New Anti-Fraud And Theft Measures Introduced For New Passports

New measures are to be introduced by the Passport Service aimed at combating fraud and identity theft.

From 29 March, all first-time passport applicants aged 18 and above who are resident in Ireland will need to present a photocopy of their individual Public Services Card (PSC) for identification purposes, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has announced.

This new requirement also applies to the small number of adult passport applicants whose last passport was issued prior to 01 January 2005 and has since been reported as lost, stolen or damaged.

The measure is described as an important step considered necessary to enhance protections against fraud and identity theft and to uphold the integrity of the Irish passport. It will also ensure that the identity of first-time applicants for Irish passports continues to be verified to a high standard.

First-time adult passport applicants who currently do not currently have a PSC can obtain one through a secure process of in-person registration via their local Department of Social Protection office. Details of relevant documents needed to complete the PSC registration process and an online appointment booking service are available via www.MyWelfare.ie.

The PSC is used increasingly as an efficient and secure means to access government services including social welfare services and for the purposes of free travel on public transport. Already over 1.8 million cards are in circulation.

The Passport Service underlines that the new measure applies only to first-time adult applicants and in relation to renewals of passports issued before 01 January 2005 which are reported as lost, stolen or damaged. It does not apply in respect of applications for renewal of passports issued since 01 January 2005 or to passport applications for children.

As a result of this new requirement, first-time applicants for adult passports will no longer need to supply a certified copy of documents such as their driving licence or student card for identification purposes. It also dispenses with the current requirement for additional proof of name. Proof of address will continue to be required.

The new measures include:

• First-time Adult Passport Applicant will be required to hold a Public Services Card (PSC)

• Adult Applicants whose last passport issued prior to 01.01.05 but has been reported lost, stolen or damaged are also required to hold a PSC

• Other renewal applications are NOT affected

• New measures take effect from 29 March 2016

• Prospective applicants encouraged to apply to the Department of Social Protection for a free Public Services Card

• 1.8 million Public Services Cards are already in circulation

(MH/LM)