How to renew your Irish passport

We’ve all been there. You’re about to book flights for a well-earned break when it hits you – your passport is due to expire right in the middle of your trip.

Checking your passport expiry date should be one of the first things you do when planning travel. It’s a small step that can save a lot of stress later on.

The good news? Renewing your Irish passport is usually quick and straightforward. In this guide, we’ll walk you through your options – from online renewals to paper applications – and what to do if you need a passport urgently.

Who can renew an Irish passport?

You can renew your passport if:

• Your last passport was issued within the past 15 years
• You’re an Irish citizen
• You were over 18 when it was issued
• Your passport isn’t damaged
• Your name hasn’t changed – or you have legal proof if it has

If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you’ll need to apply as a first-time applicant instead.

The easiest route: renewing online

For most people, renewing online is by far the simplest option. It’s quick, widely used, and can be done from home in about 20 minutes.

You can apply through the official Passport Online service at www.ireland.ie 

You’ll need a few basics ready before you begin:

• Your current passport
• A digital photo that meets the official guidelines
• An email address
• A credit or debit card

From there, the process is straightforward. Just fill in your details, upload your photo, review everything carefully, and submit.

One small detail that often causes confusion is whether you need to send back your old passport. The general rule of thumb is:

• If it has more than 12 months’ validity left, you’ll usually need to return it
• If it has less than 12 months left, you typically won’t need to send it straight away – it will be cancelled later

How long does it take – and what does it cost?

For a standard online renewal, the timelines are fairly consistent:

• Simple applications take around 10 working days
• More complex cases are closer to 15 working days

As always, these are typical timelines rather than guarantees. Demand can fluctuate, especially during busy travel periods. It’s always wise to leave yourself a bit of extra time.

The cost of renewing your passport depends on the type of passport you apply for:

• Standard 10-year adult passport – €75
• Adult passport card – €35
• Standard 5-year passport (under 18s) – €20

Applying by post is still an option

If online isn’t suitable, you can still apply by post – though it’s no longer quite as simple as picking up a form at the Post Office.

Instead, you’ll need to:

• Request a paper application through the Passport Service or use the Post Passport service via An Post
• Complete and check the form when it arrives
• Attach your photos and documents
• Submit everything through An Post

It’s a reliable route, but it’s noticeably slower:

• Processing time is typically 8 weeks or more
• Costs €80 plus a service fee

For that reason, it’s generally best used only if you can’t apply online if you can.

What if you need your passport urgently?

If you’re travelling at short notice, there is an urgent appointment service available in Dublin, Cork and London.

Depending on availability, you may be able to book:

• Same-day renewal
• A 4-day turnaround
• A 5-day service (London)

There’s also provision for genuine emergencies – such as illness or bereavement abroad – but you’ll need to provide supporting documents. Even so, appointments are limited, and availability depends on demand and your circumstances. If you can avoid relying on this route, it’s always better to plan ahead.

Small mistakes that can cause big delays

Most delays come down to simple, avoidable issues. It’s worth double-checking for things like:

• A photo that doesn’t meet the required standards
• Missing or incorrect documents
• Applying too close to your travel date
• Not checking entry requirements – many countries require at least 6 months’ validity from your return date, as well as blank pages for entry stamps 

It’s also important to remember that your application won’t move forward until all required documents are received.

Tracking your application

Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress online.

All you need is your application number. From there, you’ll be able to see when it’s:

• Received
• Being processed
• Dispatched

It’s a simple way to stay reassured, especially if you’re working to a deadline.

One less thing to worry about

Getting your passport sorted early is one of those small jobs that makes everything else feel easier. With that out of the way, you can focus on the more enjoyable parts of your trip – where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of it.

And before you travel, it’s worth considering sorting your travel insurance too.