COVID-19 AND PASSPORT APPLICATIONS
Click here for guidance and Frequently Asked Questions about passport applications during COVID-19.
Please follow the steps below to renew or apply for your Australian passport while in the United States.
All applications must be lodged in person. There are no exceptions, even if you have renewed by mail in the past or if you live a long distance from our offices.
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Step by step instructions |
Notes |
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| 1. Fill out your application online at the global website. | You will need to create an account first. Once you have completed your application online, you can use US letter size paper to print it. You may need to adjust your printer settings so that the top/bottom of the pages are not cut off (look for Shrink to Fit or Fit to Page settings). Chrome and Firefox users should pay particular attention to this, as it is common for pages to be printed with the bottom cut off if you do not manually adjust your print settings. |
| 2. Sign and date your form using Australian Date Format (DD/MM/YYYY). | Make sure all sections are signed before your interview. Passport staff cannot witness signatures. Check there are no alterations to signatures or dates. Applications containing overwritten dates or dates in US format cannot be accepted. |
| 3. Obtain two passport photos. | Carefully check the photo specifications as poor photos are the most common reason an application cannot be accepted. Check out our map of passport photographers in the United States. |
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4. Prepare for your interview. |
Review the Required Documents for your application and go through the checklist to avoid common errors. Check the requirements for name changes, translation of foreign documents and guarantors. |
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5. Lodge your application in person at any passport office. |
* All adult applications must be lodged in person. * For child applications, one parent must lodge the application in person. It does not matter whether the lodging person is an Australian citizen. * Children aged 16 and 17 years old must attend the interview, together with one parent. * Children aged 15 years and younger are not required to attend the interview. |
| 6. Allow a minimum of 6 weeks to receive your new passport. | Current processing time is a minimum of 6 weeks. If you have any questions, read the Passports FAQs or call your lodging office. |
Since 1 July 2015, all applications must be lodged in person (including renewals). There are no exceptions to this rule, even if you have lodged by mail in the past.