Reasons your code may not be working

If you're having trouble with entering your passport photo code via the official DFA website, try using the below steps to troubleshoot the issue.

Step 1

Follow the case sensitive guidelines. Your code should consist of 22 total characters, distributed across 6 boxes.

For example – 1PMI96EN0602190937Y702

- The first box will always be 1PMI.

- The second box contains the machine code (96EN in this case).

- The third box represents the date (0602 here).

- The fourth box the time the image was taken (1909).

- The remaining 6 digits within the last 2 boxes are completely random.

Note: Please pay close attention to distinguishing between characters like 1 & I and 0 & O.

Step 2

Have you waited 24 - 48 hours before trying to enter your code again? During busy times, like summer, our photo booths get many requests (up to 6,000/day). This causes delays in transferring photos to the Irish Passport Office, taking up to 48 hours to clear. We advise you to wait up to 48 hours before reporting a code does not work, trying the code intermittently within the time.

Please note: We do not investigate broken codes or offer refunds until 48 hours have elapsed since your photo was taken.

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Step 3

Is your code still not working after 48 hours? We use servers to upload, store and share your photo with the DFA. This encrypted process requires consistent bandwidth, meaning the upload of your ID photo can be lost if signal at the photo booth's location is interrupted. If your code does not work after 48 hours there's a chance your photo did not upload due to a signal fault. At this point we advise you to contact us.

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