If you are resident in Ireland and you do not have a PPS Number (PPSN) you can apply for one by filling out the(opens in a new window) application form PPSN (Reg 1).   Non-residents can find information(opens in a new window) here.

You must provide the following:

1) Evidence of your Identity;

2) Evidence of why you need a PPS Number; and

3) Evidence of your address:

EVIDENCE OF YOUR IDENTITY

If you are an Irish citizen born in the Republic of Ireland, you will need: 

• your birth certificate AND photographic ID, such as your passport or driving licence.

If you are an Irish citizen by naturalisation or Foreign Birth Registration, you will need: 

• your current passport or Certificate of Naturalisation OR your Foreign Birth Registration certificate AND your Irish or UK driving licence or Irish learner driving permit

If you are an Irish citizen born in Northern Ireland or a UK citizen, you will need: 

• your current passport OR your birth certificate showing your mother’s birth surname AND your current driving licence

If you are an EU/EEA citizen (other than Irish and UK), you will need: 

• your current passport or national identity card

If you are a Non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need: 

• your current passport

The following are not accepted as evidence of your identity:

• baptismal certificate
• employment identity cards or personal letters
• expired documents (for Irish and UK citizens, passports expired within the last 12 months may be accepted).

EVIDENCE OF WHY YOU NEED A PPS NUMBER: 

Part 1 # 12 on the(opens in a new window) application form PPSN (Reg 1):

Please ensure you enter study/education on your application and not for medical reasons.

• Students will need a letter confirming they are a student.  You can download your Certificate of Attendance via your UCD SIS Web account and provide this with your PPSN application. Further information on how to access your Certificate of Attendance is available on the Student Desk web page. 

EVIDENCE OF YOUR ADDRESS: 

You need to show evidence of your address to get a PPS Number.  The document must show your name and address and not be older than 3 months. You can use any of the following documents to do this:

• household utility bill
• an official letter or document
• a financial statement
• property lease or tenancy agreement
• confirmation of address by a third party such as a hotel or hostel administrator or manager, school principal or property owner *

* UCD Students should send in a letter from their property owner or Programme Office stating their address as proof of address. 

* If you are staying with friends or relatives, an original household bill plus a note from the bill holder confirming that you live at the bill address is acceptable. This note can be written on the bill itself.

Please send the completed and signed form along with the three items of evidence to to the following address:

Postal Address: Department of Social Protection, Áras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1, D01 WY03.

Online Portal:(opens in a new window) www.gov.ie/welfareandwork

Via Email: info@welfare.ie

For further queries please phone the Department of Social Protection on 01 704 3000

PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR RECORDS.