Data Breaches

If your passport has been involved in a data breach, see the information below.

Is it still safe to use my passport for travel?

Yes, your passport is safe to use for international travel. Your passport details can’t be used by someone else to travel under your identity. They would need your physical passport to do this.

If your Australian passport has been lost or stolen, call us on 131 232 so we can cancel your passport and protect it from any misuse.

Is it still safe to use my passport to prove my identity?

Yes, your passport is safe to use for identity purposes when presented physically in person.  

Government departments and financial organisations like banks use the Document Verification Service (DVS) – an online Government service – to verify that identity documents are valid. For example, a DVS check of an identity document (like a passport or driver licence) may be done if you apply for a government welfare payment or a bank loan.

Unless you’ve been advised otherwise (for example, if you were part of the Optus data breach of September 2022), your passport can still be verified via the DVS. However, if you’ve requested that we cancel your document for identity security purposes, it will no longer verify via the DVS.

What about identity fraud?

Personal information that’s been compromised can be misused. It is important to understand the risks of identity fraud and how to spot them.

Be mindful when you provide your passport to third parties. Once you provide your details, you have lost control of them. This includes where the information is stored, how it is managed or protected, and for how long it will be kept.

I’m worried about identity theft, who should I contact?

If you are concerned, you can call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or visit their website.

IDCARE is a not-for-profit organisation that provides free advice to support the Australian community in responding to identity theft.

If you have been a victim of identity theft, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Victims’ Certificate. The Commonwealth Victims’ Certificates may be helpful if you are a victim of a Commonwealth identity crime and the theft is causing you problems in your business or personal affairs.

Could someone else get a passport using my identity?

No. We use robust controls that protect passports from identity takeover, including facial-recognition technology.

How does the department protect my privacy?

Further information on privacy is available on our website.

Do I need to get a new passport?

This is a personal decision for you to make and may depend on your individual circumstances.

If you feel concerned about your current passport, you can apply for a new passport at any time.

How do I decide whether to replace my compromised passport?

Identity fraud can have serious consequences, so it’s important to understand the risks of identity theft and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

There’s a range of official information available on what to do if your identity has been compromised. Websites have been provided at the bottom of this document.

If I get a new Australian passport, will I have to pay for it?

Yes, if you choose to get a new passport, you will have to pay the passport fee when you lodge your application.

Can I cancel my passport without getting a new one?

Yes, you can call us on 131 232 to cancel your passport. 

This means it can’t be used for travel or identification purposes.

My foreign passport (not Australian passport) has been impacted

The Australian Passport Office cannot provide advice on passports that are not issued by Australia. You should contact the relevant authority for advice.

Where can I go for more information?

More information on what to do if your identity has been compromised is available from:

IDCARE also have an online learning centre that provides free resources to help people understand the risks of identity theft. You can contact them on their toll-free number, 1800 595 160 or via their website.