Australian passport applications are going online
Need a new passport? You’ll soon be able to skip the post office.
By David Flynn, October 17 2025
Executive Traveller exclusive
The days of queuing at the post office for a new passport are numbered, with the federal government set to launch a secure website for fully-online passport applications.
The platform will use systems already in place, including identity verification services, and is expected to go live next year for new or first-time passport applications.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed the plans, telling Executive Traveller “we are working on a new digital option to make it easier and faster for people who want to apply for a passport digitally.”
However, the option of popping into a post office will still be available.
“If you still want to apply for a passport in person, you will still be able to do so at Australia Post if that’s what you prefer or need.”
While Australians can renew their passports online, the process of obtaining a new passport today requires applying online but lodging that application in person at Australia Post, or completing a paper application and likewise handing it over at a post office.
That’s expected to remain popular with people who are unsure if they have all the correct documents, which can be checked at the post office.
Recent enhancements to the passport application system at www.passports.gov.au include a new tool to estimate how long it will take to receive your passport based on current applications and throughput, and a ‘Status Tracker’ allowing people to check the progress of their passport application
There are also several ways to fast-track your passport renewal without paying the $300 Priority service fee (which sits on top of the standard $412 for the passport itself).
These include using the free ‘streamlined passport renewal’ process, lodging your passport renewal application at the GPO, and nominating to collect your passport from the passport office.
18 Sep 2015
Total posts 154
The Brits have a fully online renewal system for some time now.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
28 Jun 2019
Total posts 81
They also pay less than half for the price for it, too. ☹️
Air Canada - Aeroplan
28 Feb 2015
Total posts 135
What's more, if you have any time left on your old passport, the British PP office adds that time to your new PP.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jun 2019
Total posts 18
Hooray! How about doing the same with the Inbound passenger arrivals card! Again, most countries have gone online, but the wood ducks in the Australian public service, cant get off their WFH backsides to get on with it.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Nov 2016
Total posts 71
I am surprised there isn't an additional fee for doing it online. Everything else about the Australian passport is a rip off. Twice the price of a UK passport and currently allows access to fewer countries.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2018
Total posts 144
I don’t even know if I will apply for my son to have an Australian passport. The New Zealand system was infinitely easier for my initial New Zealand passport. And for memory, I think it was about half the price of the Australian passport.
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