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Who Can Ask for Your PPS Number in Ireland?

Not everyone who asks for your PPS number is entitled to it. Knowing who can legally request it — and who cannot — protects you from misuse and fraud.

⏱ 4 min read✓ Updated 2026🇮🇪 Ireland

Who can and cannot ask for your PPS number

✓ Can ask

Your employer

Employers must collect your PPS number to register you with Revenue for PAYE. This is a legal requirement.

✓ Can ask

Revenue Commissioners

Revenue uses your PPS number to manage all your tax affairs. They are fully entitled to ask for it.

✓ Can ask

Department of Social Protection

For social welfare applications, payments, and entitlements — your PPS number is required.

✓ Can ask

HSE / health services

For medical card, GP visit card, or hospital registration purposes — the HSE can request your PPS number.

✓ Can ask

Banks and financial institutions

Banks can request your PPS number when opening accounts, applying for loans, or processing certain transactions under anti-money laundering rules.

✗ Cannot ask

Landlords

A landlord has no legal right to ask for your PPS number. If a landlord requests it, you are entitled to refuse. Your PPS number is not required for a tenancy agreement.

✗ No legal basis

Employers at recruitment stage

An employer has no legal basis to ask for your PPS number before a job offer is made and accepted. You don't need to provide it at interview stage.

✗ No legal basis

Private companies (without a specific legal purpose)

Private businesses cannot collect PPS numbers unless they have a specific legal basis. A gym, shop, or other private organisation cannot require your PPS number.

If you're unsure — ask why it's neededAny organisation requesting your PPS number must be able to explain the legal basis for collecting it. If they can't, you're entitled to refuse. You can report misuse to the Data Protection Commission at dataprotection.ie.

Related PPS guides

What a PPS number is used for

All services that legitimately require your PPS number

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What is a PPS number?

The basics about your PPS number

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Lost your PPS number?

How to find it again

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