Passport Cards

Online applications for Irish Passport Cards are now accepted either through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website or through an application (app) which can be downloaded for free.

An Irish citizen (over the age of 18) who is in possession of a valid passport can apply for the card online from anywhere in the world. An applicant can take a photograph of themselves on their mobile phone or webcam, test to confirm that their photograph meets the international standards for passport photographs, and complete the entire application process on their smart phone or through the DFAT website. This includes on-line payment.

The Passport Card will be credit card-sized so will fit conveniently into a wallet or purse. The new passport will be accepted for travel within the EU and EEA (includes the EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein) initially. Citizens who apply will need to have a valid passport book already.

The turnaround time for processing applications is estimated currently at 20-25 working days. The Passport Service can process approximately 600 cards per day so the delivery time will depend on the level of demand and popularity of the cards.

Passport Card Details:

• Must be over 18 to apply for a Passport Card
• The Passport Card has a maximum validity of 5 years or the remaining value of the Passport book.
• A citizen must be in possession of his/her valid Passport book in order to apply for a Passport Card.
• Passport Card details must be exactly as they are on the Passport book.
• Application fee €35 plus credit card transaction cost. Additional delivery cost outside Ireland €5,
• You can only apply online or through the free app on phone/tablet.

Further information, including responses to frequently asked questions, is available on the DFAT website.