Lyla Lindsey
Applying for an Australian passport is a relatively straightforward process. You can apply for an Australian passport if you're an Australian citizen, and you can do so at over 1,700 Australia Post retail outlets or by mail. You will need to complete an application form, provide two passport photos, and gather your original identity documents. You will also need a referee or guarantor, who must be an adult Australian citizen who has known you for at least one year. Once your application is lodged, you'll need to pay a fee, and you can expect to receive your passport within six weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Australian citizens |
| Where to apply | Participating post offices, passport offices, or by mail |
| Application form | Online or paper |
| Referee/guarantor | Referee for online form, guarantor for paper form |
| Referee/guarantor requirements | Adult Australian citizen, known the applicant for over a year, has a current Australian passport with at least 2 years' validity, or listed on the Australian electoral roll for at least 12 months |
| Passport photos | 2 photos |
| Documents | Original identity documents, birth certificate, foreign passport (if applicable), translation of foreign documents (if applicable) |
| Processing time | At least 6 weeks |
| Payment | Cash, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, or EFTPOS |
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What You'll Learn
Where to apply for an Australian passport
Applying for an Australian passport can be done in several ways, depending on your location and eligibility. Here is a detailed guide on where to apply for an Australian passport:
Applying in Australia
If you are applying for an Australian passport while in Australia, you can do so at a participating Australia Post retail outlet. There are over 1,700 of these outlets across the country. It is important to note that these outlets no longer schedule appointments, so you will need to walk in during their operating hours. At the post office, you can pick up an application form, get your passport photos taken, and lodge your application. Alternatively, you can complete the online form on the Australian Passport Office website and then visit a participating post office to lodge your application and pay the fee.
Applying from Overseas
If you are applying for an Australian passport while overseas, the process may vary depending on your location and citizenship status. If you are an Australian citizen, you can visit the official Australian government website (www.passports.gov.au) to access the application portal and determine the correct application form for your situation. You can complete and print the form, gather your supporting documents, and follow the instructions for submitting your application. If you are in the United States, there is specific information available on the Australia in the USA website, which includes details on passport photographers and application procedures.
Applying for a Child Passport
The application process for a child passport differs slightly. For children aged 15 and younger, most renewals can be lodged by mail. However, first-time applications and certain other cases must be lodged in person, with at least one parent present. For 16 and 17-year-olds, both the child and at least one parent must lodge the application in person, regardless of whether the child has previously held an Australian passport.
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What documents do you need?
To apply for an Australian passport, you will need to gather several documents to support your application. Here is a detailed list of what you will need:
Passport Photos
You will need to provide two passport photos. These photos must adhere to the guidelines for passport photos, including size, background, and lighting requirements. You can have your photo taken at a participating post office or Australia Post retail outlet, or you can have them taken elsewhere and bring them with you when you lodge your application.
Proof of Australian Citizenship
If you were born in Australia, you may still need to provide proof of Australian citizenship. This can be in the form of an Australian citizenship document or an Australian birth certificate. If your citizenship document does not show your gender or place of birth, you must provide your birth certificate.
Foreign Passport or Translation
If you were born overseas and cannot provide your birth certificate, you must provide your foreign passport. Additionally, if your documents are not in English, they must be translated in full by an approved translation service.
Referee or Guarantor Signature
If you are completing an online form, you will need a 'referee'. This person does not need to sign anything but must be willing to confirm your identity if contacted. If you are completing a paper form, you will need a 'guarantor' to sign section 11 of your application form and the back of one passport photo. The guarantor must use a black pen and write, "This is a true photo of [your full name]."
Your referee or guarantor must meet certain requirements:
- They must be an adult Australian citizen who has known you for at least one year.
- They must have a current Australian passport with a minimum of two years' validity or be listed on the Australian electoral roll at their current address for a minimum of 12 months.
