What the PSC is for
The Public Services Card proves your identity when you use public services. It is required to verify a MyGovID account, which unlocks online claims on MyWelfare, and jobseeker's payments are only paid once your identity is verified to "SAFE Level 2". It is also the card used for the Free Travel Scheme.
The front shows your name, photo, signature and expiry date. The back shows your PPS number, a card number and a magnetic stripe used to collect payments such as pensions at the post office.
Two ways to get a PSC
Walk-in or appointment: check your office first
This is the part that wastes most people's time. Each office decides how it runs PSC registration:
- Walk-in only: just turn up. Slots depend on the queue and a daily maximum, and at many offices the last interview is 15 minutes before closing.
- Walk-in, or appointment on request: you can turn up, or email the office to book.
- Appointment only: book by the email or phone number on the office page.
- Not offered: some Intreo offices (for example Baltinglass and, at present, Ballymun) send you to another office.
See every office with its mode on the PSC centres page. If you have no email, the National Intreo Contact Centre (0818 405060) can email an office to request an appointment for you.
What to bring to SAFE registration
- Your appointment letter, if you received one
- Your old Social Services Card, if you have one
- Documents to prove your identity (see the identity list by nationality)
- Documents to prove your address
- Your mobile phone: staff can verify your number, which you then use to verify MyGovID
Under 16? A parent or guardian must come with you.
Apply online with the MyGovID app
You can skip the office if you meet all of these:
- You live in Ireland
- You hold a current Irish passport
- You are 16 or older
- You have a basic MyGovID account
- You have never applied for a PSC before
Once an officer approves the application you get the card by post and a verified MyGovID account. If they cannot process it online, they tell you what to bring to a PSC centre.
You must live in Ireland
SAFE registration is only for residents, and the card is only posted to an Irish address.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Public Services Card?
Either go to a PSC/SAFE registration centre (some take walk-ins, others need an appointment by email or phone), or, if you hold a current Irish passport, apply through the MyGovID app on your phone.
Do I need an appointment for a Public Services Card?
It depends on the office. 65 offices take walk-ins and 42 work by appointment only. Check the office page before you go.
How long does a PSC appointment take?
About 15 minutes. Your photo is taken and your signature recorded.
Can I get a PSC if I live abroad?
No. You must be resident in Ireland, and the card is only posted to an Irish address.
Do I need a PSC for a driving licence?
No. gov.ie says a Public Services Card is not needed to apply for a driving licence; you can book an NDLS appointment instead.
My PSC was lost or stolen. What do I do?
Call the Public Services Card helpdesk on 0818 837000 straight away.
Related guides
Lost, stolen or expired PSC
Helpdesk number, renewal and name changes.
MyWelfare and MyGovID
Use your PSC to verify MyGovID.
PPS number
If you do not have a PPS number yet, start here.
Sources: gov.ie: SAFE registration and the PSC · MyWelfare: Get a Public Services Card · gov.ie: PSC 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.