The renaming of Passport Express will finally alleviate confusion around slower turnaround times for postal passport applications, a local TD has said. Deputy Emer Higgins has welcomed the news that Passport Express will now be renamed ‘Post Passport’, following her calls for a new name that does not mislead applicants about the turnaround time associated with postal applications. Deputy Higgins said, “Applying for your passport by post is by far the slowest and most expensive means of application, with standard renewals taking up to eight weeks by post as opposed to 10-15 working days online.
“But up until now I’ve found that a lot of people hear the name Passport Express and presume that it is the fastest method of application. I am delighted that An Post has now headed my calls and renamed the service to Post Passport.
“I have been engaging with An Post and Minister Coveney on this matter and I think this new name will provide applicants with greater clarity and prevent people from mistakenly choosing the slower postal method if they can avoid it. “The main message for those applying for a passport is to apply online, apply early and ensure all your paperwork and signatures are in order and included with your application to avoid any delays. “Especially with regard to first-time passports, which are now taking up to 30 days to process and require a lot more checks to be carried out then a standard adult renewal. “I really welcome this name change and I think it will be hugely helpful along with continued measures to increase passport staff numbers and reduce waiting time,” concluded Deputy Higgins.
