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Please note: This is not the official website for the PPSN service. Therefore, I cannot answer your personal PPSN questions. You need to direct your questions to the Client Identity Services – contact details for this service is listed below.
- What Is an Irish PPS Number?
- What Does the PPS Number Look Like?
- When can I apply for a PPS Number?
- Do My Children Need a PPS Number?
- How Do I apply for a PPS Number?
- I Have Lost My PPS Number, Where Can I Find It?
- How do I Change My Listed Address?
- Useful Links to Further PPS Number Information
- PPSN FAQ’s
What Is an Irish PPS Number?
A Personal Public Service number (PPSN) number is a unique number that government bodies use to identify you. You will need to give this number to your employer as soon as possible so that they can advise the Revenue Commissioners for your tax deductions. You may also need it when setting up a bank account or accessing public services.
When you are allocated your PPSN, you will be issued a Public Services Card. On the front of the card will be your name, photograph and signature, along with the card expiry date. The back of the card holds your PPS number and a card number. It also holds a magnetic stripe to enable social welfare payments such as pensions to be collected at post offices.
The PPS number will also give you access to Irish services such as:
- Social welfare
- Free Travel Pass
- Public health services
- Child immunisation
- Housing grants
- Driver licences
What Does the PPS Number Look Like?
Your PPS number will have seven numbers and will end in two letters, making up nine characters in total. Old PPS numbers are only eight characters as they only have one letter at the end.
When can I apply for a PPS Number?
You will need to show that you have a requirement for one, otherwise it won’t be issued. For example, you will only be issued with a PPS number if you are about to commence employment. Looking for employment is not a considered a requirement. Be aware that an employer requiring a PPS number as part of the application process is in breach of the legislation.
Do My Children Need a PPS Number?
When a child is born in Ireland, they are given a PPS number when their birth is registered with the General Register Office. In this case, they do not need to apply for one. However, if the child’s birth is not registered within 3 months, the parent or guardian must make an application. If both parents live outside of the state, this will not automatically occur and you will need to apply for one.
For children living in, but not born in Ireland the parent/guardian must apply for one. However, the parent/guardian must already have their own PPS number in order for the child to be registered and linked to them.
How Do I apply for a PPS Number?
How to Apply for a PPSN as an Adult
If you are living in Ireland and are 18 years or older, you must apply online for a PPS number using MyWelfare.ie. However, in order to apply online you will need a basic MyGovID account, but you can create one on MyGovID.
When you apply online, you need to upload:
- A copy of your photo identity document (passport, driving licence, ID card etc.) If you do not have valid documents, you should provide whatever ID documents that you do have.
- Evidence of why you need a PPS number
- Proof of your address
How to Apply for a PPSN for a Child
For children under 18 years of age who do not have a PPSN, the parent or guarding will need to complete an application form REG1M
You will need to provide the following evidence:
- Identification of both the parent or guardian completing the application form and the child as well as evidence of the relationship with the child.
- Proof of address, such as a household bill with your name on it.
- Evidence of why you need a PPS number.
The application form must be submitted to the nearest PPS Number Allocation Centre.
Once you have submitted the application, and the department has checked everything is in order, they will post a letter to you with details of the PPS Number.
How to Apply for a PPSN if You Are Living Outside Ireland
If you are living outside Ireland and need a PPS number for an interaction with a state agency in Ireland, you need to complete an application form for a PPS Number (REG1) and also provide:
However, if you are living in Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom and are working in Ireland (a cross-border worker) you must apply for a PPS number in the normal way.
- Non EU/EEA your current passport
- EU/EEA current passport or national identity card
- Proof of address, such as a household bill with your name on it.
- Evidence of why you need a PPS number.
- a PPS Number Exceptional Registration Application Form
- a consent form signed by you if the PPS Number is to be given to a third party representative, for example, a solicitor or accountant
- a completed questionnaire
Completed forms should be emailed to CIS@welfare.ie or posted to:
- Department of Social Protection, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim, N41 KD81
I Have Lost My PPS Number, Where Can I Find It?
