Requirements for Irish passport renewal in Ireland in 2026

Renewing an Irish passport is a straightforward process once you know exactly what to bring and which route to use. The Department of Foreign Affairs manages passport services in Ireland, and most adults can now renew entirely online through the Passport Online system — no paper forms, no queuing at a passport office.

This guide covers the documents you need, the steps to follow, the fees involved, and the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected. Whether your passport has already expired or is about to, the process is the same.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

Passport renewal is the process of replacing an existing Irish passport with a new one. You use this route — rather than a first-time application — when you already hold or have previously held an Irish passport.

It applies to Irish citizens of any age whose passport has expired, is about to expire (typically within 6–12 months, especially before international travel), or has been lost or stolen. If your passport was lost or stolen, renewal still follows a similar process but requires an additional declaration.

The official body responsible is the Department of Foreign Affairs, which operates the Passport Online service and the Passport Office in Dublin (and a second office in Cork). Irish citizens abroad can also apply through Passport Online or via an Irish embassy or consulate.

Documents required

The exact documents depend on your situation, but for a standard adult renewal the following are required:

• Your current or most recent Irish passport (original — you must submit it or confirm its details online)
• One recent passport photo meeting the Department of Foreign Affairs specifications (if applying by post; online applications use a digital photo)
• Proof of PPS number if it has not previously been linked to a passport application (e.g. a Public Services Card or a letter from the Department of Social Protection)
• Payment details for the applicable fee

If your previous passport was lost or stolen:

• A completed loss/theft declaration form (form APS 2 for adults), available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website
• A Garda report reference number if the passport was stolen

For children under 18, a parent or guardian must countersign the application and provide consent. Children’s renewal documents include the child’s current passport, proof of guardianship if not already on record, and consent from all guardians.

All submitted passports must be originals. No apostille or translation is required for Irish-issued documents used in this process.

Steps to complete the procedure

Option 1: Passport Online (recommended for most adults)

1. Go to passportonline.ie and create or log in to your account.
2. Select “Renew a passport” and follow the on-screen prompts.
3. Upload a digital passport photo that meets the Department’s specifications (plain white background, taken within the last six months).
4. Enter your current passport number and personal details.
5. Pay the fee by debit or credit card.
6. If required, upload supporting documents (e.g. loss declaration).
7. Submit. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking reference.

No appointment is needed for Passport Online. The whole application takes around 15–20 minutes to complete.

Option 2: Post passport (paper application)

This route is available but slower and mainly used by those who cannot use the online system. Collect form APS 1 from a post office or download it from the Department of Foreign Affairs website, attach the required documents and a physical passport photo, and post to the Passport Office. An Post Passport Express is the recommended postal service.

Option 3: In person (urgent appointments only)

Walk-in or same-day appointments at the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork are reserved for genuine emergencies (e.g. imminent travel for a medical emergency). Book through the online appointment system on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

Fees and timelines

• Standard adult passport (34 pages, 10-year validity): €75 via Passport Online; €80 via An Post Passport Express
• Large adult passport (66 pages, 10-year validity): €105 via Passport Online; €110 via An Post Passport Express
• Child passport (under 18, 5-year validity): €30 via Passport Online; €35 via An Post Passport Express
• Urgent/emergency appointments: Additional fee applies; check the Department of Foreign Affairs website for current rates
• Estimated processing time (Passport Online): 10 business days for a standard renewal in 2026, though this can extend during peak travel periods (March–August)
• An Post Passport Express: Allow at least 15–20 business days
• Validity of the new passport: 10 years for adults (18+); 5 years for children under 18

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Submitting a photo that does not meet the Department’s specifications — the background must be plain white, the face centred and fully visible, with no shadows. Rejected photos are the single most common cause of delays. Use the photo checker tool on passportonline.ie before submitting.
• Entering personal details that don’t match the existing passport exactly — name spelling, date of birth and gender must be consistent. If you want to correct a detail (e.g. a name change after marriage), you need to include supporting documents such as a marriage certificate.
• Not submitting the old passport — for online renewals you must confirm the details of your current passport; for postal renewals you must include the original. Forgetting it will cause your application to be returned.
• Applying too close to your travel date — even the fastest standard processing takes around 10 business days. Apply at least six weeks before you travel to avoid stress, and longer during peak season.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew my Irish passport if it expired more than 10 years ago? Yes. There is no cut-off date on how long ago your previous passport expired. You follow the same renewal process, but you will need to provide your old passport number if possible.

Do I need to send my old passport in the post? If you apply via Passport Online, you do not post your old passport — you enter its details digitally. If you apply by An Post Passport Express, you include the original in the envelope. In both cases, the old passport is cancelled and returned to you along with your new one.

My name has changed since my last passport was issued. What do I do? Select the name-change option during the application. You will need to upload or include supporting evidence such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or a deed poll registered in Ireland.

Can I track my application? Yes. Once you submit via Passport Online, you receive a tracking reference and can check your application status at passportonline.ie. An Post Passport Express applications can be tracked using the An Post tracking reference.

What happens if my passport is lost in the post after I send it? An Post Passport Express includes registered postage, which provides a level of insurance. Keep your postal receipt. If documents are lost, contact the Passport Office directly through the contact form on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

What to do now

The most important documents to have ready are your current or most recent Irish passport and a compliant passport photo (digital or physical depending on your chosen route). The fastest first step is to open passportonline.ie, log in or register, and begin a renewal application — the system will prompt you for anything additional based on your circumstances.

Requirements, fees and processing times can change. Always verify the most current information directly with the Department of Foreign Affairs at dfa.ie or by calling the Passport Office before you apply.