The current turnaround times for passport renewals has led many Irish travellers concerned as the midterm break approaches.
With Covid-19 still circulating, the Passport Office is continuing to focus on its online renewal service which allows for a more efficient turnaround time.
The turnaround times for a new passport depends on what type of renewal an applicant needs.
Here are the different types of renewals as well as the average turnaround times for each.
Online applications
Simple adult renewal
A simple renewal for an adult applicant will be processed within 10 working days. A simple renewal is when the information on your passport is the same as your previous passport.
Children passport renewal
However, online renewal for children’s passports takes longer. These applications are usually processed within 15 working days of receiving the supporting documents.
The Passport Office currently registers the documents within three days of receiving them. It then takes 10 days to verify and scan the guardianship consent onto the system.
First-time online applicants
It’s a more complicated process for first-time applicants and requires extra time to process. This is due to having to verify all documents submitted to make ensure the identity of the applicant.
The passport office currently registers documents within five days after receiving them. However, it takes another five weeks to verify and scan the documents with a passport being issued within eight weeks.
Passport Express
The passport express service returned on July 19, 2021. This service is for paper-based applications with an estimated turnaround time of eight weeks but this is not a guarantee.
If worried about not having a passport in time for a holiday, applicants are urged to use the online passport renewal service.
The waiting times for the different types of applications are:
Online application type |
Current average turnaround times |
|
Simple renewals |
10 Working Days |
|
Complex renewals |
15 Working Days |
|
First-time applicants |
40 Working Days |
Posted application type |
Current average turnaround times |
|
Adult and child renewal |
8 weeks |
|
First time application |
8 weeks |
|
Lost/stolen/damaged replacement |
8 weeks |
If an applicant has a query regarding the passport application, please contact the Customer Service Hub who will assist you.
The phone lines are open between 9:00 and 16:30.
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