Your PPS number will be recorded on your tax documents, your payslip, and any letter or cards that are issued from the social welfare office, medical payment scheme or tax office. If you can’t find your PPS number, contact your Intreo Centre or local Social Welfare Branch Office for assistance.
How Do I Change My Listed Address?
If you have your PPS number and a verified MyGovID then you can update your address using MyWelfare.ie. If you change your don’t have a verified MyGovID, you should write to the Department of Social Protection giving your name, PPS number, old and new address and evidence of your new address such as a utility bill. The Department will then update your record. You can scan your completed forms and email or post to:
Email: CIS@welfare.ie
Phone: (071) 967 2616 or 0818 927 999
Address: Client Identity Services, Department of Social Protection, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim N41 KD81
Useful Links to Further PPS Number Information
- Citizens Information: Personal Public Service number
- gov.ie: How to get a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number
PPSN FAQ’s
Please note: This is not the official website for the PPSN service. Therefore, I cannot answer your personal PPSN questions. You need to direct your questions to the Client Identity Services – contact details for this service is listed above.
What happens if I don’t get my PPSN in time to start my employment?
If you don’t receive your PPSN in time for your salary payment, your employer will tax you at the emergency tax rate, which is a higher rate. This means you will pay more tax on your income. However, provide your employer with your PPSN as soon as you receive it and they will be able to put you on to the correct tax rate for your level of income.
What kind of evidence will they accept for my PPSN application?
The guidance on the gov.ie website provides examples of what will be accepted.
I am staying in temporary accommodation, what evidence can I use for my address?
The guidance on the gov.ie website provides examples of what will be accepted for ‘Evidence of your address’ when staying in temporary accommodation.
Do I need a PPSN to be able to apply for a job?
No, an employer requiring a PPS number as part of the application process is in breach of the legislation.
Marie
Hello there,
I was wondering what would happen if I left the employment while my PPSN application was still being processed and I have used that job offer to apply. Would the application be stopped and I would have to wait for another employment or would I receive it regardless?
Many thanks to anyone who responds.
Charalampos
Im an EU citizen and I will be moving to ireland this summer for my studies (i will be 17) how can i apply for a pps number if my parents arent irish citizens and i m not an adult?
Kristof
Hello, I applied for a PPS number and got a message that the number has been created and I will receive a letter with my number within 10 working days. After 10 days I have not received the letter and I realized that when I gave the address I did not give the house number, only the postal code, so the letter will probably not arrive. What to do in this case?
Colleen
You need to contact the PPSN office and update your details with them. If its not updated in time and it is posted out without the address, it will just get returned to the sender. You can request it is sent out again.
Roselie
Hi Kristof,
I would like to know if there’s an update of your PPSN? I have the same concern as yours. Thanks in advance.
Aleks
Hi Roselie , Kristof , same issue – got message that PPSN ready , but don’t get it in 10 working days, your recieved it after ? or how to contact office(phone, email , visit) ?
Pelin Türk
I was student 3 month before in ireland dublin. ı was work a shopping center and ı didnt had a pps number. after than leave it and I didn’t get the tax deduction back. who should i contact for this, thanks…
Joshua Parsaoran
Hi, I’m non Irish citizen
For international student who planning to do part time, is it necessary to have PPS ?
Colleen
International students need to apply for a PPSN. Please seek support and guidance from your college/university student support services.
Anna
Hello,
I am an Irish citizen who was born in Ireland and lived there until 2012. I was given a PPS number which I used anytime I worked in Ireland. I now wish to apply for a job in Ireland again. I am wondering if my old PPSN is still valid?
Thank you
Colleen
Hi Anna,
You continue to use the same PPSN.
