In order to receive a passport from the Australian government, one must first fill out the application form. Forms can be picked up from any Australian post office building or online at the link provided at the bottom of the page. There are several different types of forms for citizens with different needs. Some of the different forms are: for a new passport (adult or child), renewing a passport, and for Australian citizens who currently live in Australia or abroad. Renewing a passport always takes less time in processing than applying for a new one.
Passport photos have very strict guidelines and all must be followed before the picture is allowed onto the passport. It is best to have someone who specializes in passport photos to take the picture, but if that is not possible, these are the requirements:
The picture may not be more than 6 months old.
40-55mm high and 35-40mm wide.
Must be able to see the top of the head and top of the shoulders close up.
Measurement of the bottom of the chin to the crown of the forehead in the photo must be 32-36mm.
The picture can not be under developed/over developed, have ink splotches on it or be pixelated.
Must have neutral expression with mouth closed (no smiling).
No hair covering your face.
Must be looking straight. No profile pictures.
There can not be red eye or eyes closed.
No hats or anything else (outside of religious wear) may be on the head. If it is for religious means, the full face must be seen.
If you wear glasses you do not have to wear them in the picture, but if you do, your eyes must be clearly seen with no lens glare.
There are several different places an Australian citizen can go for a passport application.
The Australian government has a public website where applications can be printed off. Any Australian Post Office will be able to provide applications and is also the main place to return completed ones. For citizens who are overseas and need to renew their passport, they need to contact their nearest Australian Diplomatic Embassy or consular mission.
When submitting the application, the picture must be seperate with the person's name written on the back. There must also be two forms of original documentation stating Australian citizenship. They can not be copies. These two forms are:
Full Australian Birth Certificate
Australian Citizenship Certificate
A person can also show an official document which includes a photograph.
There are different fees which go along with applying for a passport. They mostly depend on age. The following are the fees:
Standard 32 page document - A$208 for adults, A$104 for children
Frequent Traveler 64 page document - A$312 for adults, A$156 for children
Senior Standard document - A$104
Senior Frequent Traveler A$156
Lost/stolen passport - A$69
2nd Lost/stolen passport - A$208
3rd or more Lost/stolen - A$416
