Eligibility

You must be an Australian citizen to apply for an Australian passport. This means you were either born in Australia, or you hold an Australian citizenship certificate. 

Application form

There are 2 ways to complete a passport application form. You can complete an online form or a paper form from the Post Office.

Online form

Complete the online form, download and print.

When printing, use:

  • A4 size paper
  • portrait orientation
  • black ink
  • 'Fit to page/printable area' in your printer settings.

Paper form

Pick up a blank from the Post Office. The adult passport application form is green. When you fill in the form you must:

  • use a black pen and write in CAPITAL letters
  • write inside the boxes provided
  • ensure your handwriting and your guarantor/referee’s handwriting are clear
  • sign within the designated signature box (if signing before lodgement)
  • check that the signature box has clear markings and that all page triangles are the same size to ensure the form prints correctly.

Identity documents

You’ll need:

If you were born overseas and your Australian citizenship document doesn’t show your gender or place of birth, you must provide your birth certificate. If you can't provide your birth certificate, provide your foreign passport.

Your identity document must be the original document, no copies are accepted. It must display your date of birth, address and match the name shown on your application. If your ID doesn’t show your photo, then you’ll have to complete two guarantor/referee pages, or two referees if you’re using the online application form.

Extracts or commemorative Australian birth certificates cannot be accepted.

Your documents must be in English or translated in full by an approved translation service.

Passport photos

You can get compliant passport photos taken at a participating Post Office before lodgement.

You must follow strict photo guidelines to avoid delays or rejection.

  • Photo requirements:
    • Look directly at the camera with eyes open.
    • Maintain a neutral expression - no smiling, head tilts or hair covering your face
    • Use a plain, light (preferably grey) background.
    • No filters, digital enhancements or background removals.
    • Skin tone must reflect your natural colour.
  • You will need to provide two hard copies of the photo.
  • If a guarantor/referee is required, they must sign the back of one photo.

View passport photo guidelines for more information.

Guarantor or referee

Your guarantor/referee must sign the back of one of your photos and write:

“This is a true photograph of [your name].”

Your guarantor/referee must:

  • be over 18 years old
  • have known you for at least 12 months
  • not be a relative or live at your address
  • hold a current passport or be on the electoral roll.

Lodgement

Whether you complete an online form or paper form, you need to lodge the application at a participating Post Office and pay the fee. You don’t need an appointment to lodge your passport.

If you can’t lodge your application in person because you’re physically unable to do so, contact The Australian Passport office.

You must bring the following when lodging your application:

  • completed application form(s)
  • identity documents as required
  • passport photos
  • payment for the application fee
  • your existing passport, if you’re renewing your Australian passport.

Child passport application

  • If the applicant is aged 10 or older, they must also sign the application form.
  • If the applicant is under the age of 16, they don’t need to attend the application lodgement.
  • If the applicant is 16 or 17, they are required to attend with their parent/guardian.
  • Parent/guardians must bring photo ID linking them as the legal parent/guardian of the child.
  • Parental consent and a witness may be required when applying for a child passport.
  • In exceptional circumstances, you may be eligible to lodge an application in Australia for a child who is currently outside of Australia. Before you lodge the application, you must contact the Australian Passport office.

Processing

Once you’ve lodged your application, it will be sent off for processing. You can check current processing times on the Australian Passport Office website.

Priority processing

If you need your passport urgently, ask about priority processing services when lodging your application or view urgent travel on the Australian Passport Office website.

More information

The Australian Passport Office website has detailed information about Australian passports and renewals.