Karolina
hi,
I got a job in IE and I am in process of getting the PPS – I am waiting for the employment contract and apartment lease, i should receive these within few days. Then I will apply for PPS. I am to start the job on the 24th of April. If I do not have PPS by that day, can I start working anyway and provide my employer with PPS few days after?
thanks!
Colleen
You can still work whilst awaiting your PPS. However, if it doesn’t arrive in time for your first salary payment, then you may end up being charged a higher tax rate, but this should be corrected as soon as you show your employer the PPS.
Sam
Hello,
I am currently applying for my PPS number due to a house purchase in Ireland. My solicitor is applying on my behalf but has sent me the forms to fill out. Can anyone tell me who the witness signature can be? On the bottom of Page 1? Can it be my partner or the solicitor?
Thank you in advance 🙂
kapteign
Hello there,
I’m not citizen or resident of Ireland but I’m applying to a school for studies.
The online application requires me to input a PPSN. I don’t have one.
Please, how do I go about this?
Thank you.
Colleen
Hi Kapteign, usually International Students must have travelled to Ireland and be resident in Ireland to apply for the PPSN for the purpose of full-time studies.
The process for obtaining your PPSN:
1. Set up a MyGovID Account at https://www.mygovid.ie/
2. Go to MyWelfare.ie and apply online for a PPSN.
If you have any issues completing the application form, you will need to contact their office.
Rebecca
Hi
I’m a UK citizen living in London. I was born in Ireland and have an Irish passport. I am planning to move to Ireland when I get a job offer. When is the best time for me to apply for the PPSN? Thanks
Gerard
I’m applying for a PPSN which is required to submit an application for a driving license. Proof of this is required, but an appointment with the NDLS for a license application cannot be submitted without a PPSN – Catch 22!
What can be submitted as evidence for the PPSN application?
Peter
Hi Gerard – I am having the same problem and stuck in the same catch 22. Did you find a solution to this? Thanks
Mihail Barbaros
Hi. as proof of application for your driving license will be enough to go to your local garda station and get a form for a driving license application. fill it in and apply for your PPS number with that form.
Wasim
Hi there,
I’ll be starting a new job 30/05/2022 in Dublin. I need to register PPS number, but do not have accomodation. How long do I need temporary accomodation to apply for a PPS and what is your best advice regarding this? As you know accommodation is expensive and difficult to find.
I’d appreciate your advice on this, I was considering booking something for 10-14 days, I also have accomodation in the U.K. so flights over are only short.
Colleen
If you don’t have a property lease by the time you apply for your PPSN, you will need to provide another form of evidence of your residency. You could do that by having an official document sent to the address your are staying. As per the gov.ie guidance, they will accept
household utility bill
an official letter or document
a financial statement
confirmation of address by a third party such as a hotel or hostel administrator or manager, school principal or property owner.
However, it will be up to the assessor to decide if they will accept it the evidence you provide.
michael cummins
Hello – a statement on this page is wrong. You CAN apply for a PPS number if you are living outside of Ireland (if buying a property in Ireland for example). Here’s a link to the Government website page: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/12e6de-get-a-personal-public-service-pps-number/#applying-for-a-pps-number-if-you-are-living-outside-ireland
Ram Aadhar Kushwaha
Hii good evening
PPS number how long does it take to arrive
Esther Veltheim
As a British/American passport holder, working online for a U.S. company, may I apply for a PPS number, once I have a fixed address in Ireland? Or, can I only apply for a PPS number if I am employed within Ireland?
Thank you.
Esther
Colleen
In order to get a PPI you need to show evidence of why you need a PPS number e.g. taking up employment, applying for a social welfare payment, access medical services or public services, apply for or exchange a driver’s licence or register for a course in a school or college.
Mallory G.
Hi there, I will be applying for a PPS number, for Ireland, here shortly, I am seeking getting one for medical purposes and an EHIC card, as per your answer above, what can I use for the evidence / reason / proof of needing a PPS number for the purpose of accessing medical services?
