Getting a passport can be a stressful ordeal and it can be hard to figure out exactly what you need to do.
With international travel put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps your passport hasn’t been used for a while, so it’s worth checking to see how long it is valid for – some countries won’t allow you to enter if you have less than six months’ validity.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues passports to Australian citizens.
During the pandemic, nearly two million Australians didn’t renew or apply for a passport, DFAT says, which led to unprecedented demand last year, so it’s best to make sure you have some time to spare before you travel.
How long does it take?
Allow for a minimum of six weeks to get your passport. It’s advisable to apply six months ahead of any overseas travel.
However, a priority passport (with a commensurate fee) is available. Applications must be lodged before noon on any business day at a selected Australia Post Passport RAPID location.
People are not eligible for priority processing if they have difficulties proving their identity, have had two or more passports lost or stolen in the past five years, or are applying for a child’s passport without full parental consent.
First-time adult and child applications can take longer to process, due to additional security checks.
Bear in mind applications are assessed individually – even if multiple applications are being lodged at once, it doesn’t mean they will all be ready at the same time.
How much does it cost ?
You pay the passport fee when lodging your application, but the costs depends on what you are getting.
Cost of passports:
- $325 for a 10-year passport (for persons aged 16 and over)
- $164 for a five-year passport (for children under 16)
- $164 for a five-year passport (optional for persons 75 and over)
- $204 for a replacement passport
- $204 for an emergency overseas passport.
Additional fees include priority processing ($237) and an overseas surcharge for adults ($146) and children ($71).
At Australia Post, you can pay with card or cash. The passport office does not accept cash.
Getting passport photos
Photos for your passport can be taken at a post office, by a professional photographer, large chain stores with printing facilities, some camera stores, pharmacies or other established businesses.
There are many requirements for the photos, so it’s advised they are taken by someone from the suggested services.
DFAT advises avoiding online passport services and mobile apps.
The photos need to be less than six months old at the time of lodging your passport. Don’t attach the photos yourself – that will be done when the passport is being lodged.
Some passports take longer to process than others. Photo: Getty
How to apply for an Australian passport
Five steps to getting an adult passport in Australia.
Step One: Gather all original documents and get passport photos taken.
You must prove you are an Australian citizen. If you were born in Australia before August 20, 1986, your full birth certificate issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages will suffice.
If you were born in Australia after August 20,1986, citizenship can be proved by an Australian citizenship certificate, a passport issued after January 1, 2000, that was valid for at least two years or documents that prove you’re a citizen by birth.
If you were born overseas, you must be an Australian citizen and have a citizen certificate.
You also need to provide identity documents that show your photo, signature and current residential address.
There are several document combinations you can use.
Documents that prove a change of name or change of gender must also be supplied.
Step Two: Find a referee or guarantor. They must be an adult Australian citizen you have known for more than one year and cannot be a relative, someone you’re in a de facto relationship with or living with you.
Step Three: Fill out the application. If you do this online, the system will generate an application form for you and tell you what to bring at the next stage.
A blank application form from a participating Australia Post outlet can be collected if doing the application online is not an option.
Step Four: Lodge your application and pay the fee at a participating Australia Post outlet, or an Australia Post ‘Passport RAPID’ location if you need the passport urgently.
You’ll need your printed application form, passport photos and original documents requested on the checklist.
Step Five: Wait for confirmation that your passport is ready. You can opt to get your passport via the post or pick it up in person.
How to renew your passport
In order to get a passport renewal for a person aged over 18 years, five points regarding the old or current passport must be met:
- It must have been issued when someone was aged 16 years or older
- It must have been issued on or before January 1, 2006
- Had at least two years’ validity when it was issued
- Has current name, date of birth, place of birth and gender
- It has not been reported lost, stolen or cancelled If a person answers ‘yes’ to all those requirements, then they can apply for a renewal. Answering no to any or all of those questions means you will have to go through the full application process.
Renewals can be done through the online portal – renewal forms are not available at Australia Post.
If going online is not an option, a pre-filled form can be sent by calling 131 232.
Two new photos are needed, along with the requested documents. A checklist will be issued after filling out the renewal online.
For children, the full application passport must be followed.
How will I get my passport?
Usually, passports are sent via Australia Post.
In the rare event it is lost in the mail, contact the Australian Passport Office on 131 232 within 60 days of it being mailed.
However, you can opt to pick it up from the Passport Office. An email will be sent when the passport is ready for collection.