Don’t worry, if you have one already you won’t be affected.
The Passport Service of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today revealed changes to the application process for Irish passports for first-time applicants.
The changes, which will come into effect from March 29, require first-time applicants aged 18 and above to present a photocopy of their individual Public Services Card (PSC) for identification purposes.
The requirement also applies to the small number of adult passport applicants whose last passport was issued prior to 1 January 2005 and has since been reported as lost, stolen or damaged.
The measure is being brought in to enhance protections against fraud and identity theft and to uphold the integrity of the Irish passport.
First-time adult passport applicants who currently do not currently have a PSC can obtain one through a secure process of in-person registration via their local Department of Social Protection office.
Details of relevant documents needed to complete the PSC registration process and an online appointment booking service are available via www.MyWelfare.ie.
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