Application Form
You can complete the application form online or pick up a paper form from a participating post office. If you are using a paper form, make sure to follow the printing and signing instructions provided. Both the online and paper forms require you to answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility for an Australian passport.
It is important to gather all the required documents before lodging your application at a participating post office or Australia Post retail outlet. Remember to allow at least six weeks for your new passport to be processed and printed.
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Who can be your referee or guarantor?
If you are completing an online form, you will need a 'referee'. This person does not need to sign anything but must be willing to confirm your identity if they are contacted. If you are completing a paper form, you will need a 'guarantor'. The guarantor must sign section 11 of your application form and the back of one passport photo, using a black pen to write "This is a true photo of [your full name]".
Your referee or guarantor must be an adult Australian citizen who has known you for at least one year. They must also have a current Australian passport with a minimum of two years' validity or be listed on the Australian electoral roll at their current address for at least 12 months.
If you are applying for a child aged 15 or younger, at least one parent must lodge the application in person, but the child does not need to attend the interview. The parent does not need to be an Australian citizen. For applications for 16- and 17-year-olds, the application must be lodged in person by the child and at least one parent, even if the child has previously held an Australian passport.
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How to fill out the application form
To apply for an Australian passport, you can either fill out an online form or a paper form.
If you are completing an online form, you need a 'referee'. A referee does not need to sign anything but must be willing to confirm your identity if they are contacted. If you are completing a paper form, you need a 'guarantor'. The guarantor must sign section 11 of your application form and the back of one passport photo, using a black pen and writing, "This is a true photo of [your full name]". Your referee or guarantor must be an adult Australian citizen who has known you for at least one year. They must also have a current Australian passport with at least two years' validity or be listed on the Australian electoral roll for at least 12 months.
If you are filling out a paper form, you can pick up an application form from a participating post office. If you are filling out an online form, you can find the correct application form at www.passports.gov.au by clicking on "Application Portal" and creating an account. You will then be prompted to answer some questions, after which you will be directed to the correct application form. You cannot download blank forms.
Make sure that you print the entire form, including the bottom of the page (you may need to adjust your printer settings). Sign the applicant declaration and use the Australian date format (DD/MM/YYYY). Do not use correction fluid or make alterations to your signature or the date. If you are applying for a child, both parents must sign and date Section 15 in front of an independent witness who is not related to the child by birth or marriage and does not live in the same house.
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How to pay the fee
After completing the application form and gathering all the required documents, you will need to pay the passport application fee. This is a non-refundable administration fee.
You can pay the fee at a participating post office that accepts passport applications. Australia Post has over 1,700 retail outlets where you can apply for an Australian passport. They accept payments by cash, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, or EFTPOS.
Please note that Australia Post no longer schedules appointments for passport applications. They now operate on a walk-in basis during their operating hours. You can find the nearest participating post office on the Australia Post website.
If you are overseas and need to apply for a new passport or renew your current one, you can visit the 'Applying outside Australia' page on the Australian Passport Office website for more information.
If you are applying for a passport in an emergency, you may lodge your application at a Passport Office. However, you must first obtain an appointment by calling the Australian Passport Office Call Centre on 131 232. You will need to provide evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances that warrant an urgent passport issue.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for an Australian passport online or by visiting a participating Post Office in Australia. If you are overseas, you can visit an Australian embassy or consulate for assistance.
You must be an Australian citizen and have two passport photos, along with the necessary documents. If you were born overseas, you must provide your birth certificate or foreign passport. All documents must be in English or translated by an approved service.
Yes, if you are completing a paper form, you need a guarantor to sign your application and passport photo. If you are applying online, you need a referee who can confirm your identity. This person must be an adult Australian citizen who has known you for over a year and has a valid passport or is listed on the electoral roll.
The fee for an Australian passport application is paid at a participating Post Office and can be made in cash, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, or EFTPOS. The fee is non-refundable.
It typically takes at least six weeks from lodging your application to receiving your new passport. You can check the status of your application using your application number.
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