How long does it take to get the first time passport application?

[themike2]

They do send them back by reg post, but they don't post the tracking number. I got my docs back a bit before the passport itself; experience may vary. Wait for a week or so, reach out to DFA agent if still no docs.

I got back my documents today, thanks!

I imagine at this point most of the folks naturalized on June 2024 that applied for a passport already got it but I wanted to share my timeline, maybe it's useful to folks to be naturalized soon on December of this year.

- 05/10/2024: Applied on website
- 08/10/2024: Sent support documents
- 06/11/2024: Got passport book delivered
- 11/11/2024: Got passport card delived
- 13/11/2024: Got supporting documents back

Supporting documents (original, not copies) I sent:

- Origin country passport.
- Naturalisation certificate.
- PSC card (copies are allowed, I sent the original because I could).
- Driver license permit (copies are allowed, I sent the original because I'm not driving at the moment).
- Birth certificate (along with legal English translation).
- Electricity bill.
- Bank account statement.
- Letter from Revenue (tax credit letter).

Thanks to all the folks in the forum that helped to make the overall naturalisation process less daunting than it is.

[Tuengeek]

Meanwhile, my adventure continues, I received my passport today, but with the wrong name in it.

To summarise, I wished to drop the usage of my middle name on my Irish passport, which has caused some issues.

On the passport application, I indicated that I wished for the name without my middle name on the passport, but also listed that my name on my birth certificate was with the middle name. I was told to include proof of usage of the new name going back two years in the application, which I did.

The cover letter for submitting my documents stated pretty clearly that I only needed to submit one piece of government ID so long as it was my passport from my original nationality, so I did that, together with the other proofs required (proof of address, name, proof of usage of name, identity verification form).

Then my application went into the alert state, and after contacting the Passport Office I learned that (1) the information on the cover letter was out of date, naturalised citizens always need to submit two forms of government ID and (2) on both forms of government ID the name needs to match the name to be put on the Irish passport.

I then went back and renewed passport from my country of origin with the new name, and after doing so submitted the new passport together with my original Public Services Card (also without my middle name) to the Passport Office on 12 November. On 13 November the tracking updated to the first Processing stage (that they had received my documents), then 15 November it updated to the second Processing stage, and 25 November (yesterday) it updated to printing.

The passport arrived this morning ... with my middle name listed on it. So now my Irish passport does not match any of my other documents (even my birth certificate is now without my middle name since that got re-issued with the name change).

I contacted the passport office right away, they said they'd escalate it and contact me via email, we'll see what happens...

[cbetofop]

Re Witnesses.

I was contacted by my witness (solicitor) to say that a Eire (Dublin) number had popped up on their phone, but they were unable to answer as they were engaged with a client at the time.

A little later they called the number, which WAS the DFA Passports, but were told their call could not be accepted. I can understand this; as anyone could call them; however, someone pretending to be an applicant's witness would still need a lot of information to pull it off!

The asked if the DFA could contact them at a given time OR leave a message if they were unable to answer giving a 'code' that they could use to identify themselves when calling the DFA back. Apparently this was not possible.

Worryingly, they informed my witness they make FOUR attempts at phone contact; before telling the applicant to identify another witness - and presumably a whole new application / I.D verification etc.

Whilst I understand the need for a stringent process -as the DFA will have thousands of obviously bogus applicants given current conditions to process; basing a successful application on four random phone calls at unspecified times to busy individuals is surely unreasonable?

I have filed a complaint to the DFA Passports vie their webpage, but not sure that will have any effect. Luckily, I am not in desperate need of the passport as I have kept the originals of my other passports and submitted notarised copies only.

Anyone else struggling with / resolved this type of issue?

[fady1]

Hello, was wondering if a certified copy of the citizenship certificate would be acceptable to apply for the Irish passport. I could see conflicting opinions on this thread but couldn't find a conclusive answer. If someone can give such an answer it would be much appriciated! Thank you.

