Irish passport card

The Irish passport card is a travel document that Irish citizens can use for certain travel instead of the standard passport book. It is similar in size to a credit card and it has a SealCrypt strip. You can only get a passport card if you hold a valid Irish passport book.

You must apply online to get an Irish passport card.

Online applications are completed in approximately 3 to 5 working days.  Check the Passport Service website for the current processing times.

You can use the passport card when traveling in the European Union, the European Economic Area (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland.

If you are an Irish Citizen travelling from Ireland, you do not need a passport to enter the United Kingdom under Common Travel Area rights, but airlines and sea carriers may want you to prove your identity when checking in. You should check with your airline or sea carrier to see what types of identification they accept.

For travel to other non-EEA countries, you must use your standard Irish passport book.

Adults and children can get passport cards. You will save money if you get your passport book and passport card at the same time as part of a bundle.

There is an additional €5 postal fee for each child application to cover the cost of returning documents to the applicant.

There is an additional €15 postal fee if you reside outside Ireland.

You can only apply for a passport card online.

Over 18 and hold existing passport book

• You may apply for a passport card individually.
• Your passport book must have at least 3 months remaining validity.

Over 18 with no passport book or passport card

• You can get a passport card and passport book at the same time online as part of a bundle.

If you are under 18

• You can only get a passport card with a passport Book as part of a bundle which is an option you can select when renewing your child’s passport online.
• Passport Cards for under 18s will be valid for the same period as the Passport Book.

When making the application you need:

• Your current passport book
• Your photograph (see the detailed guidelines on dfa.ie)
• A valid email address
• A debit card or credit card

The personal details you provide when applying for a passport card must be exactly the same as those on your passport book.

The passport card is valid for 5 years or until your passport book expires, whichever period is shorter.

If you are going to use your passport card when travelling, you must use the passport card number when checking in online.

Track your application

When you submit your application online, you are issued with an 11-digit application number. You can track your application’s progress on the Department’s website using the application number.

If you have lost your Irish passport in Ireland, tell the Passport Office immediately. Lost, stolen or damaged passports can be renewed online.

You can find more information in the Department’s list of FAQs and on dfa.ie. You can also view the turnaround times for the processing of applications. If you have any queries you can contact the Passport Service.