For migrants who have become Australian citizens, obtaining an Australian passport is a typical next step. Understanding the process of how to apply for an Australian passport will save you precious time and effort. Follow this guide to help you get started!
1. Gather required documents
Before you begin the application process, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready to go. To apply, you’ll need
- Proof of Australian citizenship: citizenship certificate, Australian birth certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of identity showing your photo, signature and current address: driver’s licence, Medicare card, foreign passport
- Two passport-sized photos
2. Choose a referee or guarantor
A referee or guarantor is someone who confirms you are who you say you are.
If you apply online and are located in Australia, you will need a referee. They don’t need to sign anything, but they have to be willing to confirm your identity if contacted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The person you choose as your referee or guarantor must be:
- An Australian citizen over 18 years of age
- Someone who has known you for more than one year
- Someone who is not related to you, in a relationship with you, or living at the same address as you.
Your application will need some details about your referee/guarantor including their:
- Full name
- Telephone number
- Australian passport details and/or address as recorded on the electoral roll for the past 12 months.
If you are not applying online and are in Australia, you’ll need a guarantor. The guarantor must sign section 11 of your application form and endorse the back of a passport photo by writing, ‘This is a true photo of [your full name]’ and signing it in black pen.
3. Fill out your application
Application forms are available online for you to print at home. The form will detail everything you need to bring when you submit your printed application form.
You can also collect an application form from participating Australian Post outlets. Remember to ask for the ‘Application for an Australian Passport’ form.
4. Lodge & pay
Use the Australia Post online booking tool to make an appointment to lodge your application. Remember to bring your printed application form, your passport photos and the documents listed on the form (and above).
During your appointment you can pay the fee, which is between $201 – $398 depending on the length of validity you choose.
5. Sit back and wait!
Once your passport application is lodged and paid for, you can sit back and wait for an email or text confirming it’s ready. After that, you can choose to receive your passport by post or collect it from your chosen Passport Office. This will take up to 6 weeks, unless you’ve arranged a faster processing.
Good luck with your journey to obtaining an Australian passport! By following the steps in this guide, along with advice from the Australian Passports Office, you will be well on your way.
As you continue settling into life in Australia, OrbitRemit is here to support you with affordable and reliable money transfers, helping you stay connected with your loved ones back home. Trust that your financial transactions are in safe hands with OrbitRemit, so you can focus on exploring the world with your new passport!
