Ruqayyah Snyder
Applying for an Australian passport can be done online or in person at over 1,700 Australia Post retail outlets. The process differs depending on whether you are applying from within Australia or overseas, and whether you are an adult or a child. The application form will tell you what documents you need to bring when you lodge your printed application form. You will also need to bring two passport-sized photos that comply with the photo guidelines. Once your application has been lodged, you will need to pay a non-refundable passport application fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application method | Online, by mail, or in person |
| Application form | One-page PC7 Australian Passport Renewal Application form (for adults) or five-page PC8 Application for an Australian Passport Overseas form |
| Photo requirements | Two passport-sized photos that comply with photo guidelines |
| Witness requirements | Must be signed in front of an independent witness who is not related to the applicant or child by birth or marriage and not living in the same household |
| Guarantor requirements | Must sign section 11 of the application form and endorse the back of a passport photo |
| Referee requirements | Must be willing to confirm the applicant's identity if contacted |
| Payment | Cash, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, or EFTPOS |
| Processing time | Minimum of 6 weeks |
| Validity | 10 years for standard adult passports; 5 years for applicants aged 75 and over |
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Application methods
There are several methods for applying for an Australian passport, depending on your location and circumstances. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Australian passport:
Online Application:
- Visit the Australian Passport Office website.
- Download and fill out the online application form. Ensure that all sections are completed, as missing information may delay your application.
- Gather the required documents, including proof of citizenship, identity, and any name change certificates.
- Prepare your passport photos according to the guidelines provided by the Australian Passport Office.
- Submit your application form, supporting documents, photos, and payment online.
In-Person Application:
- Locate your nearest Australia Post retail outlet or Australian Consulate that accepts passport applications.
- Gather the required documents, including proof of citizenship, identity, and any name change certificates.
- Obtain passport photos that comply with the guidelines. Some Australia Post outlets offer this service.
- Complete the application form, either online or by obtaining a hard copy from the outlet.
- Submit your application in person at the selected outlet or consulate. They will ask you a few questions, check your form and photo, and process your application fee.
Mail-In Application:
- Download and fill out the appropriate application form PC7 or PC8 from the Australian Passport Office website.
- Gather the required documents, including proof of citizenship, identity, and any name change certificates.
- Obtain passport photos that meet the guidelines.
- Prepare your application kit, including the completed form, documents, photos, and payment. Follow the specific mailing instructions provided by the Australian Passport Office.
- Mail your application to the specified address, allowing ample time for processing and delivery.
It is important to note that certain applications, such as first-time adult passports, applications for children under 16, and replacements for emergency/temporary passports, must be lodged in person. Additionally, applications lodged overseas may incur additional fees and have specific requirements, so be sure to review the guidelines for your specific location.
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Photo requirements
To apply for an Australian passport, you will need to submit two identical, good-quality colour prints, less than six months old. These should be produced using dye sublimation, not from an inkjet printer. No retouching of any kind is allowed, including the removal of backgrounds, moles, wrinkles, or scars. The lighting should be uniform with no shadows or reflections, and the brightness and contrast should be appropriate to show your natural skin tone.
Your face should be centred and looking straight at the camera, not tilted in any direction. The photos must be 35mm to 40mm wide and 45mm to 50mm high. The size of the face from the chin to the crown can be up to a maximum of 36mm, with a minimum of 32mm. If you usually cover your head for religious reasons, you can wear the covering in your passport photo, but it must be plain and without patterns. The covering should also be worn so that your face is visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, with the edges of your face on either side also visible.
Jewellery cannot obscure any part of your face, especially the eyes, mouth, and nose areas. There should be no reflections from rings or studs. Glasses are not allowed in passport photos. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, your eyes must still be visible, and there should be no reflections from the lenses. Note that vision impairment alone is not an acceptable reason to wear glasses in a passport photo.
It is recommended that you get your passport photo taken by a professional passport photo provider, such as a camera store or a pharmacy. You can also get your photo taken at a post office or by a professional photographer, but make sure to avoid online passport photo services and mobile apps as these may put you at risk of identity fraud.
