application through the Passport Tracker.

Keep in mind that processing does not begin when you submit the online form. The Passport Service starts reviewing your application only after it receives any required supporting documents by post.

Paper applications take considerably longer and are used less frequently. The current average waiting time for an Irish passport application submitted in paper form is about 8 weeks. These applications cannot be fast-tracked, even in urgent travel situations. If you plan to travel within the next three months, applying through Passport Online is the recommended option.

Urgent passport processing in Ireland

If you need your passport quickly because of an emergency or unexpected travel, the Passport Service offers expedited renewal options.

Ireland offers an Urgent Appointment Service for passport renewals in Dublin, Cork, and London. This service is for renewals only, not first-time applications, and appointments must be booked in advance. This service is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to apply:

You must book an appointment before visiting a passport office. Walk-in applications are not accepted. For urgent requests, you can contact the Passport Service by phone at 01-671-1633 or via its online web chat.

Expedited processing times for a new Irish passport:

• Same-day renewal (in exceptional cases, such as a serious medical emergency or the death of a close family member abroad): appointments can be booked up to 3 days in advance.
• 4-day renewal: appointments open 3 weeks in advance.
• 5-day renewal: available only in London; appointments also open 3 weeks in advance.

If you have already submitted an online passport application, you may still qualify for an urgent appointment. However, the Passport Service may cancel the appointment and refund the fee if your application has already reached the entitlement stage.

Documents required for an Irish passport application

The required documents depend on whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an existing one, or requesting a child's passport. First-time applicants usually need the largest number of supporting documents to confirm their identity and citizenship.

First-time adult passport

First-time applicants must provide documents that verify both identity and eligibility for an Irish passport.

Core documents:

• Completed Identity Verification Form, witnessed by a member of An Garda Síochána in Ireland or an approved witness abroad.
• Full (long-form) birth certificate showing your parents' names.
• Two proofs of address issued within the last 12 months, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or official government letter.
• Proof of identity, such as a copy of your Public Services Card or an original government-issued photo ID (for example, a driver's licence or foreign passport).

Additional documents, if applicable:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate if your surname has changed.
• Citizenship by descent documents, including your Irish-born parents' original birth certificates and your parents' marriage certificate.
• Original Naturalisation Certificate and original foreign passport if you became an Irish citizen through naturalisation.
• Original Foreign Birth Registration Certificate if your citizenship is based on foreign birth registration.
• Certified translations for any documents issued in a language other than English or Irish.

Adult passport renewal

Renewing an adult Irish passport usually requires much less paperwork than a first-time application.

In most cases, you only need:

• Your current passport or its details if it has been lost or stolen.
• A compliant digital passport photo.

If your current passport remains valid for more than 12 months, you may need to send the original passport by post. If you are renewing your passport under a different name, you must also provide your marriage or civil partnership certificate.

Child passport application

The documents required for a child's passport depend on whether it is a first application or a renewal, as well as the child's citizenship and family circumstances.

First-time application:

• The child's full birth certificate.
• Proof of the parent's or parents' Irish citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
• Additional supporting documents where required, including proof of residence for non-Irish parents.

Renewal:

• The child's previous passport, if it still has more than six months' validity.
• A compliant digital passport photo.
• A completed and witnessed Child Passport Identity and Consent Form.

Get your Irish passport photo online!

A compliant passport photo is required for every Irish passport application. With Visafoto, you can create one from home in just a few minutes, without visiting a photo studio. Read on to learn how to take a passport photo that the authorities will definitely accept. It only takes two simple steps:

1. Upload a photo taken in good natural light to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Select Ireland as the country and Passport as the document type.

Visafoto automatically formats your image to match the official Irish passport photo requirements, including the correct size, background, head position, and proportions. You'll receive both a digital photo for online applications and a print-ready version.

If needed, Visafoto also enhances image quality. It can improve lighting, sharpen the photo, increase resolution, and adjust framing if the original image was cropped too closely. You can even take a photo of an existing printed passport photo with your phone, and our service will optimise it for reuse.

If your photo already meets the official standards, we leave it unchanged except for any required formatting.

Original photo:

Photo after Visafoto processing:

Visafoto has a 99.7% acceptance rate, with over 1,000,000 approved photos. If your photo is rejected, you'll receive a full refund. Customer support is available 24/7 if you need assistance.

How to track your Irish passport application

You can check the status of your Irish passport application at any time using the official online Passport Tracker.

To track your application, you'll need:

• Your passport application ID.
• If you applied by post or sent supporting documents separately, you can also use your 11-digit barcode number.

The tracker displays the current stage of your application, including Application received, Alert (additional documents required), Processing application, and Printing. If you submitted an online application that requires supporting documents, processing will not begin until the Passport Service receives them.

After your passport has been issued and posted, you can follow its delivery within Ireland using the An Post tracking number provided by the Passport Service.

When should you apply before travelling?

Submit your passport application well before your planned departure to allow enough time for processing. The recommended timeframe depends on the type of application and the submission method:

• Simple adult renewal online: at least 10 working days before your departure.
• Complex adult renewal or child renewal online: at least 15 working days before your departure.
• First-time passport application online: at least 20 working days before your departure.

If you apply by paper, allow at least 8 weeks before your departure, regardless of the application type. Applying even earlier is recommended during busy periods or if additional documents may be required.