Irish Passport for US Citizens: How to Apply with Expert Help
US citizens can obtain an Irish passport if they are dual citizens of Ireland and the US.
If you are in the process of applying for an Irish passport for yourself or on behalf of your dual national child, contact Total Law for assistance. Call +1 844 290 6312 or use the online contact form to get in touch regarding your Irish passport application and other immigration options.
Page Contents
- Can Americans Get Irish Passports?
- Benefits of Holding an Ireland Passport
- Eligibility Requirements for US Citizens
- Required Documents
- Ireland Passport Photo Guidelines
- How to Apply for an Irish Passport
- After You Apply for an Irish Passport
- Applying for an Irish Passport for My Child
- Irish Passport Vs Irish Passport Card
- Processing Time for an Irish Passport Application
- Passport Ireland Costs and Fees
- Irish Passport Renewal From the US
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Can Americans Get Irish Passports?
An Irish passport is one of the most desired passports in the world. As an Irish passport holder, you can enjoy free movement throughout the EU as well as visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 187 countries worldwide.
An Irish passport is a type of travel document that shows proof of your Irish citizenship and allows you to travel freely within Ireland, the EU, and to visit many other countries without a visa.
Because of high demand, applying for an Irish passport can be a complex process. You will need to be able to prove that you qualify for the passport by submitting adequate evidence such as a birth certificate, proof of residence, and other proof of identity.
In order to obtain an Irish passport, you must be an Irish citizen. For a US citizen who wishes to obtain an Irish passport, you must first apply for and be granted Irish citizenship. This can be done through the Foreign Births Register provided you meet certain eligibility requirements.
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Benefits of Holding an Ireland Passport
The Irish passport is one of the strongest passports in the world, given the large number of countries you can travel visa-free as an Irish passport holder. While it holds different ranks on different indices, the Irish passport’s reach cannot be exaggerated when it comes to travelling worldwide minus the immigration red tapes.
The Passport Index and the Henley Passport Index both have awarded the Irish passport the fourth rank globally in 2026, with a mobility score of 173 and 186 respectively.
The 2026 Nomad Capitalist Passport Index has, on the other hand, ranked the Irish passport as the second most powerful passport in the world, owing to the high‑quality mobility and the right to live and work across the EU that come with an Irish passport. An Irish passport also lets the holder live and work freely in the UK.
An Irish passport holder can enter the UK, the EU countries, non-EU countries in the Schengen area, and countries that have an immigration agreement with the Schengen area with only an identity card. This facility also adds to the strength of an Irish passport.
Irish Passport Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens must obtain citizenship in Ireland before they are eligible to apply for an Irish passport. If you are an American who wish to apply for a passport in Ireland, you can do so if you are granted Irish citizenship by birth, descent, or naturalization. For example:
- If you or your parents were born on the island of Ireland prior to the year 2005 then you are automatically an Irish citizen and you can apply for an Irish passport without applying for citizenship first
- If you or your parents were born in Ireland after 1 January 2005 then you may have a right to automatic citizenship depending on your parent’s qualifications
- If you are a US citizen who has a grandparent who was born in Ireland, then you could be eligible for citizenship by descent. You can apply for citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration
- You may also be eligible for citizenship through the Foreign Birth Registration if your parent is an Irish citizen but was not born in Ireland
- You can also become an Irish citizen through naturalization
No matter the path you take to Irish citizenship, once you receive your certificate of naturalization and receive your original documents back, you can then apply for an Irish passport.
Documents Required for Irish Passport Application from the US
Whether you apply online or in person, you will be required to submit a number of supporting documents as part of your Irish passport application.
These documents are used to prove your identity and eligibility for an Irish passport. The documents that you will need to submit can vary but generally include:
- Your current and valid passport
- Your original birth certificate
- A digital photo meeting the passport photo requirements (or 4 identical printed photos, meeting the printed photo guidelines and no more than 6 months old if you are applying using the paper form)
- Proof of address
- Other proof of identity
- A copy of your Public Services Card if you are a resident in Ireland
- Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or de facto partnership certificate if applicable
- Your Irish parent’s birth certificate or marriage certificate if applicable
- Your Foreign Birth Registration certificate, adoption certificate, or naturalization certificate as applicable (depending on how you obtained Irish citizenship)
During the application process, you may be requested to submit additional documents. You must submit all documents by the deadline given so that your application is not delayed or denied.