Regards,
Fady

[cbetofop]

Hello, was wondering if a certified copy of the citizenship certificate would be acceptable to apply for the Irish passport. I could see conflicting opinions on this thread but couldn't find a conclusive answer. If someone can give such an answer it would be much appriciated! Thank you.

Regards,
Fady

Do you mean a Foreign Birth Registration Certificate?

If so, the yes. I submitted my application with a COLOUR copy of the certificate notarised by a solicitor

[fady1]

Hello, was wondering if a certified copy of the citizenship certificate would be acceptable to apply for the Irish passport. I could see conflicting opinions on this thread but couldn't find a conclusive answer. If someone can give such an answer it would be much appriciated! Thank you.

Regards,
Fady

Do you mean a Foreign Birth Registration Certificate?

If so, the yes. I submitted my application with a COLOUR copy of the certificate notarised by a solicitor

Thanks, I actually meant the citizenship certificate not the birth certificate.

[Vadrar]

Hello, was wondering if a certified copy of the citizenship certificate would be acceptable to apply for the Irish passport. I could see conflicting opinions on this thread but couldn't find a conclusive answer. If someone can give such an answer it would be much appriciated! Thank you.

Regards,
Fady

Do you mean a Foreign Birth Registration Certificate?

If so, the yes. I submitted my application with a COLOUR copy of the certificate notarised by a solicitor

Thanks, I actually meant the citizenship certificate not the birth certificate.

The only reliable method is to use original naturalisation cert. Certified copies are acceptable at the discretion of the processing officer, which is why outcomes vary. That said, since photos were removed from naturalisation certs certified copies have rarely been accepted. Same for people trying to rely on single copies of name/address proof- almost always rejected now, and two proofs are required.

[fady1]

Hello, was wondering if a certified copy of the citizenship certificate would be acceptable to apply for the Irish passport. I could see conflicting opinions on this thread but couldn't find a conclusive answer. If someone can give such an answer it would be much appriciated! Thank you.

Regards,
Fady

Do you mean a Foreign Birth Registration Certificate?

If so, the yes. I submitted my application with a COLOUR copy of the certificate notarised by a solicitor

Thanks, I actually meant the citizenship certificate not the birth certificate.

The only reliable method is to use original naturalisation cert. Certified copies are acceptable at the discretion of the processing officer, which is why outcomes vary. That said, since photos were removed from naturalisation certs certified copies have rarely been accepted. Same for people trying to rely on single copies of name/address proof- almost always rejected now, and two proofs are required.

Naturally one will not be too concerned for losing the citizenship certificate after waiting all of this time to recieve it, not to mention that they won't issue a replacement for it. Is there is no safer way?

[Vadrar]

Hello, was wondering if a certified copy of the citizenship certificate would be acceptable to apply for the Irish passport. I could see conflicting opinions on this thread but couldn't find a conclusive answer. If someone can give such an answer it would be much appriciated! Thank you.

Regards,
Fady

Do you mean a Foreign Birth Registration Certificate?

If so, the yes. I submitted my application with a COLOUR copy of the certificate notarised by a solicitor

Thanks, I actually meant the citizenship certificate not the birth certificate.

The only reliable method is to use original naturalisation cert. Certified copies are acceptable at the discretion of the processing officer, which is why outcomes vary. That said, since photos were removed from naturalisation certs certified copies have rarely been accepted. Same for people trying to rely on single copies of name/address proof- almost always rejected now, and two proofs are required.

Naturally one will not be too concerned for losing the citizenship certificate after waiting all of this time to recieve it, not to mention that they won't issue a replacement for it. Is there is no safer way?

They do issue replacements, just in a different format. I’m not sure what you’d suggest for a safer route- you can send original or verified copy, your choice. Obviously you should safely store back up certified copies no matter which route you decide to use for a passport.

[fady1]

Hello, was wondering if a certified copy of the citizenship certificate would be acceptable to apply for the Irish passport. I could see conflicting opinions on this thread but couldn't find a conclusive answer. If someone can give such an answer it would be much appriciated! Thank you.

