Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
134. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the waiting period for new passport applications and passport renewals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34597/18]
View answerThe average turnaround time for renewal applications submitted through Passport Express is currently on target at 15 working days. Other categories of application submitted through Passport Express, such as first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports take longer due to additional security checks. The average turnaround time for first time applications or applications to replace lost, stolen or damaged passports is currently 23 working days.
Eligible adults wishing to renew their passport can also do so through the online passport application service. This is the most efficient and convenient way for an adult to renew a passport as it can be done online anywhere in the world, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and removes the requirement for forms, witnesses or printed photos. The target turnaround time for applications made via the online passport application service is 10 working days plus postage. Over 50% of the 130,000 applicants who have used this channel this year have had their application processed within a week. The online service currently accommodates adult renewals and passport card applications and it is planned to further extend this service to child renewals by the end of 2018.
I am grateful to Deputies for their continued assistance in advising constituents of the online passport application service.
