The Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 2007 provide for a voluntary National Age Card scheme in Ireland. Age Cards can be obtained by individuals in Ireland aged 18 and over to show that they have reached the legal age for purchasing alcohol. This Card is a proof of age card and is not an identity card. In fact, the Card can only be used to show you have reached the legal age for purchasing alcohol. It should not be obtained or used for any other purpose.
If you live in Ireland and have reached 18 years, you can apply for an Age Card. The law does not state that you must be an Irish citizen to apply for the Card. However, you must be living in Ireland and your application must include the documents set out below.
When applying for an Age Card you will require:
The Age Card shows:
If you have lost your National Age Card, the application process to replace your Card is the same as for a new Age Card (see How to apply' below). You will be required to make a report on the loss or theft of your original Card when presenting your application for authentication at your local Garda Station.
There is a charge of €10 for a replacement National Age Card.
On 24 April 2007 a new style National Age Card was launched. If you held a valid National Age Card before 24 April 2007 this Card is still valid and you are not obliged to change it. Some establishments, however, no longer accept them.
An Age Card costs €10. A replacement National Age Card also costs €10 euro.
You are required to pay online when you are applying for an Age Card. You can do this using a debit or credit card, or an age card voucher which you can purchase in any post office.
Since January 2011 you apply and pay for your Age Card online at www.agecard.ie. Within 3 working days of applying you will receive an application form containing your details.
You must take the application form, along with your photograph and proofs of identity to your local Garda Station for authentication within 3 months. The Garda Station will forward your application form and photograph to the printers and you will receive your Age Card within 10 working days.
You can track your application online provided you know your 6-digit application form number.
You apply online for your Age Card at www.agecard.ie. The website has an FAQ section with further information.