Regards,
Fady

Do you mean a Foreign Birth Registration Certificate?

If so, the yes. I submitted my application with a COLOUR copy of the certificate notarised by a solicitor

Thanks, I actually meant the citizenship certificate not the birth certificate.

The only reliable method is to use original naturalisation cert. Certified copies are acceptable at the discretion of the processing officer, which is why outcomes vary. That said, since photos were removed from naturalisation certs certified copies have rarely been accepted. Same for people trying to rely on single copies of name/address proof- almost always rejected now, and two proofs are required.

Naturally one will not be too concerned for losing the citizenship certificate after waiting all of this time to recieve it, not to mention that they won't issue a replacement for it. Is there is no safer way?

They do issue replacements, just in a different format. I’m not sure what you’d suggest for a safer route- you can send original or verified copy, your choice. Obviously you should safely store back up certified copies no matter which route you decide to use for a passport.

Yes, I was thinking the same. Thanks!

[Hachimaru]

Most of the issues seems to be with peeps with naturalisation certificates.

For those with FBR certificates. I'm just wondering, has anybody had success with a certified copy of the Passport and a certified copy of the UK driving licence?

The actual documentation required is says original passport or certified copy of driving licence. So although I seem to have met the criteria, With the certified copy of the driving licence. just wondering whether anyone's had any success going down the same doc route as myself offering Certified. copies of both. as
a back up. Without having a later request for original passport.

[cbetofop]

Most of the issues seems to be with peeps with naturalisation certificates.

For those with FBR certificates. I'm just wondering, has anybody had success with a certified copy of the Passport and a certified copy of the UK driving licence?

The actual documentation required is says original passport or certified copy of driving licence. So although I seem to have met the criteria, With the certified copy of the driving licence. just wondering whether anyone's had any success going down the same doc route as myself offering Certified. copies of both. as
a back up. Without having a later request for original passport.

Yes. those are exactly the documents I submitted.

I submitted certified (by notary) copies of:
UK Passport ID page
UK Driving Licence
Another passport (in this case Seychelles)
MY FBR Certificate
A council tax bill
A BT bill
A UK tax notification

and
An ORIGINAL birth certificate

I got the passport book on 21.12/2024 and will get the Passport card on 10/01/2025

Hope this helps.

[Hachimaru]

Most of the issues seems to be with peeps with naturalisation certificates.

For those with FBR certificates. I'm just wondering, has anybody had success with a certified copy of the Passport and a certified copy of the UK driving licence?

The actual documentation required is says original passport or certified copy of driving licence. So although I seem to have met the criteria, With the certified copy of the driving licence. just wondering whether anyone's had any success going down the same doc route as myself offering Certified. copies of both. as
a back up. Without having a later request for original passport.

Yes. those are exactly the documents I submitted.

I submitted certified (by notary) copies of:
UK Passport ID page
UK Driving Licence
Another passport (in this case Seychelles)
MY FBR Certificate
A council tax bill
A BT bill
A UK tax notification

and
An ORIGINAL birth certificate


I got the passport book on 21.12/2024 and will get the Passport card on 10/01/2025

Hope this helps.

Many Thanks
I think if I had a Seychelles passport I think I know where I would rather be.

[GeorgeOrwell]

Naturalised citizen here.

I posted (a) my original naturalisation certificate, (b) original UK passport, (c) documentation showing address etc.

There was nothing in the application process to suggest I needed a second form of government-issued photo ID. If I had known, I'd have submitted my driving licence or PSC.

If they request this (and based on this thread, it is likely they will) can a notarised copy of the PSC card be submitted online, or does it need to be posted?

Many thanks.

[fady1]

I used a certified copy of my certificate

That might be a problem.
When I applied (October), they couldn't verify the cooy of cert -> if you sent a copy, you would've been asked to send an original anyway.
Hopefully they fixed it already, but it might still happen!

