SAFE Registration and the Public Services Card (PSC)

SAFE (Standard Authentication Framework Environment) Registration is the process used by the department to verify your identity.

Once your identity has been verified we will issue you with a Public Services Card (PSC). You can use your PSC to prove your identity when accessing public services in Ireland and to verify your MyGovID account. SAFE registration and your PSC can also protect against identity theft when accessing these services.

You must be resident in Ireland to get SAFE registered. A PSC will only be issued to an Irish address.

How to verify your identity

You can verify your identity in two ways:

• you can make an appointment at your local PSC/SAFE Registration Centre
• you can apply online using our new MyGovID app.

Your SAFE Registration appointment will take about 15 minutes to complete and usually takes place in a PSC/SAFE Registration Centre.

During this appointment:

• your photograph will be taken, and
• your signature will be recorded

If you are under 16 years of age and wish to get a PSC, you must bring your parent or guardian with you to your appointment.

See how to get a Public Services Card (PSC)for more information.

What you need to bring to the PSC/SAFE Registration Centre

You will need to bring:

• the letter confirming your appointment (if you received one)
• your Social Services Card (if you have one)
• documents to prove your identity
• documents to prove your address
• your mobile phone (if you have one). If you bring your mobile phone with you, your phone number can be verified by the department. You can then use your verified mobile phone to create and verify a MyGovID accountto securely access public services online

The MyGovID app allows you to verify your identity using your smartphone.

You can download the My GovIDonto your Apple or Android smartphone.

Further information on MyGovID app is available here

You must attend a PSC/SAFE Registration Centre in person to have your name changed as a new signature will be required. You will need to bring your PSC and evidence of your new name.

Change of name by use and repute

You must show 2 years' usage of your new name. To do this, you must submit at least 2 of the following documents, dating back for at least 2 years:

• official communication with a government department
• educational certificate
• bank statement or card
• utility bill
• student or employee identification card (or similar)

Change of name following marriage or civil partnership

To change your name on your PSC following a marriage or civil partnership, you must submit:

• photo ID in your pre-marriage/civil partnership name (for example PSC, passport or driving licence), and
• your marriage or civil partnership certificate

Returning to your pre-marriage or pre-civil partnership name

If you have a PSC in your married name and want to revert to using your pre-marriage or pre-civil partnership surname, you should attend a PSC Centre, and bring your current PSC. You do not need to provide current evidence of use and repute.

Your previous surname will already be known to the department because you will have already completed the SAFE registration process using your married name.

Change of name by deed poll

A deed poll is a signed document used to declare an intention to change your name. A deed poll states that you:

• are abandoning the use of your old name
• will use your new name at all times, and
• require everyone to use your new name

If you have changed your name by deed poll, you must submit:

• a certified copy of your signed deed poll registered with the Irish High Court.

The front of the card displays:

• your name
• your photograph
• your signature
• card expiry date

The back of the card displays:

• your Personal Public Services (PPS) number
• a card number
• a magnetic stripe to enable social welfare payments such as pensions to be collected at post offices

If you qualify for free travel, you need to have a PSC because it is used to access the Free Travel Scheme.

If you are entitled to free travel your PSC will display one of the following codes in the top left-hand corner:

• FT-P - you are personally entitled to free travel
• FT+S - you can travel with your spouse, partner or cohabitant
• FT+C - you can travel with a companion (over 16)

If your PSC is lost, stolen or damaged, you should immediately contact the Public Service Helpdesk:

Public Services Card Helpdesk

Phone number:

0818 837000