Lost and stolen passports

My passport has been lost or stolen. What do I do?

If your passport is lost or stolen, you have to tell us. Phone us on 131 232 or contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular mission.

The Australian Passports Act 2005 has penalties for people who don’t report the loss or theft of their passport as soon as possible. It’s also a criminal offence to make false or misleading statements. There are penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of 1000 penalty units or both.

These legal provisions help protect you and others against identity theft.

Make sure your passport really is lost or stolen before you tell us. The moment you make a report, we’ll cancel your passport, and you won’t be able to use it again, even if you find it or recover it. You’ll have to get a new passport and pay the usual fee.

I found my passport again. Can I use it?

No.

When you tell us that your passport has been lost or stolen, we cancel it immediately, and we tell border authorities in Australia and overseas. This helps prevent identity criminals from misusing your passport. We have no way of undoing the cancellation.

If you find your passport again (or someone returns it to you) and you try to use it, border officials may take it from you and stop you from travelling.

If you find your passport and show it to us, we may not count the loss or theft against you. You’ll have to tell us what happened by completing a

B11 - General declaration by passport applicant (PDF 127.03 KB)

.

I can’t find my expired passport. Do I have to report this?

You only have to tell us about the loss or theft of a passport that's valid.

Do I need to tell the police that my passport was stolen?

We recommend you report any theft to police and keep a copy of the report. If your passport is stolen overseas, you should report the theft to local police and to Australian police once you return to Australia.

When you apply to replace your passport, you’ll need to tell us as much as you can about what happened and show us any police report or provide the police report number.

How do I replace my lost or stolen passport?

Just apply for a new passport in the usual way. We'll ask you to give us full details of the loss or theft. You won’t be eligible for renewal.

If you're overseas and need a new passport urgently, contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular mission to discuss options.

Are there penalties if my passport keeps getting lost or stolen?

Yes.

If your passport is lost or stolen twice in five years, your next adult passport will only be valid for five years rather than the normal 10 years. You’ll still have to pay the fee for a 10-year passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen three or more times in five years, your next passport will only be valid for a maximum of two years – or we may not issue you a passport at all. You’ll still have to pay the relevant application fee.

If your most recent passport was issued with a validity of two years or less, and if you can’t present it when you apply for your next passport, then we’ll count it as having been lost or stolen, even if it has expired and you haven’t reported it as lost or stolen.

What if the loss or theft wasn’t my fault?

If you prove to us that your passport was lost or stolen due to exceptional circumstances beyond your control, we won’t count it against you.

You’ll need to give us full details of the loss or theft. Tell us as much as you can and include any supporting documentation, such as police reports.

What if I’m worried my identity has been stolen or compromised?

If you’re concerned that your identity has been compromised, you can get advice and support by contacting IDCARE or phoning toll free in Australia on 1800 595 160.

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