Hopefully it won't be a problem. The colour copy is very clear, and it is stamped and signed by a solicitor attesting that it is a true copy of the original. And the instructions when applying online are very clear that a certified copy of the certificate is acceptable. I have no interest in sending the original in, since they also make it very clear that if it is lost or damaged that they will not replace it.

That's great to hear that it is possible to send them a certified copy of the Certificate. I wasn't sure. Thanks.

Did this work out for you?

[meself2]

They used to request original every time due to communication issues between ISD and DFA. Not sure if they fixed that, but they can (and do) ask for original.

[GeorgeOrwell]

2 January 2025: Applied
7 January 2025: Email seeking copy of PSC
7 January 2025: Posted copy of PSC
10 January 2025: Passport book arrived

Exceptionally brilliant service.

[littlerr]

2 January 2025: Applied
7 January 2025: Email seeking copy of PSC
7 January 2025: Posted copy of PSC
10 January 2025: Passport book arrived

Exceptionally brilliant service.

That is seriously too quick to be true It would be fantastic if they can keep it like that. I’ve just seen a colleague whose first passport application took a month to be approved last month.

[fady1]

2 January 2025: Applied
7 January 2025: Email seeking copy of PSC
7 January 2025: Posted copy of PSC
10 January 2025: Passport book arrived

Exceptionally brilliant service.

That is seriously too quick to be true It would be fantastic if they can keep it like that. I’ve just seen a colleague whose first passport application took a month to be approved last month.

Did you apply using original copies of citizenship certificate and passport of origin?

[fady1]

Would they accept an expired original copy of my passport of origin?

[RandomUser678]

2 January 2025: Applied
7 January 2025: Email seeking copy of PSC
7 January 2025: Posted copy of PSC
10 January 2025: Passport book arrived

Exceptionally brilliant service.

That is seriously too quick to be true It would be fantastic if they can keep it like that. I’ve just seen a colleague whose first passport application took a month to be approved last month.

Did you apply using original copies of citizenship certificate and passport of origin?

Congrats, this seems incredibly fast and hopefully a sign of things to come for those applying in the future!

[corky100]

Holy smokes! My children's first time passports (Citizenship via FBR) despatched 11 days before estimated - took 13 working days from receipt (19 days).

[GeorgeOrwell]

2 January 2025: Applied
7 January 2025: Email seeking copy of PSC
7 January 2025: Posted copy of PSC
10 January 2025: Passport book arrived

Exceptionally brilliant service.

That is seriously too quick to be true It would be fantastic if they can keep it like that. I’ve just seen a colleague whose first passport application took a month to be approved last month.

Did you apply using original copies of citizenship certificate and passport of origin?

Yes, original UK passport and original certificate of naturalisation.
If I'd submitted a copy of my PSC it would have been even quicker.

The Passport Card arrived on 11 January and all of the documentation was returned the next day.

My advice would be to submit originals of everything. It seems to make the whole process so much smoother.

[AHC01]

So it's my turn to start this adventure!

19/01/2025: We have received your application. You must submit your supporting documents to proceed with the application.
21/01/2025: We have received your supporting documents. We are now verifying these documents.

Estimated issue date: 19/02/2025

Documents I sent (more than what it was needed - just in case)
Original naturalisation certificate
Original passport
Original national ID card
Original birth certificate + certified translation
Certified copy of my driving license
Bank statement
Letter that came with the naturalisation certificate
Letter of invitation to the citizenship ceremony
Another letter that I already forgot what it was

[Hachimaru]

Had a few problems getting the online photograph to upload. So just a heads up for anybody else who struggles in the future. I tried to upload from a web based email browser. (icloud) For some reason, when I saved it to the desktop, it seemed to alter it and would never accept it, . even though the photo was done professionally. As a last resort I uploaded it. from the icloud app browser which must have copied the original Jpeg straight to the desktop. And the online system took it first time. Obviously there are many reasons why photographs fail. This is just another one.