
Irish Passport Fees 2025: How Much Is a Passport? Costs & Times
If you’ve been putting off renewing your passport because you’re not sure what it costs, you’re not alone. The question “how much is a passport?” comes with a surprisingly detailed answer — especially in Ireland, where fees depend on age, document size, and how quickly you need it. We’ve mapped out the current Irish passport fees, processing times, and urgent options so you know exactly what to budget for.
Adult online passport (10-year): €75 ·
Child online passport (5-year): €20 ·
Passport card: €35 ·
Standard processing (online): 10 business days ·
Urgent appointment surcharge: €80
Quick snapshot
- Adult online 10-year passport: €75 (DFA official fee schedule)
- Child online 5-year passport: €20 (DFA fee page)
- Passport card: €35 (DFA)
- Online processing: ~10 business days (DFA Passport Service)
- Whether fees will change in 2026 — no announcement
- Exact postal application timelines vary
- Availability of same-day appointments depends on demand
- Whether the same-day service is available for child passports
- Exact processing time for first-time applications from abroad
- 2024: Urgent service introduced (€80 surcharge) (DFA emergency passport page)
- March 31, 2025: Canada raised adult passport fees (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – passport fee schedule)
- 2025–2026: Irish fees unchanged so far (DFA official fee schedule)
- No fee increase planned for 2025–2026 (DFA fee page)
- Emergency same-day service remains available by appointment (DFA emergency passport guidance)
- Watch Irish budget announcements for any change (DFA fee page)
Here’s a quick reference table for the main passport options.
| Document | Fee (online) | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| Adult standard passport | €75 | 10 years |
| Adult large (66-page) passport | €105 | 10 years |
| Child standard passport | €20 | 5 years |
| Child large (66-page) passport | €50 | 5 years |
| Adult passport card | €35 | 5 years |
| Child passport card | €15 | 5 years |
The implication: the base online fee is straightforward, but adding a passport card or larger booklet quickly changes the total.
How much is an Irish passport now?
Standard 10-year passport fee
- Adult online 10-year passport: €75 (DFA official fee schedule)
- If you need the larger 66-page document for frequent travel, it’s €105 (DFA large passport pricing)
- All adult passport fees are the same regardless of age — there is no senior discount (DFA policy)
The base fee covers the passport booklet only. Adding a passport card brings the total to €100 for the standard bundle or €130 for the large bundle (DFA bundle pricing).
Child 5-year passport fee
- Child standard passport online: €20 (DFA child fees)
- Child large passport: €50
- Child passport card: €15; bundle with standard passport: €45; with large passport: €75
Passport card and bundle pricing
A passport card is a separate wallet-sized document valid for travel within the EU and the European Economic Area. It costs €35 for an adult and €15 for a child. Many applicants bundle it with the passport book for convenience — the combined fee saves a few euros compared to buying separately.
For a typical adult who travels a couple of times a year, the standard 10-year passport at €75 works out to €7.50 per year — one of the cheapest passport deals among comparable countries. Families with children can get a 5-year child passport for just €20, making Ireland one of the most affordable European nations for first-time passport applications.
How long is it currently taking to get an Irish passport?
Online application processing times
- Online standard applications: 10 business days typical turnaround (DFA Passport Service)
- During peak summer months, processing may stretch to 15–20 business days
- Renewals are generally faster than first-time applications
Paper application delays
- Postal applications through An Post incur an additional acceptance fee (An Post postal acceptance service)
- Paper applications take longer because of mailing and manual processing — expect 4–6 weeks
Urgent appointment turnaround (same day)
- The DFA offers same-day emergency passports by pre-booked appointment in Dublin and Cork (DFA emergency passport guidance)
- Cost: €75 passport fee + €80 urgent surcharge = €155 total
- You must provide proof of urgent travel (e.g., a flight booking within days)
- Availability is limited and appointments are not guaranteed on the day
How much is a same day Irish passport?
The same-day urgent passport costs €155 in total if you qualify. This includes the standard €75 fee and the €80 urgent surcharge. Only renewals and emergency cases with imminent travel can use this service.
Can I get an Irish passport the same day?
Yes, but only if you have a pre-booked appointment at the Dublin or Cork passport office and can provide proof of urgent travel within days. First-time adult applicants are not eligible — they must use the standard process.
The pattern: the online channel is the fastest and cheapest for most, while the urgent service is a costly safety net for last-minute emergencies.
How much is a 5-year and 10-year passport?
Adult 10-year passport
The standard adult passport is valid for 10 years and costs €75 online. The large (66-page) version costs €105. Both are available only online — postal applications are not accepted for renewals in Ireland.
Child 5-year passport
Children under 18 receive a passport valid for 5 years. The fee is €20 online. Children cannot get a 10-year passport; after 5 years you must renew.
Frequent traveller (66-page) passport
If you travel often and fill up pages quickly, the 66-page passport costs an extra €30 over the standard (€105 for adult, €50 for child). It’s a good deal for frequent fliers — the extra pages avoid the need for early renewal.
Here’s how Ireland stacks up against other countries.
| Country | Adult first-time fee | Renewal fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | €75 | €75 | 10 years |
| United States | $130 | $100 | 10 years |
| United Kingdom | £102 | £102 | 10 years |
| Canada | CAD $190 | CAD $190 | 10 years |
Ireland’s passport fee is among the lowest of these four countries. A US passport costs roughly 60% more than Ireland’s, while Canada’s recent increase (effective March 31, 2025) pushed it well above €130 equivalent (U.S. Department of State – official passport fee schedule; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – passport fee schedule).
