How to get a passport when overseas

Our 4 Step guide

Step 1: Gather original documents and two passport photos

For an adult, unless you qualify for a passport renewal, you will need:

For a child, you will need:

These details are required to complete the application. When you lodge the application, you must bring the original documents with you.

Step 2: Ask someone to be the guarantor

Unless you qualify for a passport renewal, you’ll need a guarantor.

A guarantor must be:

  • 18 years of age or over
  • known to the applicant for at least 12 months or, for children under one year old, the applicant must have known the child since birth
  • an Australian citizen who has a current Australian passport with at least two years’ validity or a person of any nationality who’s employed in an approved occupational group.

To find out about approved occupational groups, check with the Australian diplomatic or consular mission where you’ll be lodging the application.

For an adult application, your guarantor cannot be:

  • any kind of relative
  • in a de facto relationship with you
  • living at the same address as you.

For a child application, your guarantor cannot be:

  • related in any way to the child or to a person who has parental responsibility for the child
  • in a de facto relationship with the person who has parental responsibility
  • living at the same address as the child or a person with parental responsibility.

The application will require the details of your guarantor’s:

  • full name
  • telephone number
  • either Australian Passport details or professional details for overseas guarantors.

Your guarantor will also need to sign section 11 of the application form and endorse the back of a passport photo by writing ‘This is a true photo of [your full name]’ and signing in black pen.

Step 3: Fill in your application

When overseas, there are two ways to fill in an application form:

  • Complete an application form online.  Our system will generate an application form that you will need to print.  It will tell you which documents you must bring when you lodge your printed application.
  • Request a pre-filled application form from your closest Australian diplomatic or consular mission.

Consent is required for a child passport.  Everyone who’s giving consent  must sign section 15 of the form in front of a witness.  If they can’t easily do that because they’re in different parts of the world, follow our instructions.

Passport renewal forms are available online or can be requested from your closest Australian diplomatic or consular mission.

Step 4: Lodge your application and pay the fee

Visit the Australian diplomatic or consular mission's website for local advice on lodging your application, including the documentation you need to submit, and if you need to make an appointment, or if you're able to mail in your passport application.

When attending a passport interview, you must bring your completed application form, your passport photos and the original documents requested on the application form.

If you’re applying for a child aged 16 or 17, the application must be lodged in person and the child must come to the interview with you when you lodge the application.

Important information

Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks to receive your passport after you lodge your application.

A child passport application without consent from everyone who has parental responsibility takes much longer.

When your passport is ready, we’ll send you an email or SMS, depending on the contact details you provided.