How to book appointment for Australian passport online

The Australian passport offers its holders access to over 180 countries around the globe. Ranked 8th in the Henley Passport Index 2023, Australia boasts one of the strongest passports in the world, allowing one to enjoy visa-free entry to destinations such as Japan, the United States, Canada, Singapore, and many other European nations. This undoubtedly showcases Australia’s robust diplomatic relationships and international standing.

Currently, Australia offers two types of passports for individuals – one being the ‘adult passport’ which is valid for ten years and is ideal for globetrotters and frequent travelers. And the other is a ‘child passport’ that is suitable for your young ones accompanying you on your trip and that remains valid for five years only. It should be known that the process of applying for an Australian passport is straightforward, for which we have created this extensive guide that you can follow judiciously.

Steps to Book an Online Appointment

To begin the process of booking your online appointment for an Australian passport, follow the recommended steps provided below.

1. Start the process by first heading over to the official website here.
2. On the landing page, scroll down and click on the ‘Start Your Application Online’ link.
3. The first step involves signing into your AusPassport account using your registered email address. However, if you do not have an account, you can always create one using your email ID, date of birth, and a robust password.
4. Once logged in, complete the passport application form online. Ensure that you provide correct information as well as proper photographs according to the guidelines mentioned. The Australian passport authorities state that the photo you provide should be in passport format and must be taken by a professional photographer. Any use of mobile apps or online passport photography services should be avoided. For more information, take a look at the photo guidelines.
5. After you have completed the application, submit it, and then proceed to print the completed application. Ensure that you take the print in A4 format and use black ink only. Additionally, you can now print single- or double-sided.
6. Once done, take the printed form to a nearby participating Australian Post outlet along with the required supporting documents (in original format). The Australian Post authorities will check your original documents along with your printed application form and then return them to you on the spot.
7. After that, your passport photo will be checked on the spot to ensure that all requirements are met, and the photos will be attached directly to your application form by the relevant authorities (do not do this yourself).
8. If the application is for a child, then the child’s guardian or parent must provide an ID containing a signature, photo, and residential address.
9. You will then be asked some questions to verify that the information that you have provided is correct and complete.
10. Lastly, you will be asked to pay the relevant passport fee directly to the Australian Post Office. And if you opt for ‘priority processing’, then an additional fee will be charged.

Please note that sometimes you will be contacted after you have lodged your application so that the authorities can ask more questions, request more documents, or even ask for new photos.

Usually, you should expect a timeframe of at least six weeks to receive your passport.

Other Ways to Get Passport in Australia

If you are looking for alternate ways to lodge your passport application, apart from online, you can do so by following any of the below-mentioned processes.

Lodging Application In-Person

1. Start by first making an appointment with a nearby participating Australian Post Office by calling 131 232 via phone.
2. Once you have registered an official appointment, head over to the relevant post office with your passport-sized photos and supporting documents (in original format), which you will need to complete the application.
3. At the post office, showcase your original documents and passport-sized photos, and then complete the application on the spot.
4. After that, submit your application along with the requisite fee. Once done, wait for your passport to arrive.

Lodging Application Overseas

If you live overseas and cannot lodge your passport application with your nearest Australian Post Office, follow the steps stated below closely.

1. The first step involves contacting the Australian Diplomatic or Consular Mission in the country or region where you are currently residing.
2. Once you have made the initial contact, discuss the various ways you can lodge your passport application.
3. After that, complete your passport application, provide your passport photos and supporting documents, and then submit the same to the designated authorities as directed by the Australian Diplomatic or Consular Mission. Additionally, you will also need to pay the requisite fee.
4. Once submitted, wait for your application to be forwarded to the Australian passport authorities for verification and approval. Expect at least a six-week delay.

Steps to Check Status Online

To check the status of your submitted passport application, carry out the steps listed below.

1. Begin by first heading over to the official website here.
2. Sign in to the same AusPassport account that was used to submit the original application.
3. Once signed in, you will be able to track your passport application seamlessly.

For any additional queries, you can contact the Australian passport authorities via phone at 131 232, from Monday to Friday, between 8 AM and 5 PM (except Australian national public holidays).