Irish Passport
Card

The Irish Passport Card is a credit-card-sized alternative to the passport book, available to Irish citizens who already have a valid book. It can be used to travel to EU and EEA countries, Switzerland and the UK, and it's a convenient form of photo ID. It doesn't replace the passport book, which is still needed for travel elsewhere, for example to the United States. Adults can apply for a card on its own at any time through Passport Online, as long as their passport book has at least 3 months' validity left and their personal details match the book exactly. Children under 18 can only get a card together with a passport book. On its own, an adult card costs €35; bought together with a passport book, it costs €100 for adults and €45 for children. Card-only applications take about 10 working days, plus postage. The card is valid for up to 5 years, or until the passport book expires if that's sooner, so it makes sense to renew both together.

No. The card is valid for travel to the EU, EEA, Switzerland and the UK. You need your passport book for other countries.

Yes. The card is an extra document for travel in Europe and the UK, not a replacement for your passport.

No. Under-18s can only get a card together with a passport book.

The card expires on the same date if the book expires first, so renew both together.

Yes. Many people use it as convenient photo ID, but check with the organisation asking for ID.

Adults can get the passport and card together for €100 through Passport Online, compared with €75 for the passport alone.