Xuying Li
Hi, morning, happy New Year! Hope this message finds you well.
I just found I could not log in my Revenue account using my PPSN number. It kept saying that the details I entered were wrong. May I know my registered birthday date on PPS system? Many thanks!
Xuying
Colleen
Hi Xuying Li, this is not the official PPSN website, you will need to contact them directly.
Ugochukwu Egbu
Hello good morning
I have applied online for my ppsn for 2weeks now, I am in Ireland and I have an apartment,also I am on emergency tax. I have submitted all the documents requested for. I am yet to get my ppsn. What should I do.
Aleksandrs Lavrovs
Hello . I am wondering how I can get a certificate from Ireland that I worked there for a certain time. My data: Lavrovs Aleksandrs, PPS No. **. Thanks in advance, Aleksandrs.
Colleen
Hi Aleksandrs Lavrovs, this is not an official PPS site, please contact the PPS office. I have removed your PPS details in your comment for your own privacy.
Steve Sapthu
Hi,
My Wife PPS number in creation with Government ID is not recognized
This could be an issue, because here in Ireland, she is known under her maiden name, even when she is married.
We tried already to resolve this through Social Welfare, who created a ticket for Support, but never got this solved.
We are Dutch and live already since 2015 in Ireland.
How can my Wife solve this issue regarding her PPS, there for she is not able to put in here PPS number in her Government ID Account.
Gael Gozdek
Good morning,
My wife and I are EU citizens planning on relocating from the Netherlands to Ireland at the end of September 2021. My wife is an individual entrepreneur and will move her business to Ireland. I will create a Ltd. company to offer my services as financial and IT consultant. For the first months of our stay in Ireland, we opted for renting AirBnB houses in different regions before deciding where to settle exactly. We read the information on the governmental website and understood that, in order to benefit from the public health services, we need a PPS number. To obtain a PPS number, we need to apply for it and provide a copy of our passport as well as a proof of residency. Considering that we will spend the first four months in AirBnB houses, which kind of evidence of our address can we provide please ? Can we even apply for a PPS number considering our situation in the first months ?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Gaël
Nadine
Hi Gael,
some time past since your post but I was wondering if you were successful by providing the air bnb address? I am in a similar situation right now (EU citizen living in UK).
Any information would be highly appreciated!
Nadine
Carla
Hi nadine just wondering if you managed to get your pps number using airbnb address? I will be in the same situation shortly and I’m not sure what to do
Patrick D Horrigan
Hi,
My PPS number is the old format 7 digit number. Is that still valid and can I use it to apply for the State Pension?
Thanks
Paddy
Sorry, I should have said my PPSN consists of 7 Numbers and 1 letter at the end making it 8 digits not 7
ELEANOR KELLY
I was given my PPSN over the phone a couple of years ago, this was never followed by a card, I have now lost the number, how can I retrieve it?
Colleen
You will need to contact the Public Services Card Helpdesk – please refer to their website for contact details.
Sue
i applied for the pps number when buying my house here in Donegal, it was dealt with by my solicitor. My partner has now moved to my address. We went to get his PPS number and was told that he was not automatically entitled to it and did not require it. He tried to apply again online , this was done in July 2020 and to date he has received no reply. He went to get his car number plates changed as required by law in the VRT centre yesterday to be told that he cannot get plates due to no PPS number. This means that he cannot travel to work in Belfast as his car has no longer got insurance due to moving to the south. We live remotely so the chance of getting a bus to the train station or anywhere is non existent. I have tried contacting the pps numbers and citizen advice but no one is answering. This means effectively that he will lose his job…………….does anyone have any contact numbers or advice please?
Carla
Hi sue just wondering if you managed to resolve this situation. I will be in the same boat soon bringing my car over from uk however I need a pps number to register my car within 30 days. Just wondering how quickly you managed to resolve this or what you did
Julie O'Donnell
Hello,
I am Irish and have lived in Spain for years. I recently tracked my old PRSI number which is now my PPS number.