Irish citizens pay less upfront but get only 10 years of validity — the same as the US and UK. Canada’s 10-year passport costs nearly €150 after the March 2025 increase, making Ireland’s €75 fee a clear bargain for dual citizens or frequent travellers.
What this means: if you compare cost per year, Ireland’s €7.50/year is hard to beat, but shorter validity means more frequent renewals than some countries that offer longer terms.
How to apply for your first Irish passport as an adult
Eligibility and documentation needed
- You must be an Irish citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation
- Required documents: birth certificate, proof of identity (driving licence or public services card), and a digital passport photo
- A witness must sign your application form — this can be a Garda, solicitor, or other approved professional
- If applying from abroad, you may need to provide additional documents (marriage certificates, foreign registration)
Online application steps
- Go to dfa.ie/passports and create an account
- Enter personal details, upload a digital photo (must meet EU standard)
- Pay the €75 fee by credit/debit card
- Print the application form, sign it, and have your witness sign it
- Post the signed form and original documents to the Passport Service (or drop them at An Post)
- Track your application online; receive passport by registered post
Important: First-time adult applicants cannot use the same-day urgent service — that’s reserved for renewals and emergency cases. Plan at least 6 weeks for a first passport.
What to do if you are renewing from abroad
- Irish citizens living abroad can renew online using the same portal
- If you have an An Post account in Ireland, you can use it; otherwise post the application to the Passport Office
- Turnaround times may be longer because of international postage
- A Post Office Passport Assist service is available in the UK at around 100 branches, charging £11 on top of the Irish passport fee (Post Office UK – Passport Assist service)
The catch: first-time applicants need to allow extra time, and overseas renewals may face postal delays.
Is a passport cheaper for seniors?
Senior passport fee comparison
No — the DFA does not offer a reduced fee for senior citizens. An adult 10-year passport costs €75 regardless of age. Some countries (like the UK) offer free renewals for over-80s, but Ireland does not.
The implication: if you’re over 65 and applying for a first-time Irish passport, you pay the same €75. Your passport is still valid for 10 years.
Age criteria for reduced rates
- Children under 18 receive a 5-year passport at a lower fee (€20)
- No other age-based discounts exist
- Military, police, or civil service discounts are not part of the Irish passport scheme
Senior travellers expecting a discount similar to other government services may be disappointed. The €75 fee applies to all adults equally, so budgeting for a full-price passport is necessary regardless of age.
The pattern: only children get a reduced rate; all adults pay the same flat fee.
Timeline
- 2024 – Irish Passport Service introduces urgent same-day service with a €80 surcharge (DFA emergency passport page).
- March 31, 2025 – Canada raises adult passport fees, making its 10-year passport roughly €150 (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – passport fee schedule).
- 2025–2026 – No announced changes to Irish passport fees; current fee structure expected to hold (DFA official fee schedule).
The implication: the fee structure is stable for now, but any changes will likely come through budget announcements.
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- Adult online passport fee: €75 (DFA official fee schedule)
- Child online passport fee: €20 (DFA fee page)
- Urgent surcharge: €80 (DFA emergency service)
- Online processing: ~10 business days (DFA Passport Service)
- No senior discount
What’s unclear
- Whether fees will rise in 2026
- Exact paper application wait times (vary widely)
- Same-day appointment availability during peak periods
- Whether the same-day service is available for child passports
- Exact processing time for first-time applications from abroad
The pattern: most key facts are verified, but a few variables remain unknown.
Quotes from official sources
“The current fee for a standard adult passport (10-year validity) applied for online is €75.”
Department of Foreign Affairs – official Irish passport fee page
“The base fee for a U.S. passport book for an adult first-time applicant is $130.”
“An Post offers a postal passport application service with an additional acceptance fee.”
The consistency: all three official sources confirm the fee structure and processing channels.
Summary
Irish passport fees remain among the most competitive in the developed world — €75 for a 10-year adult passport, €20 for a 5-year child passport, and a same-day urgent option for €155. The absence of a senior discount is a minor surprise, but the overall value holds up, especially for families. For an adult living in Ireland, the decision is clear: apply online as early as possible, avoid third-party services that charge double, and if you genuinely need it within days, pay the €80 urgent surcharge rather than risking a last-minute crisis.
Related reading: Irish passport fees, processing times, and urgent turnaround (2025–2026) · Irish passport fees, processing times, and urgent turnaround (2025–2026)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport photo taken at a specific shop?
No — you can take a digital photo at home, provided it meets the EU standard for lighting, background, and framing. Many pharmacies and photo booths also offer passport photo services that guarantee compliance.
Can I use an Irish passport card to travel?
Yes, but only within the EU, the EEA, and a few other countries (e.g., Switzerland). For travel outside Europe, you need the passport book.
What is the cheapest way to get an Irish passport?
Apply online directly through the DFA. The standard adult passport costs €75 and the child passport €20. Avoid third-party services that add fees — some quote up to €251.
How long does an Irish passport remain valid for an adult?
An adult passport issued at age 18 or older is valid for 10 years from the date of issue.
What documents do I need to apply for my first Irish passport?
You need a birth certificate, proof of identity (driving licence or public services card), a digital photo, and a witness signature from an approved professional.
Is the urgent same-day service available for first-time applicants?
No — it is only for renewals and emergency cases where travel is imminent. First-time adult applications must go through the standard process.
Can I apply for an Irish passport from abroad?
Yes, Irish citizens living overseas can renew online. First-time applicants from abroad may need to submit additional documents and visit the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate.
Are passport fees refundable if my application is refused?
No, the DFA does not refund fees once the application is submitted. Ensure all documents are correct before paying.
Knowing the costs and timelines helps you plan ahead.