Getting a PPS number in Ireland (and MyGovID)

Before you start

• An address in Ireland and a document that proves it
• A reason for needing the number, such as a signed job offer
• A basic MyGovID account to apply online

Documents you need

• Current passport (or national ID card for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens)

  required

• National identity card, if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and prefer to use it

  optional

• Proof of address dated within the last 3 months

  required

• Evidence of why you need the number, for example a signed job offer on company letterhead

  required

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Check that you have a reason the DSP accepts

   You must show why you need a PPS number. Common reasons are taking up a job, applying for a social welfare payment, enrolling in a school or college course, applying for or exchanging a driving licence, or registering a child's birth. Looking for work is not enough on its own: employers should only ask for your PPS number once you are actually taking up the job, not while recruiting.

   For a job, bring a signed job offer on company letterhead that shows the start date, the employer's contact details and its registered company number.

2. 2

   Step 2: Gather proof of identity and address

   • Identity: non-EU citizens show a current passport (or a 1951 Convention travel document). EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can show a passport or national identity card. British citizens show a passport, or a birth certificate together with a current full driving licence.
   • Address: a document with your name and Irish address no older than 3 months, such as a utility bill, bank statement, tenancy agreement, official letter, or a written confirmation from a hotel or hostel manager. If you are staying with friends or relatives, an original household bill with a note from the bill holder confirming that you live there is accepted; the note can be written on the bill itself.
   • It helps to bring other documents that confirm your identity, such as a bank card and statement, a student card or a European Health Insurance Card.
3. 3

   Step 3: Create a basic MyGovID account and apply on MyWelfare

   MyGovID is the State's online identity. A basic account (email address and password) is enough to apply. Sign in to MyWelfare, fill in the PPS application and upload your documents. You must be 18 or older; parents can apply for themselves and their children in the same application.

4. 4

   Step 4: Book and attend your appointment

   As part of the online application you choose a PPS Number Allocation Centre, a date and a time. You must attend this in-person appointment to complete the application; bring the original documents you uploaded.

   In Dublin city centre, the DSP's D'Olier House PSC and PPS Number Centre is at D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, D02 A370. For PPS queries it can be contacted at DOlierPPSN@welfare.ie or on 0818 405060.

5. 5

   Step 5: Receive your number and give it to your employer

   When the checks are complete, your PPS number is sent to you by post. Give it to your employer and register for Revenue's myAccount straight away, then add your job, so that you are not taxed under emergency tax. See Taxes in Ireland.

Children

MyGovID verified and the Public Services Card

If your address changes

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Bringing a proof of address older than 3 months.
• Applying with a job offer that is unsigned or lacks the employer's details.
• Starting work without giving your employer a PPS number, which leads to emergency tax.

Tips

• If you are staying in temporary accommodation, ask the manager for a signed letter confirming your address on headed paper.
• Keep the letter with your PPS number safe; it is also printed on later Revenue documents and on the Public Services Card.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Apply for your PPS numberAdd to plan
• Register for myAccount and add your jobAdd to plan
• Book somewhere to stay for your first weeksAdd to plan
• Gather the documents you will need in IrelandAdd to plan
• Check your free movement or Common Travel Area rightsAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 5 Feb 2027.