RSSSubscribe via RSS / Email

Get your Australian Passport

Get your Australian Passport

As part of the fantastic Get Your Passport initiative, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to assist our fellow Aussies to get their passports. Hopefully we can get a few of you to join the two of us on the road and enjoy in the wonder that is international traveling. Technology has come a long way since we obtained our passports and most of the process is now online! So if you haven’t got your passport already, what the bloody hell are you waiting for?!

Black Pen

Remember to use a black pen!

Before you begin, here’s what you will need:

  • A black pen. For the love of God, don’t use a blue pen or any other color pen for that matter! Use black! Otherwise you’ll have to go through the entire process all over again.
  • A guarantor. This person needs to verify that you are who you say you are by completing Section 11 of your claim form and endorsing one of your two passport photos. Make sure they also use black ink – we had to reprint our passport photos because our guarantor mistakenly used a blue pen!
  • 2 x current passport photographs. These photos must be no more than 6 months old and one of these must be endorsed by your guarantor with the words “This is a true photo of (insert name)” written on the back of the photo. Ensure that your photos meet the guidelines specified at https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Requirements/Photos.aspx
  • Identity Documents. You will need an original document that proves you are an Australian citizen, either a full birth certificate or a citizenship certificate. You will also need original identity documents that prove your identity that shows you current name, address and signature (for example, your current driver’s license). If you’ve changed your name for any reason, be sure to bring original documents that provide proof of name changes.
  • $226. That’s the cost of an ordinary adult passport at time of writing. If you’re a frequent traveler you can apply for a passport with more pages for $340. (see https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Queries/Fees.aspx for full list of fees)

Once you’re armed with the correct documents, here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining your Australian Passport.

Step 1 – Apply

Visit https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/index.aspx and click ‘Apply for your passport’. You can then fill in all of your details which will then pre-populate a completed online application form that you will need to print out.

Alternatively, you can pick up an application form for either an Adult or Child’s passport from any Australia Post outlet that processes passports.

NOTE: Passport renewals can only be done online via the Australian Passport Office.

Step 2 – Make an Appointment

Australia Post

Step 2 - Make an appointment at an Australia Post outlet.

Everyone applying for a new passport needs to attend an interview at their chosen Australia Post outlet to ensure that your documentation is correct and to verify your identity.

The easiest way to organize an interview is to book online using the Post Office Locator. Alternatively, call Australia Post on 13 POST (13 7678) or just ask at any Australia Post outlet.

Step 3 – Attend Interview/Make Payment

Before attending your interview, collect all of the documents specified above that are required by the Australian Passport Office. You’ll also need to bring your application fee as payment is required at the time of interview, payable by either cash, EFTPOS or Mastercard/Visa.

Your passport interview should take no longer than 15 minutes as long as you have all your required paperwork.

Step 4 – Receive Passport

Once your application has been finalised, you will receive a receipt and the application will be sent to the Australian Passport Office for review. If it is approved, you should receive your passport within 10 working days via Registered Post.

You can track the progress of your passport application online on the Australian Passport Office using the form number printed on your receipt.

More Information

Photos: Photos8.com, mag737, Gerald’s World

20 Comments

  1. WordPress › Error

    There has been a critical error on this website.

    Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.