A passport card in Ireland refers to a travel document that the Irish citizens can use to travel in the EU (European Union), the European Economic Area (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The Irish passport card is an equivalent of the standard Irish passport book and is likewise to a credit card in terms of size.
The Irish passport card is available for all its citizens (both adults and children) who possess a valid standard Irish passport book. However, a child under 18 can only receive a passport card as part of a bundle once he/she receives their standard passport book.
What documents are required for the passport card of my child?
As stated by Citizens Information, to apply for the passport card of your child, they must have a valid standard Irish passport book that is not due to expire in the coming 6 months. While applying for a passport card, the personal details of the child must be exactly similar to those printed on his/her passport book.
The passport card, once issued, will be valid for 5 years or until your standard passport book expires (whichever period is shorter). While applying for a passport card for your child, you need to have the following main documents:
- 4 passport-size photographs with 2 signed by a witness
- Birth Certificate
- PPS number for children born in Ireland
For detailed information about the documents required, I suggest visiting their official website of Citizens Information.
How much Irish Passport Card for child cost?
Here is the fee structure for your child’s passport card application.
- Passport Online – €20, plus €5 postage fee
- Passport Express – €30, plus €9.50 postage fee
- Counter Service (in person at the Passport Office) – €45
If you reside outside Ireland, then an additional charge of €15 will be levied.
Note that mainly online payment is in use at present. You, however, can use these modes as well.
- Debit/ Credit card
- Postal order
- Bank draft
Tracking your passport card application
Once you’ve fulfilled the duties of applying for a passport card for your child, you will be issued with an 11-digit application number. You can use this 11-digit application number while tracking your online passport card application on the Department’s official website.
Complete your child’s passport card application by taking their photo at home
An equally important part of your child’s passport card application process is a conforming photo ID.
Smartphone iD your one-stop solution for valid photos at home. It’s an app available on Android and iPhone. Take unlimited shots to get a photo that you like, and once our software and team have approved it, receive it shortly in your email and/or within a few days – in your mailbox.
Our artificial intelligence and human control system guarantee 100% that your child’s photo will be accepted and conform to the mandatory ICAO standards and the standards of Ireland’s Passport service.
