Please follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply for your passport while you are in the United States. 

Go to www.passports.gov.au and click on "APPLY OR RENEW".

You will be prompted to create an account. 

The site will ask you questions and direct you to the correct application form.  You can't download blank forms. 

If you're not sure if you should use a renewal form, read more about the different forms here. 

 

You can print your application on US letter-size paper, legal-size paper or A4 paper.  

Make sure the bottom of the form is not cut off (you may need to adjust your printer settings using Shrink to Fit or Fit to Page if the complete page(s) doesn't print).

Remember:  US Letter paper is smaller than A4, so check that full pages have printed. 

For all applications

 

Make sure you sign the applicant declaration and use Australian date format (DD/MM/YYYY). We cannot accept declarations in US date format. 

Make sure your signature and date have no alterations and no correction fluid.  

For child applications 

 

Both parents must sign and date at Section 15. 

Parents must both sign in front of an independent witness who is not related to you or the child by birth or marriage and not living in the same household as you or the child.  The witness does not have to be an Australian citizen.  You do not have to use the same witness as the other parent. 

Read our handy tips for parents who live in different locations.  

Do NOT wait for the interview to sign Section 15.  Passport staff cannot act as your witness. 

 

Australian passport photo requirements are different from US passport photos. 
Standard passport photos taken at US pharmacies, post offices and courier service offices do not meet Australian printing, lighting and quality requirements.  
Poor quality or incorrect size passport photos are the most common reason why applications can't be accepted.  

Check Australian passport photo requirements and discuss them with your photographer.  

We have a map of passport photographers in the United States where you can get your photos taken, including online providers. 

Who can apply by mail

 

Adults using the one-page PC7 Australian Passport Renewal Application form can apply by mail.  Follow the PC7 MAIL INSTRUCTIONS. 

Most renewals for children 15 years and younger can be lodged by mail. Read the CHILD RENEWAL MAIL INSTRUCTIONS to see if you are eligible.

All other applications must be lodged in person. 

We do NOT recommend applying by mail if your application will reach the lodging office within a week of your travel date, unless your departure date is flexible. Please apply in person instead if your travel is genuinely urgent. 

In Person - by appointment only 

 

Appointments are required to lodge in-person applications and can be scheduled at any passport office.

The following types of applications must be lodged in person:

  1. First time applicants who have not previously held an Australian passport. For first time applications for a child aged 15 years or younger, at least one parent must lodge the application in-person, but the child does not have to attend the interview. The parent does not have to be an Australian citizen
  2. Applications for 16- and 17-year-old children must be lodged in-person by the child and at least one parent, even if the child has previously held an Australian passport. The parent does not have to be an Australian citizen
  3. Applications to replace emergency/temporary passports
  4. Applications to replace a lost passport
  5. Applications for adults who have to use the five-page PC8 Application for an Australian Passport Overseas form because they don't qualify to use the one-page PC7 passport renewal form

Please read the Required Documents and go through the checklist before your interview.  Please also refer to the additional requirements if your application involves a name change or requires the translation of foreign documents and for a list of people who can act as guarantors. 

Allow at least 6 weeks after your complete application has been lodged and accepted for your new passport to be printed. Once processing of your application has begun you can track its progress here.

You can check current printing times in Australia here. 

If a situation arises that requires you to travel before you are likely to receive your new passport, please read the information on Urgent Travel