How to Apply for Your First Irish Passport: Requirements & Process

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to First-Time Irish Passport Applications

Applying for your first Irish passport is a straightforward process, whether you’re an Irish citizen by birth or descent. A first-time passport application is open to individuals who have never held an Irish passport. It requires proof of Irish citizenship, identity documents, and a completed application form.

2. Eligibility for an Irish Passport

To apply for an Irish passport, you must be an Irish citizen. Citizenship can be obtained through:

Birth in Ireland: If you were born in Ireland, you are automatically eligible for an Irish passport.
Irish Descent: Individuals born outside Ireland with at least one Irish citizen parent or grandparent may be eligible.
Naturalisation: Foreign nationals who have obtained Irish citizenship through naturalisation are eligible.

Your eligibility for a passport depends on proving Irish citizenship through one of these criteria.

3. Documents Required for a First-Time Irish Passport

Gathering the right documents is essential for a smooth application process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Birth Certificate: An original long-form birth certificate showing the applicant’s name, place, and date of birth.
Proof of Irish Citizenship: Such as a Foreign Births Register certificate if you’re claiming citizenship through descent.
Photo Identification: Driver’s license, national ID, or other government-issued ID.
Passport Photos: Two recent color passport photos, one of which must be witnessed and signed by an official.
Proof of Address: Utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence dated within the last six months.
Signed Application Form: The completed APS 1 form if applying from within Ireland, or APS 2 form if applying from outside Ireland.

Ensure all documents are original, as photocopies are typically not accepted.

4. Completing the Irish Passport Application Form

The Irish passport application form is known as the APS Form:

APS 1 Form: For applicants living in Ireland.
APS 2 Form: For applicants living outside Ireland.

Complete the form carefully, as errors can delay processing. The form requires personal details, contact information, and signature, as well as the witness section signed by an approved individual.

5. Passport Photos Requirements

Irish passport photos have specific requirements:

Size: 35mm x 45mm, similar to standard passport size.
Background: Plain white or light grey.
Expression: Neutral, with mouth closed and no smiling.
Glasses: Allowed, but no reflection or tinted lenses.
Witness Signature: One photo must be signed and witnessed by an approved witness (e.g., Garda or solicitor).

Following these guidelines ensures that your photos meet the Irish passport office standards.

6. Witnessing Your Passport Application

A witness is required to verify your identity. The witness must:

Be an Approved Individual: Typically a Garda (police officer), solicitor, doctor, teacher, or other professional.
Sign and Stamp the Application Form: The witness must sign the form and provide a professional stamp or ID number.
Verify Your Photo: Sign one passport photo to confirm your identity.

Witnessing ensures the authenticity of your application and identity.

7. Application Process for First-Time Irish Passport

The steps for a first-time Irish passport application vary slightly depending on whether you apply from within Ireland or abroad.

Applying from Ireland

Complete APS 1 Form: Fill out the form carefully, ensuring all sections are completed.
Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including birth certificate, proof of citizenship, ID, and photos.
Have the Application Witnessed: Get your form and photo signed by an approved witness.
Submit to Passport Office: Send your application by post or submit it in person if using the Passport Express service at a post office.

Applying from Outside Ireland

Complete APS 2 Form: Download the APS 2 form or obtain it from your nearest Irish consulate or embassy.
Get Documents Witnessed: Follow the same witnessing procedure, but ensure the witness is recognized by the Irish embassy or consulate.
Submit to Nearest Embassy or Consulate: Mail or bring your application to an Irish consulate or embassy, where it will be processed.

8. Costs and Fees for an Irish Passport

The fees for a first-time Irish passport depend on the type of passport and where you apply:

Standard Adult Passport (10-year validity): €75 if applying from Ireland, or approximately €95 if applying from abroad.
Child Passport (5-year validity): €20–€35, depending on application location.
Passport Card (optional add-on): €35 (only available to adult passport holders).

The fees vary slightly for different countries due to exchange rates and additional service costs.

9. Processing Time for a First-Time Irish Passport

Processing times for first-time Irish passports vary depending on where you apply and the method used:

Passport Express in Ireland: Typically takes 8–10 working days.
Standard Postal Application in Ireland: Around 15–20 working days.
International Applications: Processing can take 6–8 weeks, depending on embassy workload and postal times.

Processing times may vary, especially during peak periods or for applications with missing information.

10. Tracking Your Passport Application

The Irish passport office provides tracking for passport applications:

Passport Office Website: If you applied through Passport Express or online, you can track your application status on the official Irish passport tracking site using your tracking number.
Embassy/Consulate Contact: For applications outside Ireland, contact the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.

Tracking allows you to stay informed on the status of your application and expected completion time.

11. Common Issues and Tips for a Smooth Application

Here are some common issues applicants face, and tips for a smooth process:

Incomplete Documents: Ensure all required documents are included and meet official standards.
Unapproved Witness: Double-check that your witness is approved by the passport office or embassy.
Photo Rejections: Follow the photo requirements carefully to avoid rejection.

Ensuring accuracy and completeness can help prevent delays and improve your chances of a quick approval.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to get a first-time Irish passport?
A: Processing times range from 8–10 working days within Ireland (Passport Express) to 6–8 weeks for international applications.

Q2: Do I need to be an Irish citizen to apply for an Irish passport?
A: Yes, you must be an Irish citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation to qualify for an Irish passport.

Q3: Who can witness my Irish passport application?
A: Approved witnesses include Garda officers, solicitors, teachers, and doctors in Ireland, or recognized professionals abroad.

Q4: Can I apply online for my first Irish passport?
A: Currently, first-time applicants cannot apply online; they must use the APS form and submit it via post or in person.

Q5: How can I prove Irish citizenship if I was born outside Ireland?
A: If you were born abroad, you may use a Foreign Births Registration certificate or parent’s/grandparent’s birth certificate proving Irish citizenship.

Q6: Can I expedite my Irish passport application?
A: Some expedited services are available, but primarily within Ireland. Contact your local passport office or consulate for options.