My questions are:
1. Do I have to wait until I return to Ireland to apply for a public services card or can I do this online? ( I will be returning to live in Ireland this Summer).
2. I need to get a PPS number fir my daughter (Irish passport) from Spain in order to register with SUSI as part of her CAO application for college. I have emailed cis@welfare.ie several times and have not had a reply. How can I apply for her from Spain and where can I locate the form?
Many thanks,
Julie
A Walsh
Hi, does anyone know how to apply for a childs PPS number if they were born abroad? I emailed all documents to ppsn@welfare.ie but I received an automatic response to say you can no longer apply via this email address. Thank you.
Cam
Hello I’m from Italy I sent the needed documentation for a PPS number application for people outside Ireland and I sent it through mail they are taking forever…I need the PPS number this by this month to apply for the susi grant and they are taking forever
Tom
They are taking ages to process a simple demand
What a leak of competence as they only to check a few documents, no face to face appointment any more, so why so slow??
Philip Toal
Hi Tom,Nr
Fully with you on that.
How ambiguous the whole circus is.
I applied online for a PPS No. from abroad. No problem thinks I – scans of Irish P.P bills, etc. etc. That was over 5 weeks ago. I sent about 5 E-mails asking (ever so courteously) if I receive a PPS No. only when I am in Ireland? – no answer.
I put it down to the “double bind theory” or “catch 22”: I would well imagine that Citizens. info.IE could also review their info. in that department.
Philip
Tom
Hi there,
– 25/12/2020: applied for PPSN
– today still waiting forever as they have a backlog of several months
can’t expect to have it before March at least but it’s ok, I like to eat my emergency tax every morning as a breakfast with my level 5 restriction who give me this nice anti-social life where I’m there only to work, pay bills and die 😛
Maybe should I ask them if I can work for them on the week-ends and by doing so, make my PPSN application faster 🙂
I hope the vaccine of the Covid will help to have a more normal and faster future because now, life sucks a lot
Manisha
Me and my husband has applied for PPSN in November month but still awaiting to get. Very difficult.Is the any way to contact PPSN dept?
Colleen
Hi Manisha,
The contact details for each of the local offices can be found here.
Guy
I have applied for my ppsn around the 28th of September and still nothing untill now.
When I call they say that my application has been sent to the local office, but they told me the same thing 1 month ago.
I am still on emergency tax and nobody can give my any information about my application this is super incredible.
Michael guckian
Hi all,
Can anyone tell me if a PPSN number is actually a PPS number or are they different !!!!
Colleen
It’s the same thing the N stands for ‘number’ so sometimes its referred to as PPS Number or PPSN.
Ruthradevi Karunanithi
Hello,
I’ve got my PPSN one week agao. However I didn’t receive my Public Service Card. Could anyone please let me know what is the next step or would I be getting a call from Welfare department?
Marcio
Separated process:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/fd52ab-public-services-card/
At Cork I could book an PSC appointment by email.
Marcio
I have applied on 13 Aug 20 and on 20 Oct I received a email asking my definitely home address and them I got the PPS Number.
I came from abroad and applied with a letter of the company I work for.
In the beginning of October my wife applied and on 22 Oct I applied for my child, but no answer for them up to now 23 Nov
Emer
Hi everyone. If you are in Ireland and are already working and awaiting your PPSN and paying emergency tax, my advice is go to a local TD’s office and ask that they support you in getting your PPSN application expedited. It is not the way we should have to do things in Ireland but we cannot expect essential/critical workers to come here and provide those skills and expect them to pay 48% tax/usc while waiting for their PPSN application to be processed. I am sorry for everyone waiting. It is not fair to pay an unfair amount of tax with no end date in sight for receiving your PPSN. Good luck to all the applicants both those working and those who need for another reason. I understand it is hard for the PPSN office but this problem has to be highlighted and fixed.
