How to Apply for a Passport in Australia?

A passport in Australia is an essential document that certifies your Australian citizenship and allows you to travel internationally. It serves as proof of your identity, enabling you to enter and exit Australia and access consular assistance when abroad. Australian passports are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Whether you’re applying for your first passport, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, the application process is straightforward and can be done online or in person, depending on the situation.

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How to Apply for a Passport in Australia

1. Determine Your Eligibility

• First-Time Applicants: If you’re applying for your first Australian passport, you must be an Australian citizen. You will need to provide proof of citizenship (birth certificate, citizenship certificate, etc.).
• Renewals: If your passport has expired or is about to expire, you can apply to renew it if it was issued within the last 10 years. You may apply online if eligible, or you might need to visit a passport office.
• Lost or Stolen Passport: If your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it to the Australian Federal Police and apply for a replacement.

2. Gather Required Documents

Depending on whether you are applying for a first-time passport, renewal, or replacement, you’ll need to provide the following:

• For First-Time Applicants:
  • Proof of Australian citizenship (Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship certificate).
  • Identity document (e.g., driver’s license, Medicare card).
  • A completed passport application form.
  • Two recent passport-sized photos that meet Australian passport photo guidelines.
  • Your application fee.
• For Renewals:
  • Your expired or soon-to-expire passport.
  • One passport-sized photo that meets the photo guidelines.
  • Your completed passport renewal application (if applying online, the form will be pre-filled).
• For Lost or Stolen Passports:
  • Report of the lost or stolen passport to the Australian Federal Police (if applicable).
  • Additional documents may be requested by the passport office.

3. Complete the Application Form

• First-Time Applicants: Complete the Australian Passport Application form (Form 1), available at Australia Post outlets or online. You’ll need to answer questions about your citizenship and personal details.
• Renewals: If you’re eligible for online renewal, log in to the Australian Passport Office website and complete the renewal process. If you’re renewing by paper, fill out the Renewal Passport Application form.
• Lost or Stolen Passports: For a replacement, complete the Passport Replacement Application form.

4. Submit Your Application

• First-Time Applicants: You will need to submit your application in person at a participating Australia Post office or a passport office. You’ll need to bring the completed form, your supporting documents (citizenship proof, identity document, photos), and payment.
• Renewals: If you are renewing by mail, you can submit your completed form and documents by post. You may also choose to renew in person at an Australia Post office.
• Lost or Stolen Passports: For lost or stolen passports, you’ll need to apply in person at a passport office to verify your identity.

5. Pay the Application Fees

Passport fees in Australia vary depending on the type of passport and the processing speed. As of 2025, the approximate fees are as follows:

• Adult Passport (valid for 10 years):
  • Standard Processing: AUD 308
  • Priority Processing: AUD 383
• Child Passport (valid for 5 years):
  • Standard Processing: AUD 157
  • Priority Processing: AUD 232

Priority processing is available for urgent travel and costs extra.

6. Processing Time

• Standard Processing: Takes about 3 weeks for both adult and child passports.
• Priority Processing: Available for an extra fee, it takes around 2 business days for adult passports and 5 business days for child passports.

Processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply well in advance of any planned international travel.

7. Track Your Application

Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track its status online. You’ll need to log in to your account on the Australian Passport Office website to see if your passport is being processed or has been dispatched.

8. Receive Your Passport

Once your passport is processed, it will be mailed to you. The passport will be sent to the address provided in your application. If you need to collect it in person (especially for urgent requests), this can be arranged at the passport office.

Additional Tips:

• Minors (Under 16 Years): For children applying for their first passport, both parents or legal guardians must be involved in the application process, and additional documentation may be required.
• Name Changes or Corrections: If your passport details need to be corrected (e.g., name changes due to marriage), you will need to provide supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate or a legal name change document.

For the latest updates and further guidance, visit the official Australian Passport Office website.