THE GOVERNMENT IS aiming to make the process for applying for a passport clearer.

A new guide to completing the passport application form has been launched by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan.

It is hoped that this will bring about a reduction in the number of incomplete application forms returned each year.

The new guide will be available along with the application form in post offices and Garda stations.

Was this really a problem?

It is estimated that the Passport Office receives around 80,000 incomplete applications each year. Minister Flanagan has said that it is, “Hoped that the new guide, which gives clear and and concise instructions, will greatly reduce the most common errors and speed up processing times.”

There has been an increase in the number of passport applications received in the first half of this year to the end of June, up 5% from the same period last year.

In 2014, a total of 629,44 passports were issued.

The new guide will use sample screenshots to guide applicants through the form. The application form itself will now also include Eircode, although the Department has said that older versions of the form will still be accepted.

What is a passport card?

The other news is that passport cards, an item that is available to all of those with a valid passport book, will be available from the end of September.

These plastic forms of identification will allow holders to travel within the EU and EEA areas and will cost €35.

“The passport card will also be very useful for young people,” Minister Flanagan went on, “who will be able to use it as identification instead of their passport booklet, especially on nights out.”