Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
48. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will consider reviewing and reducing the current reprocessing timeline of passport applications (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38309/26]
View answerThe Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued almost 400,000 passports to date in 2026.
The advertised passport processing times for complete and correct applications are:
Online simple adult renewal application - 10 working days
Online child/complex adult renewal application - 15 working days
Online first time application , adult or child - 20 working days
Passport Assist application - 6 weeks
If supporting documents are required for an application, turnaround times begin when these documents are received by the Passport Service. Incorrect or incomplete applications that require additional input from the applicant will take longer to process.
Since 2022, the Passport Service has operated a document management system whereby incomplete applications that require further supporting documents are prioritised once the additional documents are received by the Passport Service. These applications are then processed within 15 working days.
The Passport Service has public education materials, including video tutorials and detailed instructions on the application process, witnessing of guardian consent and how to submit a correct passport photo are available online: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/how-to-apply-for-a-passport/
These materials are communicated to citizens via social media channels.
Additionally, should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm. Our agents can be contacted at +35316711633, or via the webchat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/
As we approach the busy summer holiday season, I strongly urge anyone who is considering travelling overseas this year, particularly families with young children, to check the validity of their passports before booking travel, access the resources available and to apply online for their passports in plenty of time.
