If you’re renewing your passport do it online and stay away from the Garda station
People who are renewing their passport have been advised to use the new online service and not to attend a Garda station as renewal applications do not need a Garda witness.
This online service was introduced in March 2017 and the typical waiting time for application to be completed online is 10 days. To date 50,000 online applicants have been processed online.
In a recent survey carried out in Blanchardstown Garda station from the July 1 this year, over 600 applicants attended the Garda station for the purpose of having their applications witnessed by a member of An Garda Siochana , however 40 per cent of the applicants were for renewal only and this service is available online with no necessity to attend a Garda Station.
Only new applicants are required to attend a Garda Station to have application forms witnessed, signed and stamped by An Garda Siochana.
Speaking at Blanchardstown Garda station, Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley said: “Whilst An Garda Siochana welcomes interactions with members of the public, we are aware that people are making unnecessary journeys to Garda stations only to be told that the facilitate for renewal of passports is available online and is a much quicker process.”
Feedback from Garda stations throughout the country would indicate that some members of the public are not aware of this online facility to renew a passport.
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