Similar to FBR, a first time passport application requires a recent photograph (within six months, I think), a witnessed identification verification form and hard copies of the photograph notarised as a true likeness. So, unless a point is reached where FBR applications can be guaranteed to be completed in under 6 months, what you're suggesting can't currently happen.Yeah, that'd be nice, but no, there's no shortcut. You have to send it back.
Ideally, wouldn't it be nice if you could pay for the passport up front with the FBR application fee and get them both done at the same time?
Simon Coveney, if you're reading this, here's another way to streamline the process. It's better for us and better for you.
Information about the applicant can also change in the time it takes to go through FBR, e.g. name, address. A valid photo ID also has to be submitted. What happens if that expires before the FBR part is done?
To make a combined application work, the Irish authorities would have to change all kinds of established processes and possibly the law, and for what? So FBR applicants can get their passports a week or two earlier?
In the grand scheme of things, the FBR backlog is a far bigger issue than the ability to make a joint FBR/passport application.