From 23 April 2023, when filling Forms A1, B1, B10 and B69, company directors will be required to provide their PPS numbers. The PPS number will be used for identity verification to ensure that the company director is alive and is a natural person. 

What is a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number?

PPSN is a unique reference number that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland. You have a PPS number if: 

• You were born in Ireland in or after 1971 
• You started work in Ireland after 1979 
• You are getting a social welfare payment 
• You are taking part in the Drugs Payment Scheme 

PPS numbers are also issued to non-resident persons who have dealings with certain Irish Government organisations, including the Revenue Commissioners. 

Where Can I Find my PPS Number?

PPS numbers are printed on the following documents: 

• Public Services Card 
• Social Services Card 
• Drugs Payment Scheme Card 
• Medical Card 
• GP visit card 
• European Health Insurance Card
• Tax Assessment 
• PAYE Notice of Tax Credits 

If you do not know your PPS number, please contact your Intreo Centre or local Social Welfare Branch Office and staff there can find your number for you. 

Why is my PPS Number Required?

The Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021 states a director shall include his or her personal public service number in: 

1. An application made under the act by him or her to incorporate a company, 
2. An annual return made under the Act by a company of which he or she is a director, and 
3. A notice of change of directors or secretaries made under the act by a company of which he or she is a director. 

If any person fails to comply with this, he or she shall be guilty of a category 4 offence. 

Will the CRO Store my PPS Number?

Your PPS number will be retained securely in an irreversible hashed/encrypted format and stored securely. 

How is the PPS Number User to Verify the Identity of a Company Director?

The CRO verifies the name, date of birth and PPS number submitted in forms by comparing them, via an electronic interface, with data held on the PPS number database of the Department of Social Protection (DSP). 

Directors who do not have an Irish PPS number:

Directors Who do Not Have an Irish PPS Number:

If you do not have an Irish PPS number, then you must apply for a Verified Identity Number, by means of a Form VIF – Declaration as to Verification of Identity. 

What is a Form VIF – Declaration as to Verification of Identity?

What is a Form VIF – Declaration as to Verification of Identity?

The VIF contains the name, date of birth, nationality and address of the person. The company director must solemnly declare this information to be correct and true and have this Declaration verified, witnessed and signed. 

Where do I Get a VIF Form?

The form will be available from the CORE Portal shortly. 

Can I Use a RBO Number as a VIF Number?

If you have already completed a BEN2 and have been issued with an RBO number, this number can be used as the VIF number on the CRO CORE System. 

What Information is Required on the VIF Form?

Firstly, the form BEN2/VIF requires the following details of the person to be verified: 

• First name 
• Last name/Surname 
• Date of Birth 
• Nationality 
• Residential Address 

Secondly, is a Statutory Declaration where the declaration is being made in the State.  Thirdly, is a Declaration being made outside the State and must be signed by a Notary Public. 

How Long Will it Take to Receive a VIF Number?

A number will be issued upon verification of the details contained on the VIF Form by the CRO.

Do I Need to Apply For a New Number Every Time?

No, you do not, if it is used for the same company director as identified on the Form BEN2/VIF. However, a number must be applied for each individual person who is a director/beneficial owner but for whom a PPS number has not been issued. 

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