How to Apply for or Renew an Australian Passport (2026)
Australian passports are processed by the Australian Passport Office (APO) through DFAT. Most applications can be done online. Here's the process, costs, and where the photo fits in.
Quick Answer
Apply online at passports.gov.au. Adult passport (10-year): A$398. Standard processing: ~6 weeks. Priority (extra A$225): 2–3 weeks. You need a new photo taken within 6 months.
Applying for an Australian passport is managed by the Australian Passport Office (APO), part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Most applications can be completed online. The photo is the step where most delays happen — get it right and the rest is straightforward.
For the complete application checklist and official forms, visit passports.gov.au. Below, we focus on the overview and the steps most people get wrong — especially the photo.
Fees and Processing Times
| Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Adult passport (10-year) | A$398 | ~6 weeks |
| Child passport (5-year, under 18) | A$189 | ~6 weeks |
| Priority processing (add-on) | +A$225 | 2–3 weeks |
Fees may change
These fees are current as of early 2026. Check passports.gov.au for the latest pricing. Priority processing is available for both new applications and renewals.
How to Renew Online (Most Common)
Online renewal is the fastest option for most Australians renewing an existing passport.
Check eligibility
You can renew online if you're an Australian citizen aged 18+, your passport is still valid or expired less than 3 years ago, and your name hasn't changed. Visit passports.gov.au to confirm.
Get your passport photo
You need a new photo taken within the last 6 months. Upload to photos.gov.au (digital: JPEG, 420×540px min, 50–500KB) or get a photo code from an approved provider like Australia Post.
Complete the online application
Go to passports.gov.au and fill in your personal details, travel plans, and emergency contacts. Have your current passport on hand.
Provide a guarantor or referee
You'll need someone who has known you for at least 12 months and can verify your identity. For renewals, this step may be simplified.
Pay the fee
A$398 for an adult 10-year passport. A$189 for a child 5-year passport. Add A$225 for priority processing. Credit or debit card.
Post your current passport
Even for online applications, you typically need to mail in your current passport. Follow the instructions provided after submitting.
Get Your Passport Photo
This is where most delays happen. Your photo must meet exact specifications — wrong size, shadows, glasses, or a smile will bounce your application back by weeks.
Two ways to provide your photo:
Option A: Upload your own photo to photos.gov.au (recommended)
- Create a compliant digital photo using our tool (~A$1.50)
- Upload to photos.gov.au during your application
- Automated validation + manual review within 24 hours
Option B: Get a photo code from an approved provider
- Visit Australia Post or another approved provider (~A$20)
- Receive a 16-character photo code
- Enter the code in your online application
The fast way
Upload a photo to our tool. We format it to exact 35×45mm Australian specs, remove the background, and verify compliance — ~A$1.50. Upload the digital file directly to photos.gov.au. No printing, no travel, no A$20 fee at Australia Post.
Photo requirements summary:
- Size: 35mm × 45mm (digital: 420×540px minimum)
- Background: White or light-coloured
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed
- Glasses: Not allowed (banned January 2024)
- Age: Taken within last 6 months
For complete photo specifications, see our Australian passport photo requirements guide.
Applying in Person
In-person applications are required for:
- First-time passport applicants
- Children under 18
- Applicants whose passport expired more than 3 years ago
- Name changes
- Lost or stolen passport replacements
Visit an Australia Post branch that offers passport interview services. You’ll need to bring:
- Completed application form
- Proof of Australian citizenship
- Proof of identity
- Two printed passport photos (35×45mm) or a photo code
- Your current passport (if renewing)
Applying from Overseas
Australians living abroad can apply or renew through the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. The process is similar to domestic applications but may take longer due to postal times.
Tips for overseas applicants:
- Check your nearest consulate’s website for appointment requirements
- Most consulates do NOT offer passport photo services — bring your own
- Our tool works from anywhere — create your photo at home and upload to photos.gov.au
- Allow extra time for international postal delivery
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
- Photo rejected — smiling, glasses, shadows, or wrong size. Use our tool to check compliance before submitting.
- Photo too old — must be taken within the last 6 months.
- Missing documents — especially proof of citizenship for first-time applicants.
- Passport not enclosed — for online renewals, you still need to mail in your current passport.
- Wrong fee — check passports.gov.au for current pricing before paying.
Source
Official application information: Australian Passport Office (passports.gov.au)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Australian passport cost in 2026?
An adult passport (10-year validity) costs A$398. A child passport (5-year validity, under 18) costs A$189. Priority processing adds A$225. These fees are set by DFAT and may change — check passports.gov.au for current pricing.
How long does it take to get an Australian passport?
Standard processing takes approximately 6 weeks from the date the APO receives your complete application. Priority processing (extra A$225) takes 2–3 weeks. Times may vary during peak travel seasons.
Can I renew my Australian passport online?
Yes, most adult renewals can be done online at passports.gov.au. You need your current or most recent passport, a new digital photo, and a credit/debit card for payment.
Do I need a new photo for my Australian passport renewal?
Yes. Every passport application requires a new photo taken within the last 6 months. You can upload a digital photo to photos.gov.au or provide printed 35×45mm photos.
Can I renew my Australian passport from overseas?
Yes. Australians overseas can apply or renew through the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. You can also apply online if eligible. The process takes longer due to postal times and overseas processing.
What documents do I need for an Australian passport application?
For a renewal: your current or most recent passport, a new passport photo, and the application fee. For a first-time application: proof of Australian citizenship, proof of identity (birth certificate or citizenship certificate), and a guarantor who has known you for at least 12 months.
What is a passport photo code?
A 16-character code issued by approved photo providers (like Australia Post) that links to your digital photo in the APO system. It's an alternative to uploading your own photo. Not all providers issue codes — uploading your own photo via photos.gov.au is an alternative.
Applying for a Passport? Get Your Photo First
Every application needs a compliant photo. Create yours in minutes with automatic 35×45mm formatting and compliance checking.
Create Passport Photo — ~A$1.50~A$1.50 (~$1 USD). Upload to photos.gov.au or print for in-person submission.