Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
124. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will address an anomaly regarding having passports re-issued in birth names (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19046/23]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the requirements of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (the 2008 Act).
In accordance with Section 10(3) of the 2008 Act, if an applicant for a passport applies to have a passport issued in a name other than the name entered in their most recent passport, the Minister shall require the applicant to produce such evidence as appears to him or her to be satisfactory of the use by the applicant of the new name before a passport may be issued to the applicant in that name.
In the case of an applicant whose previous passport was issued in their married name, but who wants their new passport issued in their birth surname, they are required to submit a judicial separation court order, separation agreement, or divorce decree as part of the supporting documents for their application.
If a separation or divorce document cannot be produced the person will be required to submit two years proof of usage of the name they now wish to have on their new passport.
With regard to the specific applicant to which the Deputy refers, the Passport Service will contact the applicant directly to advise on the requirements for their application.
