How to get an adult passport

Our 4 step guide

Step 1: Gather original documents and two passport photos

Unless you qualify for a passport renewal, you will need:

These details will be needed to complete your application.  When you lodge your application, you must bring the original documents with you.

Step 2: Ask someone to be your referee or guarantor

Unless you qualify for a passport renewal, you’ll need a referee or guarantor.

Your referee or guarantor must:

  • be an adult Australian citizen who has known you for more than one year, and
  • cannot be any kind of relative, in a de facto relationship with you, or living at the same address as you.

Your application will require the details of your referee or guarantor’s:

  • full name, and
  • date of birth, and
  • telephone number, and
  • either Australian Passport details, or
  • address as recorded on the electoral roll for the past 12 months (or professional details for overseas guarantors).

If you’re applying online and you are in Australia, you’ll need a referee. A referee doesn’t need to sign anything but must be willing to confirm your identity if we contact them.

If you are not applying online and you are in Australia, you’ll need a guarantor who must sign section 11 of your application form.  Your guarantor must also endorse the back of a passport photo by writing ‘This is a true photo of [your full name]’ and signing in black pen.

Step 3: Fill in your application

Application forms are available online. Our system will generate an application form that you will need to print.

The application form will tell you what documents you must bring when you lodge your printed application form.

If you cannot complete an application form online, collect a blank application form at a participating Australia Post outlet. Ask for the ‘Application for an Australian Passport’ form. For adults, the form is green.

Passport renewal forms are available online, but are not available at Australia Post as they come pre-filled.  If you can’t use the online portal, you can call 131 232 to request a pre-filled form.

Step 4: Lodge your application and pay the fee

To lodge your application and pay the passport fee, go to a participating Australia Post outlet.

You may need to make an appointment, which can be made by using the Australia Post online booking tool.

You must bring your printed application form, your passport photos and the original documents requested on the application checklist or form.

Important information

If you’re in Australia, and have a current passport, it will be cancelled when your passport application is assessed. This means you will be unable to use it for travel. If you need to travel before your new passport is received, you should call us on 131 232 to check if the old passport is still valid. For more information, see our passport validity page.

Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks to receive your passport after you lodge your application.

If you’re in a hurry, we have options for urgent applications which are available only when you apply.

When your passport is ready, we’ll send you an email or SMS, depending on the contact details you provided. If you choose to receive your passport by post, it should arrive within 5 business days.  If you choose to collect your passport, it will be ready for pick‑up from your chosen Passport Office.

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