PPS number and PSC card

Your Personal Public Service (PPS) number is a unique reference number that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland.

Before you can be allocated a PPS number, you must show that you need one for a transaction with a specified body.

For example, if you are taking up employment, you need a PPS number to register with the Revenue Commissioners.

PSC “Public Services Card… it’s the card with your name, number and details on it which gets issued after your number has been applied for and approved. However, looking for work is not a transaction with a specified body and employers should not look for your PPS number when recruiting. An employer should only seek a PPS number if you are actually taking up employment with the organisation.”

In most cases, unless you have a job offer, you have to wait until you have your residency stamp, before you can apply for a PPS

The application can be done online or at a local Intreo office

If you wish to apply ONLINE click here

To do it online you need a MyGovID

and here are your Intreo offices click here

You need to have the supporting evidence that you are resident in Ireland and that you have sufficient reason to get a PPS number

For more hints and tips on how to get a PPS number as an Irish, British, EU or South African passport holder:

• Who can get a PPS number and when?
• Why Do I need a PPS number?
• Examples of reasons to get a PPS number
• Proofs to take along to the Intreo office/or upload online to get a PPS number
• If your are outside of Dublin, contact your local
• Intreo Office to see if they are processing them
• If you are IN the Dublin region you need to get it processed online
• PSC- Public Services Card
• Applying for a PPS Number if you are living outside the Republic of Ireland