THE PASSPORT SERVICE is examining the feasibility of introducing an automatic reminder service that would notify people when their passport is due to expire.

Currently the Passport Office offers a passport reminder service via email to those who register on its website. The service sends passport holders a reminder by email three months before their passport is due to expire.

But the service requires passport holders to register on the website in order to receive the email alert.

Now the Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore has confirmed that the Passport Service is examining an automatic reminder service.

The service would likely alert a person by email or text that their passport is due for renewal with a minimum of a month’s notice.

Labour TD Tommy Broughan asked the Tánaiste to outline the costs of such a service but Gilmore did not offer any specifics in response to a parliamentary question.

He said: “The Passport Service is currently examining the feasibility and cost of introducing an automatic reminder service. Pending the outcome of this feasibility study, I would urge all passport holders to register for the reminder service.”