How to book a 15-minute identity check, what to bring, and how to renew or replace your card. The card is free and arrives by post in 7 to 10 working days.
The numbers
Freethere is no charge for the card
7-10 daysworking days for the card to arrive by post
In personat a PSC centre, or through the MyGovID app
10 yearshow long a card issued after November 2018 lasts
You get a Public Services Card (PSC) by proving who you are at a PSC centre, usually an Intreo office, or through the MyGovID app. It is free and comes by post to an Irish address.
Who this is for
Anyone living in Ireland can get a PSC. It proves your identity for public services such as social welfare payments and free travel. With it, you can also set up a verified MyGovID account for online services.
The identity check is called SAFE registration (Standard Authentication Framework Environment). It takes about 15 minutes. Staff take your photo, record your signature and ask some security questions.
What you need
- Photo ID, original and in date. Irish citizens born here: an Irish passport, or an Irish or UK driving licence or Irish learner permit. EU or EEA citizens: a passport or national ID card. Others: a passport or 1951 travel document.
- Proof of address with your name and full address, dated in the last 6 months, such as a utility bill, a government letter or a lease
- If you live with friends or family: their household bill and a note from them saying you live there
- Your appointment letter, if you got one
- Your mobile phone, so staff can verify your number for MyGovID
- A parent or guardian, if you are under 16
Step by step: at a PSC centre
- Find your nearest centre on the PSC centres list on gov.ie.
- Email the centre to book an appointment. This is the quickest way. Some centres are walk-in only, so check the times listed.
- Gather your photo ID and proof of address. Photocopies and expired documents are not accepted.
- Go to your appointment. Have your photo taken, sign and answer the security questions.
- Wait for your card to arrive by post, usually within 7 to 10 working days.
Step by step: online with the MyGovID app
- Check you qualify: you live in Ireland, hold a current Irish passport, are 16 or over and have never done SAFE registration.
- Set up a basic MyGovID account.
- Download the free MyGovID app from the Apple or Google Play store.
- Follow the app to verify your identity with your smartphone and passport.
- Wait for approval. You then get your PSC by post and a verified MyGovID account.
How much it costs and how long it takes
Free
There is no charge for the Public Services Card.Source: assets.gov.ie
Getting, renewing and replacing a PSC
| Task | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| First card | PSC centre or MyGovID app | 7-10 working days by post |
| Renew | Online at MyWelfare.ie (18+, verified MyGovID) or at a PSC centre | From 45 days before expiry |
| Change your name | In person at a PSC centre | New signature needed |
| Lost, stolen or damaged | Phone the PSC Helpdesk on 0818 837 000 | Call at once |
Source: gov.ie, MyWelfare, Citizens Information
45 days
before it expires, you can renew your card online. You will need to upload a photo taken by someone else, not a selfie.Source: services.mywelfare.ie
Common mistakes
- Bringing a baptismal certificate, work ID or Garda age card. These are not accepted.
- Using a proof of address older than 6 months.
- Letting a Free Travel card expire. Since 1 March 2026, you need an in-date Free Travel PSC to travel free.
- Trying to renew online before telling the Department of Social Protection about a name change.
- Thinking you must carry the card. You do not have to carry it at all times.
If something goes wrong
- PSC Helpdesk: 0818 837 000, for lost, stolen or damaged cards.
- No email to book? Phone the National Intreo Contact Centre on 0818 405 060. Staff will email your local centre for you.
- No passport or driving licence? Contact your centre before you go for advice.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to get a PPS number
- How to get a verified MyGovID
- How to apply for a Free Travel pass
- How to change your name by deed poll
Recent changes and what to check
1 March 2026
You now need a valid, in-date Free Travel PSC to use free travel. Check the expiry date on your card.
Sources
- gov.ie: How to get a Public Services Card (PSC)
- gov.ie: Public Services Card (PSC) centres
- MyWelfare: Public Services Card renewal
- MyWelfare: Get a Public Services Card
- Citizens Information: Public Services Card
- gov.ie: SAFE registration and the Public Services Card
- Department of Social Protection: Comprehensive guide to SAFE registration and the PSC
