Q. My child got their current passport when they were under 18. They are now over 18. Can they renew their passport using the ‘Passport Online’?
Yes.
Q. What do I need to apply for my child’s passport using ‘Passport Online’?
You will need
- your child's current passport,
- your child's digital photograph,
- your email address
- credit/debit card.
You will also need access to a printer for printing the Child Passport Identity and Consent Form.
Detailed information on passports for children is here.
This includes information on what to do if there are one or two guardians or if a guardian is deceased.
Q. There is more than 6 months validity remaining on my child’s passport. Can I renew their passport using the ‘Passport Online’?
Yes.
If your child's current passport is valid for more than 6 months, you must send it with application. This passport will be cancelled when the new passport issues.
The online application process will tell you where to send the passport.
Q. I wish to renew my passport online. I also wish to apply for a first time passport for my child. Should we both send our applications through Passport Express?
The ‘Passport Online’ is the quickest method for applying for a first time passport and to renew a passport. You can make both applications online.
Q. Do I need to return my child’s current passport to the Passport Service?
Only if it is valid for more than 6 months.
The online application process will tell you where to send the passport.
Q. Do I need access to a printer when renewing my child’s passport using the ‘Passport Online’?
Yes. You will need access to a printer.
At the end of the online process, a Child Passport Identity and Consent Form will be generated.
You will need to print this form. You will complete this form and have it witnessed by an appropriate witness.
We will also send a link to this form via email. If you are unable to print it immediately, you will be able to access the form for up to 5 days.
For security reasons you will only be able to access this form 5 times during the 5-day window.
If you need access after the 5-day window, please contact us for help.
Q. Do I need to have my child’s identity verified if I use ‘Passport Online’?
Yes, at the end of the online process, a Child Passport Identity and Consent Form will be generated. You will need to print this form and have your child’s identity verified by an appropriate witness. In Ireland, a member of An Garda Siochana has to witness all first time applications. For renewals, it is no longer necessary to have a member of An Garda Síochána verify your child’s identity .
We will also send you a link to this form via email so if you are unable to print it immediately, you will be able to access the form for up to 5 days.
If you need access after the 5-day window, please contact us for help.
Q. Do I have to bring my child to a Garda Station to have their identity verified if I use the ‘Passport Online’?
Only for first time applications within Ireland.
Your child’s first application must be witnessed by a member of An Garda Siochána.
If you live Northern Ireland or overseas, we have expanded the list of appropriate witnesses. They can verify the identity of your child, and witness the consent of guardians for all renewals. Gardaí are included on this list. Your child must be known to the appropriate witness who is confirming their identity. It is the responsibility of the guardian(s) accompany the child to the witness for signature. A full list of acceptable witnesses can be found here.
Q. Who should accompany my child when having their identity verified?
‘Guardian A’ who completed the online application and declaration must accompany the child when their identity is being verified. This guardian will be identified as ‘Guardian A’ on the Child Passport Identity and Consent Form.
You (Guardian A) MUST use the same witness to verify the child’s identity and witness your consent. The second guardian ‘Guardian B’ can use the same witness, or a different witness, to give their consent.
Q. How do I give consent to the issuance of a passport for my child if I use ‘Passport Online’?
At the end of the online process, a Child Passport Identity and Consent Form will be generated. You will need to print this form and have the consent of each guardian/guardians witnessed by an appropriate witness.
We will also send you a link to this form via email, you will be able to access the form for up to 5 days. Note: For security reasons you can only access this form 5 times during the 5-day window.
A guide to guardianship as it relates to passport applications can be found here.
If you need access after the 5-day window, please contact us for help.
Q. My child is living with me and their other guardian is residing elsewhere. How can we give consent?
After the online application and payment has been made, a Child Passport Identity and Consent Form is generated. This form can also be accessed through the confirmation email that is sent to the email address provided. The form can be accessed a total of 5 times. The second guardian can print a second copy of the Child Passport Identity and Consent Form. They can have their consent witnessed separately.
If you need access after the 5-day window, please contact us for help.
Q. What happens if there is an issue with my child’s online application?
We will e-mail the person who made the application online (Guardian A) with any issues. Please check your spam or junk folders for e-mails.
If we cannot process your child’s online application, we will cancel it. We will send a letter to explain this to the address of the child. We will refund you any money paid. This refund will be via the original payment method.
Q. After I submit my child’s application online, how long will it take to receive their new passport?
The processing of the application will not begin until all supporting documents are received. Please see information on the current turnaround times.
Note: Processing times do not include time for postage.
Q. I received a clarification email and sent my reply. How much longer will it take to process my child’s application?
A. If the issue has been resolved it will take approx. 5-10 working days to reprocess. This does not include the time it takes to post your child’s passport.
Q. Do I need to send my child’s previous passport after their new passport has been received?
A. No. If you have already received your child’s new passport, you do not need to return their previous passport.