Ankita
Hi Emer,
Thanks for suggesting this. I called them multiple times but they say their office is not open. Any idea you have when they are opening? If it confirmed if they are opening after the tier 5 removed?
anuja V Radhamma
Hi ,
I lives in dublin. I need to apply pps for my spouse . How i give supporting document that proves I need tax credit. Thanks in advance.
Carol
We applied for a PPSN in June 2020 with two others and still have not received nothing, not a reply to many emails or to our telephone calls. Does any body Know if anyone has a received any thing in the last 5 month. We need this number to sort out our father estate as he die due to Covid
Ericake
Hi!
I applied for my PPSN at the end of September. I’ve sent emails and called with no answers. How long did it end up taking for you all to get yours or are you still waiting?
Peter Oates
I heard from my solicitor today that they are currently dealing with requests from June this year. Huge backlogs due to COVID19. Good luck!
Cyril
Hi,
I applied for a PPSN on 5th September 2020 via email and its been 8 weeks now. I provided all required documents and got an automated reply confirming my application.
Till date I still haven’t received a PPSN. I work as a manufacturing engineer in Cork through my Ltd company. I have been on emergency tax which has been very painful.
Has anyone had success so far? Does anyone now why this is taking so long?
Thanks a lot and kind regards
Jade
I applied for a PPS number on the 8th of September and still haven’t received it. I have sent multiple emails and made multiple phone calls but I haven’t been told anything. I have a job waiting for me to start and I also need a PPS number to set up a bank account as I moved to Ireland on the 1st of September. I had someone tell me on the phone that it is on its way to me but this is untrue as I haven’t even had my photo taken for it yet.
Sinead
Hi,
You don’t need a photo taken for the ppsn number. I called them few weeks ago for my ppsn application and learned that they only finished processing applications until the middle of August. So if you have applied on September or October you will need to wait for another month at least.
Marcio
You don’t need a PPSN to open a bank account at N26 digital bank.
And you can start your new job, however you will be emergency taxed at 40%, and 8% Social Security. Your company will reimburse taxes up to your normal tax limit as soon you informe your PPSN to the Revenue.
Kevin Rankin
I applies for a PPS number at the beginning of August 2020 (now 24th October 2020). I need to supply this to a solicitor in Ireland so that they can process probate on my aunts estate.
I have called but have never even been informed if my application is being processed. They seem to be unable to even do this. I know they have my application as they sent my birth certificate back to me.
Does anybody know how long it is currently taking to process these requests?
Addy
Hi,
Does any one know current processing time of obtaining PPS number ? Its been over 6 weeks now that I have sent my application, but no response received yet.
Anna
After being told that an application for an irish driving licence was evidence to get a ppsn number, i was then told this was no longer a valid reason. Can anyone please let me know what the ‘evidence with a specified body’ is as i work in the North but i am moving to the South to live with my partner and require a ppsn to transfer my driver’s licence and car.
Tim
I am moving from Belfast to Dublin for a new job and seriously need a PPS number Iv applied with my Irish passport and UK driving license rang about 10 times no answer.
How can such a simple thing be so difficult.
Ben Chiro
Hello
its now 5weeks without pps after l applied it ,how best can l go about this ,l am in Ireland ,l have an apartment so l have received emergency tax ,please help me with suggestion ,l have been calling sending emails no response
best regards
Ben
helene
Hello Ben, have you finally received your ppsn ?
Keaton Murray
Hey,
I’m an Irish-Scottish citizen born in Ireland although I have not had a PPSN allocated due to my parents’ addresses being outside of the state at the time of my birth. Do I need to apply for a PPSN in this case?
Thanks in advance.
Colleen
Hi Keaton Murray,
You will need to show that you have a requirement for one, but if you do, then you should be able to apply for your own PPSN.