If you are a British Citizen living in Ireland, you can apply for your first British passport at the British Embassy, Dublin. If you have lost your passport or it's been stolen, please go to our Lost and Stolen page.

The process

Applying:  

• Print out the correct application form from the Further Guidance section below. We have also provided guidance notes to help you complete your application form and about what documentation is required.  Please note that the forms are in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).  To open them on screen and print out, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 4 or above).  You can download it free of charge from the Adobe website. We accept application forms printed in black and white.
• Once you have printed out and completed the form, initial each page in the box provided. We cannot accept your application if this is not done.
• With your application form, you must also include two identical colour passport photographs, taken within the last three months.  The passport-sized photographs must meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
• Send your form, supporting documents and the fee to: The British Embassy, Passport Office, 29 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
  You can also submit your application in person during the public office opening hours of 09.00 - 12.30 and 14.00 - 15.30 Monday to Friday.

Interviews: Changes to the Passport application process :

On 16 February 2009 the British Embassy in Dublin introduced interviews as part of the passport application process. Please allow time for applying for your passport, as you may require an interview.

Who will require an interview?
The British Embassy in Dublin now conducts compulsory interviews for some applicants who:

• Are applying for a British passport for the first time.
• Are applying for a replacement passport following the loss or theft of more than one passport over a short period; 
• Have changed their name, except if that change follows marriage, civil partnership, divorce or dissolution; 
• Have not held a valid British passport for more than 10 years;
• Are renewing an old style blue passport; 
• Hold a British Overseas Territories passport, other than Gibraltar.

The British Embassy has the discretion to interview any applicant on a case by case basis.

If an interview is requested, you will be required supply full documentation. The Embassy will notify you as to what documents are required. Please see the passport pages of our website for more guidance.

Why are interviews necessary?
Interviewing passport applicants has been an established practice in many British Embassies and High Commission worldwide for a number of years and has proven to be an effective deterrent against passport fraud and identity theft. To bring our current procedures into line with the IPS in the UK, all FCO posts will adopt the same policy and approach to passport interviewing. This has become necessary to:

• Establish your eligibility and entitlement to a British passport; 
• Prevent other people impersonating you and using your identity to commit fraud. Sadly, this is happening more frequently with distressing consequence for its victims. 
• Reduce passport fraud and forgery; this sort of crime is becoming more sophisticated and more organised. 
• Counter terrorist activity, making international travel safer and hassle-free. 
• Prevent illegal entry into the UK and other countries.

Many UK banks, building societies and organisation now ask for photographic proof of identity prior to transacting business, with a valid passport increasingly being required. A misappropriated passport therefore can open the way to bank accounts, mortgages, benefits and many other services.
The interview has a vital role within the passport application, in ensuring that customers are the rightful owners of that "identity".

How will I know I need an interview and how long it take?
Once the British Embassy has received your fully completed application they will establish that you are entitled to a British passport. If you are required to attend an interview you will be notified accordingly.

• You may have a long journey to the Embassy. Please allow plenty of time to attend an interview.
• You will be advised as to what you need to bring with you to support your application. See our passport pages for more guidance.

The interview length is dependant on the type of application being made. On average it will take about 30/45 minutes and will be conducted in a professional manner, consisting mainly of questions confirming facts which someone attempting to steal your identity may not know.

Questions asked will not be the same at every interview.

When will I receive my passport?
After your interview, we will still need to make some final checks so we cannot tell you at the interview if your application is successful. You will be notified at a later stage.

Special requirements:
When arranging for an interview appointment, please let us know if you have any particular needs for your interview, for example:

• If you have a severe incapacity which you believe will prevent you from attending or taking part in an interview.
• Would you like a parent or carer to be present during the interview?
• Do you require privacy because you do not wish to uncover your face in public? Your face will need to be uncovered during your interview.

IMPORTANT:  Please do not make any travel arrangements until your new passport is received, as the Embassy cannot be held responsible for costs incurred as a result of disrupted travel plans.