Documents that are not originally in English or Irish will be required to have certified translated copies made. Original documents will be returned to you by post to the address you provide.
Irish Passport Photo Requirements (Online and Printed)
Inadequate passport photos are one of the main reasons that passport applications are rejected. Photos for passports must meet specific requirements.
Some applicants choose to have their passport photo taken by a professional who specializes in this purpose to improve the chance of their application being accepted. Passport photo services may be available depending on your location.
When applying online, you need to submit a digital photo. Specifications are:
- Photo must be in colour
- Photo must not be scanned
- Size no less than 715 pixels wide and 951 pixels in height
- Must be in JPEG format
- Digital photos must not have compression or quality loss
- Photo may not be digitally enhanced or changed
- The photo may not contain barrel distortion or other distortion
- The photo may not be larger than 9 megabytes in size
When applying in person or by post, you need to submit a printed photo. Specifications are:
- Photos should show a close-up of your face and the top of your shoulders
- Your face should take up between 70% and 80% of the frame
- Minimum size: 35mm x 45mm
- Maximum size: 38mm x 50mm
- Photos must be printed on photo-quality paper
- Photos must be printed at a high resolution
- Photos must be in sharp focus with correct exposure, not over or under exposed
- Printed photos should have no ink marks or creases.
- Photos may not have digital enhancement
- The reverse of the photos must be white and unglazed
- Photos must be in colour. Black and white photos are not accepted.
How to Get an Irish Passport as an American?
The fastest and cheapest way to apply for an Irish passport is online.
However, there are several ways to apply for an Irish passport.
- You can apply by submitting an online application form using the Passport Online service
- US residents must use the Passport Online service. Paper-based postal applications (Passport Express) are not available from the United States.
- You can apply in person at a Passport Office, although this method is not recommended for your first Irish passport. Typically this method is used for time-sensitive passport renewals
You can also use the Passport Online service to renew your Irish passport.
Even if you are applying for your first Irish passport you can use Passport Online if you are a resident of the United States.
Reasons for denial typically include missing information or documents.
What Happens After You Submit Your Irish Passport Application?
Sending your documents
You will be required to print an Application Cover Page, which must be signed and sent to the Passport Service along with your supporting documents. These typically include proof of identity, citizenship documentation, and photographs if required. Processing will only begin once your documents are received and verified in Dublin.
Tracking your application
You can track the progress of your application using the 11-digit application number provided at submission. This can be entered into the official tracking system to view updates at each stage of the process.
Return of documents
Your original documents will be returned to you by post once processing is complete. These are usually sent separately from your passport, so they may arrive at different times. Understanding these steps in advance can help avoid delays and ensure that your application is processed as smoothly as possible.
Applying for an Irish Passport for My Child
Children who are Irish citizens (or hold US-Ireland dual citizenship) can no longer be included on their parents’ or guardians’ Irish passports. If your child has never had an Irish passport previously, or if their last Irish passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you must apply on their behalf as a first-time applicant.
Passport Online is the fastest way to apply for your or your child’s passport. To apply for an Irish passport online from the US, you will require:
- The child applicant’s digital photo per the photo guidelines
- A credit or debit card to pay the fees
- A valid email address
- Access to a printer
- Necessary supporting documents
As part of the online application, you will be asked to print an Identity and Consent form. You must confirm the consent from all guardians of the child applicant on this form. The child’s identity must also be verified.
Irish Passport vs. Irish Passport Card — Which Should US Citizens Apply For?
When applying for Irish travel documents, US citizens can choose between an Irish passport book, an Irish passport card, or both.
Passport book
The passport book is the standard travel document. It is valid for 10 years for adults and is accepted worldwide, including for travel between the United States and Ireland.
For US-based applicants, the passport book is essential, as it is the only Irish document that permits transatlantic travel.
