What a PPS number is and who needs one
Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is the reference that connects you to Revenue, social welfare, the HSE and other public services. It is always 7 numbers followed by one or two letters.
You can only get one if you have a reason to use public services. Common reasons accepted by the Department:
- Starting a job (you need it to pay tax)
- Applying for or exchanging a driving licence
- Applying for a social welfare payment
- Registering your child's birth, or a child starting school
- SafePass training for construction work
- Registering for a course, or applying for an Irish passport while living here
How to apply for a PPS number: 4 steps
- Create a basic MyGovID account at mygovid.ie. A basic account (email and password) is enough for a PPS application. See MyWelfare and MyGovID.
- Apply on MyWelfare.ie. Give your reason for applying and your personal details. You can add your child in the same application.
- Book the appointment inside the application. You pick the location, date and time. MyWelfare then sends a notification with the appointment details and the exact documents you must bring.
- Attend in person. Your application is not processed on the spot. It goes through further checks, and if approved your PPS number is posted to you.
You choose the centre yourself, so compare the 32 PPS number centres. Not every Intreo office allocates PPS numbers.
Documents for your PPS appointment
You need three things: evidence of identity, evidence of address and the reason you need the number. The identity documents depend on your nationality:
| You are | Bring |
|---|---|
| Irish citizen born in Ireland | Current Irish passport, or current Irish or UK driving licence or Irish learner permit. Birth records are checked with the General Register Office. |
| Irish citizen born in Northern Ireland, or UK-born | Current passport, or birth certificate plus current full driving licence or Irish learner permit |
| Irish citizen by naturalisation | Current Irish passport, or Certificate of Naturalisation with your photo |
| Irish citizen by Foreign Birth Registration | Current Irish passport, or Foreign Birth Registration Certificate plus your Irish or UK licence or learner permit (if you have one) |
| EU/EEA citizen | Current passport or national identity card |
| Non-EU/EEA citizen | Current passport or 1951 travel document |
Also useful if you have them: medical card, European Health Insurance Card, a bank card with a statement, student card, evidence of employment from Revenue, or a Free Travel Pass.
Proof of address
It must show your name and address and be no older than 3 months. Accepted: a household utility bill, bank statement, property lease or tenancy agreement, an official letter from a government department or agency, or official confirmation of address by a third party.
Staying with friends or family? Bring an original household bill in their name plus a note from the bill holder confirming you live there. The note can be written on the bill itself.
Special cases
- Arriving from Ukraine under the EU Temporary Protection Directive: do not apply online. Go to a PPS Number Allocation Centre, where special arrangements are in place.
- Living outside Ireland and need a number for Revenue or another State body: apply online on MyWelfare or by post, with proof of address, identity and why you need it, plus the PPS questionnaire.
- Third-party applications (a solicitor, accountant or employer applying for you): send by email to [email protected] or post to the Department of Social Protection, Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 KD81, with your signed consent form.
- Children: see PPS number for a child.
Already had a PPS number?
If you lived in Ireland before, you probably have one. Do not apply again. Look for it on your Public Services Card or old Social Services Card, medical or GP visit card, European Health Insurance Card, Drugs Payment Scheme card, payslips, or letters from Revenue or the Department. If you still cannot find it, contact your local Intreo office: find yours.
PPS number centres by county
Carlow: Carlow
Cavan: Cavan
Clare: Ennis
Cork: Bantry, Cork City (Hanover St)
Donegal: Letterkenny
Dublin: Cork Street, Dublin 8, D'Olier House, Dublin 2, Gardiner Street, Dublin 1, Parnell Street, Dublin 1
Galway: Galway
Kerry: Tralee
Kildare: Newbridge
Kilkenny: Kilkenny
Laois: Portlaoise
Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon
Limerick: Limerick
Longford: Longford
Louth: Dundalk
Mayo: Castlebar
Meath: Navan
Monaghan: Monaghan PSC
Offaly: Tullamore
Roscommon: Roscommon
Sligo: Sligo
Waterford: Waterford
Wexford: Wexford
Wicklow: Arklow
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a PPS number in Ireland?
Apply online on MyWelfare.ie with a basic MyGovID account. During the application you choose a PPS centre, date and time, then attend that appointment in person with your ID and proof of address.
How long does it take to get a PPS number?
Your application is checked after the appointment, and if it is approved the number is posted to you. The Department does not publish a fixed processing time.
Can I get a PPS number if I am only looking for work?
No. MyWelfare says you do not need a PPS number if you are only looking for work. Starting a job is a valid reason.
What proof of address is accepted for a PPS number?
A utility bill, bank statement, lease or tenancy agreement, or an official letter, in your name and no older than 3 months. If you live with friends or family, their bill plus a signed note confirming you live there is accepted.
Can I walk in to get a PPS number?
Residents apply online and book an appointment as part of the application. People arriving from Ukraine under temporary protection are told not to apply online and to go to a PPS Number Allocation Centre instead.
What does a PPS number look like?
Seven digits followed by one or two letters, for example 1234567FA.
I lost my PPS number. Do I apply again?
No. Do not apply for a second number. Check your Public Services Card, medical card, payslips or letters from Revenue or the Department, or ask your local Intreo office.
Related guides
PPS number for a child
Born here, born abroad, and what the parent needs.
Public Services Card
The card that proves your identity for welfare and MyGovID.
MyWelfare and MyGovID
Basic and verified accounts explained.
Sources: gov.ie: Get a PPS Number · MyWelfare: PPS Number · gov.ie: PPS Number allocation centres. Intreo Offices is independent and not affiliated with the Department of Social Protection. Rates and rules change: confirm on gov.ie or MyWelfare.ie before you act.