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Director ID for Irish companies

PPS Number for Company Directors how to apply, and who needs one

A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is Ireland's personal ID for dealing with Revenue and public bodies. Since June 2023, directors have had to give a PPS number, or an alternative, on key company filings. We'll work out which number you need and help you get it, wherever you live.

Talk to our team What is a PPS number?
PERSONAL PUBLIC SERVICE
FULL NAMEYour Name HereNUMBER FORMAT7 digits and 1 or 2 letters
0000000 XX
Who needs one

When you'll be asked for a PPS number

Company directors

Directors must provide a PPS number on key CRO filings, including company formation and director changes. Revenue's company tax registration also asks for it.

Anyone paid through payroll

If you want a salary from your own company, including as a working director, you'll need a PPS number to be set up on payroll.

Anyone dealing with Revenue

Registering for taxes in your own name, or as the person behind a company, needs one.

Three numbers, one purpose

PPS number, IPN or RBO number?

The CRO accepts any of these to identify a director. Which one you use depends on what you already hold.

PPS number

Issued by the Department of Social Protection.

  • Needed for payroll and Revenue
  • Used for CRO filings if you have one

RBO number

Issued when you're recorded on the Register of Beneficial Ownership.

  • The CRO accepts it if you have no PPS number

IPN

Issued by the CRO to directors without a PPS or RBO number.

  • Applied for with Form VIF
  • One number per person, reused on later filings

How the IPN works

What you'll need

Three pieces of evidence

The Department of Social Protection asks for the same three things from everyone.

Proof of identitySuch as a passport or national ID card.
Proof of addressA recent document showing where you live.
Why you need the numberFor example, a letter confirming you're a director.
How to apply

The route depends on where you live

  1. Book a PPS number appointment through MyWelfare.ie.
  2. Gather your three pieces of evidence, ideally with originals.
  3. Attend the appointment and submit your application.
  4. Use your number on your CRO filings and Revenue registrations.
Timing: the Department doesn't publish a fixed processing time, and delays are common, so apply as early as you can. If a director doesn't have a number in time, an IPN can keep your filing moving.
How we help

Four ways we take the hassle out

Pick the right number

We check whether a PPS number, RBO number or IPN is the right fit.

Prepare the forms

Forms completed, with a clear letter explaining why you need the number.

Submit and follow up

We send the application and keep an eye on it.

Match your details

Names and dates of birth must match official records, or the CRO can reject your filing.

Quick answers

PPS number questions

Can I incorporate a company without a PPS number?
Yes, if each director has an alternative, usually an IPN. The CRO needs a PPS number, an RBO number or an IPN for each director.
How much does a PPS number cost?
The Department of Social Protection doesn't list an application fee. Any fee you pay is for professional help preparing and submitting your application.
Can I choose my PPS number?
No. Numbers are assigned by the Department and can't be selected.
Why was my CRO filing rejected?
Often because the name, date of birth or number on the form doesn't match the Department's records. Check your details carefully before you file.

Need a PPS number for a director?

Tell us where the director lives and when the filing is due. We'll recommend the quickest route.

Talk to our team +353 85 147 7625

General information only. Source: gov.ie, Department of Social Protection and the CRO (cro.ie). Requirements and processing times can change.

GUIDEWhat is the PPS number? GUIDEDirectors without a PPS number in Ireland IPNThe Identified Person Number, simplified FORMATIONRegister your company in Ireland