Passport card
The passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized document designed for travel within Europe and certain nearby regions. It is valid for use within the EU/EEA, the UK, and a limited number of other destinations. However, it is not valid for travel from the United States to Ireland or for other long-haul international journeys.
Applying for both
Applicants can apply for both the passport book and passport card at the same time through the online system. A combined application is available at a reduced fee (currently €100).
For most US citizens, the recommended approach is to apply for the passport book, with the option to add the card for convenience when travelling within Europe.
Irish Passport Application Cost for US Applicants
The cost for an Irish passport is:
- Standard 10-year passport: €75
- Large 66-page, 10-year passport: €105
- Standard passport valid for 5 years for a child: €20
- Passport card: €35
- Standard passport + passport card bundle: €100
Irish Passport Renewal From the US
Passport Online is the fastest way to apply for an Irish passport renewal from the US. You must ensure that the information provided in the online application exactly matches the details on your current passport. Be careful to enter the correct birth surname for your mother and ensure that your photo meets the guidelines.
If your current passport remains valid for more than 12 months but you are applying for a renewal, you will have to submit the same to the Passport Service (unless it has been lost or stolen).
If your most recent Irish passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you will not be eligible for a renewal. You will have to apply for an Irish passport as a first-time applicant in that case.
Irish Passport Processing Time from US
The processing time for Irish passport applications varies depending on the method that you use to apply.
Applications made through the online passport service are processed the quickest.
Processing times for first-time applicants are longer than renewals, as all documents must be verified. Current turnaround times are published at ireland.ie and should be checked before applying. Note that postage time to Dublin and return delivery to the US is not included in the official estimates.
Online passport renewals are typically faster than first-time applications. The Passport Service aims to process simple online renewals within approximately 10–15 working days, but this is not guaranteed and varies by season. Check current times at ireland.ie before planning travel.
The processing time for in-person applications through the Passport Office depends on the Irish Embassy or Consulate that you apply at.
Irish passport applications can be tracked throughout the application process.
You can see when your application has been received when you must submit your supporting documents, when your application is being processed, and when your passport is approved and being printed.
It is recommended that you wait to receive your passport before making travel plans.
How Total Law Can Help with Your Irish Passport Application?
With Total Law, your immigration advisor will assist with the passport application process whether it is your first passport application, or if you wish to renew your passport. They can ensure that your documentation package is correct and that your passport application has the best chance of being approved.
If you are not yet eligible for an Irish passport, your Total Law advisor will provide you with further advice to obtain Irish citizenship.
For further information, contact us today at +1 844 290 6312 or use our online contact form to get in touch with our team of qualified immigration lawyers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You do not need a lawyer in order to apply for an Irish passport, but a qualified professional may help you to navigate what can be a complex process. If you require Irish citizenship, a lawyer is advised in order to ensure that you are taking the most efficient route to naturalization so you can receive your Irish passport in the quickest time possible.
If your parents are Irish citizens, you may be eligible for citizenship as a US citizen. You will need to obtain Irish citizenship in order to apply for your first Irish passport. Whether or not you are eligible depends on your parent’s residence status before and during your birth. Consult a professional such as at Total Law to determine whether you may be eligible for Irish citizenship.
There are many benefits to holding passports from two countries at once. Holding an Irish passport specifically allows you to travel freely within Ireland and the EU. When you travel frequently for business and you have two or more passports, you do not have to pause your travel to wait for a visa to be approved because the visa office has your only passport. Having an extra passport can make life more efficient for many people. An Irish passport also serves as proof of your Irish citizenship, allowing you to live and work freely in Ireland.
Yes. US residents must apply using the Passport Online service at ireland.ie. You complete the application online, then mail original supporting documents to the Passport Service in Dublin. Your passport is mailed back to your US address.
Possibly. If you were an Irish citizen at the time of your child’s birth and you meet the residency or registration requirements, your child may be entitled to Irish citizenship and therefore an Irish passport. The specific rules depend on how you acquired your own citizenship. Children’s passports are valid for 5 years rather than 10.
