Help with lodging your application
If you don't speak English, you can bring someone with you who can interpret for you. This could be a family member or a friend.
If a family member or friend can't help, we can arrange an interpreter to help you lodge your application. We offer this through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)(Opens in a new tab/window). This is a free service by phone.
To book an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450. You need to book an interpreter well in advance. This is to make sure the right, qualified interpreter can meet your needs.
You can also contact us with the help of a phone interpreter.
Call TIS National and tell the person:
- what language you speak
- the name and phone number of the person you want to talk to.
TIS National(Opens in a new tab/window) will arrange an interpreter who speaks your language and transfer your call to us at no cost to you.
Help with translations
If your documents aren't in English, you'll need to get them translated in full and stamped by an accredited translator before you show them to us.
If you're in Australia, the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)(Opens in a new tab/window) can help you find a translator in your area.
We accept translated documents from other government agencies who use NAATI translators. These translations must be on the agency's letterhead. They include:
- TIS National(Opens in a new tab/window) – the Department of Home Affairs
- Multicultural NSW Language Services(Opens in a new tab/window) – New South Wales
- Interpreting and Translating Services NT(Opens in a new tab/window) – Northern Territory
- Interpreting and Translating Centre(Opens in a new tab/window) – South Australia.
If you're overseas, contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate(Opens in a new tab/window). They'll give you a list of approved translation services in your country.
Your local embassy or consulate will check any translated documents. They'll do this at no extra charge when you lodge your passport application.
You can use your translated documents again for any future passport applications. You won’t need new translations made in Australia.
National Relay Service (NRS)
If you're d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech or communication difficulty, you can contact us through the NRS:
- Contact the NRS call numbers and links(Opens in a new tab/window).
- Give them our phone number: 131 232.
The NRS has specially trained staff who help with every call. They can:
- change voice to text or text to voice
- change Auslan to English or English to Auslan
- stay on the line throughout the call to help you, without getting in the way or changing what's said.
For more information, visit the National Relay Service(Opens in a new tab/window).