Skip to main content
Menu
Search

Passport Office Handling Record Application Levels

Passport Office Handling Record Application Levels

Summer surge highlights need to renew early

Passport Office Handling Record Application Levels

With Summer in full swing, the Passport Office is experiencing a surge in applications. More than 100,000 passport applications were received between May 5 and June 4, a new record. The Passport Office has put measures in place to meet the high demand, including the recruitment of 160 temporary staff and overtime for existing staff.

More than 100,000 passport applications were received between May 5 and June 4

In 2014, the Passport Service issued 629,446 passports. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has worked hard in recent years to ensure we provide a modern, secure and quick passport service. We have introduced a number of innovations, including a facility to track your passport online, a passport reminder service and a passport appointments service.

Applying for a passport:

  • A guide to How to Apply for a Passport, is available on our website.
  • On the Passport Service website, you can also access a Passport Tracking service to track the status of your application. Use the 11-digit barcode number (on the receipt issued by An Post) to track the passport application.
  • If you use Post Passport and you have completed the application correctly, you should get the passport within 15 working days from the time we receive your application. However please note that this is a guideline rather than a guarantee so please apply in plenty of time (we recommend 6 weeks in advance of any travel).
  • An appointment service is in operation at the Passport Office in Molesworth Street, for those travelling at short notice (within 15 working days). Customers not travelling within 15 working days should use Passport Express. Priority at public counters is given to those travelling at short notice.
  • Our website also allows you to sign up for Passport reminder service which will alert to you renew your passport 3 months before it expires.

Remember, Express applications received by the Passport Service from February 2015 will have passport issue dates calculated on a 15 working day turnaround period.

Remember to follow the Passport Office on Twitter for regular updates. You can also direct queries to @passportIRL

Do you have a passport-related question?

We try to answer every call to the Passport Office, but you can save time by looking at the most common passport questions. We have information on fees, photo guidelines, turnaround times and lost or stolen passports. Among the questions answered are:

 

Current turnaround times

You can find up to date information on current renewal times. It is important to note that the Passport Service recommends that people should always check the validity of their passports before booking their travel. We advise applying (at least 6 weeks) in advance of your travel date when using the Passport Express service for the following reasons:

  • First time applicants or those who are replacing a lost or stolen passport must allow more time for compliance and passport entitlement checks;
  • Leave ample time, as a contingency for applications that may be incomplete or are not compliant with Passports Act, 2008.
  • Demand on all passport services is high at present given the summer holiday season. This is expected to remain at this level over the coming weeks with a sharp increase anticipated for mid-July as a result of an upcoming naturalisation ceremony. 

Remember, the stated turnaround period above indicates a performance level at a particular time. It is not a stated guarantee of service for applications. Demand on all passport services is expected to remain high over the coming weeks with a sharp increase anticipated for mid-July as a result of an upcoming naturalisation ceremony. 

When tracking your passport application online you will come across the following stages:

Stage 1 of 6: Your Application has been received and registered: Applications may remain at this stage for approx 4-6 working days.

Stage 2 of 6: Your documentation is being processed: Application form, submitted documents and photographs are scanned onto passport system for work at stages 3 and 4. This element of the process takes on average 4 working days.

Stage 3 of 6: Your Application is scheduled to be checked for Passport entitlement: Your passport application is currently being checked. This process can take up to 4 working days.

Stage 4 of 6: Your Passport has been Approved: Next stage is Passport Printed.

Stage 5 of 6: Your Passport has been Printed: Your passport will be posted in the next 2 working days by Passport Express. The production and posting stage takes about 2 working days.

Stage 6 of 6: Your new Passport is Ready for Collection, or

Stage 6 of 6: Your new Passport has been posted: Please consult the An Post Tracking System for more information.

Find out more

Our website provides information on the passport system, a reminder service and frequently asked questions.

Check out the Passport Office’s Twitter account @PassportIRL for more information and regular updates.

 

Back to features

Read other features on the work we do at home and abroad.

Track your Passport

You can track the progress of your Passport/Passport Card application using your 11-digit application number.

Track my passport application »

How to Apply for a Passport Guide

Our guide takes you through each step of your Irish Passport application.

Print page