does a child passport expire as soon as I turn 18?

hungryskeleton

I've renewed my passport a few weeks ago (I'm 17) but someone told me that whenever it arrives it says the expiry date is the date of my 18th birthday, which is in a few weeks. Can anyone tell me if this is true or not as I'll need to know because i'm planning on going away in early 2017 (and I'll need an ID over winter holidays from college). Failing that does anyone know if the gardai issue age cards or at least let people apply before they turn 18? Thanks.

goz83

I doubt it. Sounds like bar stool chinese whispers to me. You get the entitled term you paid for. I don't think it's technically a child passport, but rather a passport that will have a lower valid period, due to the age of the applicant. Did you apply for the correct number of years is the important question.

Thoie

If they issue it today (for example), then it should expire in 5 years, as you're under 18 and can't get a 10 year passport. So today's passport would expire in November 2021.

The garda age card is issued to people who are over 18, and seems to take about 3 weeks. It won't let you fill in the application form until the day of your 18th birthday.

I presume you're looking for proof of age to go drinking over Christmas (forgive me if I'm wrong) - wouldn't your current college ID do for that, maybe with a photocopy of your birth cert in your pocket for backup?

Bicycle

As a parent I have gone through this.

As previously stated, your passport continues to remain valid for 5 years after the issue date. You can then apply for a 10 year passport.

The Garda Age Card can only be applied for on your 18th birthday - I took both my daughters to the local Garda Station on their 18th birthdays :D

You can use your old passport as identity when you are going out, and before you get your Garda Age card. It is still a form of photo ID. Even if it is marked as being expired (you will get it back when you get your new passport). College ID cards seem to be worthless for getting into pubs. My daughters always needed the Garda Age Card or the expired Passport.

Carawaystick

you can get a passport card when you're 18.
Fella in work got one 2 days after it launched, i.e. the card arrived in work 2 days after the launch, so there's a fast turnaround on them, and no address checking so you could get one posted anywhere in ireland.