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Application form
To apply for an Australian passport, you need to fill out an application form. You can do this by visiting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website and using the Online Passport Application Service (AusPassport). Alternatively, you can apply at over 1,700 Australia Post retail outlets. If you choose to apply online, you will need to create an AusPassport account. Once you have lodged your application, you can check its status using your application number.
When filling out the application form, you will need to provide two passport-sized photos that comply with the photo guidelines. You will also need to provide the details of your referee or guarantor. This person cannot be any kind of relative, in a de facto relationship with you, or living at the same address as you.
Along with the application form, you will need to bring the original documents requested on the application checklist or form. These documents will be used to confirm your identity. If your passport has been lost or damaged, you may be eligible for a free replacement. To do this, you will need to provide information to confirm your identity and that you were in the affected area.
After submitting your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable administration fee. This can be paid by cash, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, or EFTPOS. Please allow a minimum of six weeks to receive your passport. If you are in a hurry, there are options for urgent applications.
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Supporting documents
To apply for an Australian passport, you must lodge your application in person at a participating Australia Post outlet or an Australian diplomatic or consular mission. If you live in Australia, you must lodge your application in person at a participating Australia Post outlet or, in an emergency, at a Passport Office. If you live overseas, you can contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular mission to discuss lodgement options.
When lodging your application, you must bring your application checklist or form, your photos, and any necessary original documents. The staff will check your original documents, copy them, and return them to you. They will also check that your passport photos meet their requirements before sticking them onto the application form. If you are applying for a child's passport, you will be asked for proof of your identity, including a photo, signature, and residential address.
- Birth certificate: If you are an Australian citizen by birth, you must provide your birth certificate as proof of citizenship.
- Citizenship certificate: If you acquired Australian citizenship through descent, grant, or adoption, you must provide your citizenship certificate.
- Parent's birth certificate or citizenship certificate: If you acquired Australian citizenship through a parent, you may need to provide your parent's birth certificate or citizenship certificate, along with your birth certificate.
- Passport photos: You must provide two identical passport photos that meet the Australian Passport Office's requirements, such as size, background colour, and image quality.
- Identity documents: You must provide original identity documents, such as a driver's licence or age pension card, that include your photo, signature, and residential address.
- Marriage certificate or name change certificate: If your name has changed due to marriage or other reasons, you must provide official documentation as proof of your name change.
Please note that the required supporting documents may vary depending on your specific circumstances, so it is recommended to check the Australian Passport Office website or contact their call centre for detailed and up-to-date information.
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Payment
You can apply for an Australian passport by completing the application form and submitting it along with the required supporting documents and the passport fee. Here are the details regarding the payment options for your Australian passport application:
Online Payment: If you are applying for your passport through the online application service, you will be directed to a secure payment portal after submitting your application. You can pay using a valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). Simply follow the prompts to enter your card details and complete the payment process.
In-Person Payment: When attending an interview or visiting a passport office in person, you can pay using a range of methods. Credit and debit card payments are usually accepted, as well as cheque, money order, or cash. Some locations may also accept EFTPOS or Australia Post load&go cards. It is always advisable to check the accepted payment methods for your specific passport office in advance.
Additional Fees: Keep in mind that there may be additional fees or charges depending on your circumstances. For example, if you require expedited processing or need to replace a lost or stolen passport, there will be extra fees involved. These fees can also be paid using the methods mentioned above, and the exact amounts will be outlined during the application process.
Passport fees are non-refundable, so ensure that you double-check your application before submission. The cost of your passport will depend on the type of passport you require (e.g., adult, child), the number of pages requested, and the method of application (standard or expedited). Detailed information about passport fees, including a breakdown of costs, can be found on the Australian government's passport website.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for an Australian passport online or in person at over 1,700 Australia Post retail outlets. You will need to bring your printed application form, passport photos, and the original documents requested on the application checklist or form.
Your application must include two passport-sized photos that comply with the Australian passport photo guidelines. You will also need a referee and a guarantor. A guarantor must sign section 11 of your application form and endorse the back of a passport photo.
You should allow a minimum of 6 weeks to receive your passport after lodging your application.
