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Getting first passport for grandhild - it's a nightmare

(6 Posts)
supernanauna1 Thu 22-Oct-26 15:42:26

On 7th August, we started the process of getting a first passport for our granddaughter by filling in the details online. Sent a photo, eventually managed to have her photo verified by a "professional" (that was an ordeal in itself) but then the real problems started.

The GD is my son's daughter - they both live with me. The child's mother is not on the scene.

The Passport Office wanted her dad's birth certificate, the child's birth certificate showing both parents. All duly sent off by Recorded Delivery. Then the child's mother's birth certificate, which we eventually managed to get and sent Recorded Delivery. Now they're asking for a document to show why her mother's name on her adoption paperwork is not exactly the same as her name on the adoption certificate.

We don't know exactly what document they are looking for - what is it called?

At the beginning of the process, I had a couple of long chats with staff at the Passport Office, who were very helpful. Now, when we call and give all the relevant details, the answer is "We cannot confirm or deny that we have an application in that name". That's happened three times - they won't talk to us any further than repeating that one sentence, other than to say the details we've given are incorrect.

We've tried emailing explaining that we don't know exactly what they need, but got no response. We've looked into actually going to the Passport Office to talk it through but it seems that isn't an option either.

It is now mid-October, the process started 7 August, so where do we go from here?

We had hoped to bring her home to Ireland over the current school holiday to meet here Irish family, but that chance has come and gone.

We're totally stalled and can't see any way out. Can anybody help with some advice please?

fancythat Thu 22-Oct-26 16:58:29

We had hoped to bring her home to Ireland over the current school holiday to meet here Irish family, but that chance has come and gone.

Did you actually need one for that particular journey?

Jaxjacky Thu 22-Oct-26 17:06:56

Yes ypu do fancythat Ireland is in the EU.

fancythat Thu 22-Oct-26 17:12:41

AI Overview

You do not legally need a passport to enter the Republic of Ireland from England if you are a British citizen, thanks to the Common Travel Area. However, many airlines and ferry companies now require a valid passport or passport card for boarding.

Jaxjacky Thu 22-Oct-26 17:27:34

Not legally maybe, but in reality carriers require one, sorry I phrased it incorrectly

Sago Thu 22-Oct-26 17:57:46

Is this for an Irish passport?
I found the passport office in Cork really helpful.