News

Hackers using bots can crack about 60% of passwords in less than 60 minutes, and 45% in less than 60 seconds.

To protect your personal information, we’ve introduced multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all AusPassport accounts. MFA makes it harder for cybercriminals to take over your account as it adds an extra layer of protection. Even if your password is guessed or stolen, your account can’t be accessed without a unique authentication code from your email or phone number.

We also strongly recommend you follow these general password security tips:

• change your password to a strong, unique passphrase that uses 4 or more random words*
• use a password that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess
• use a password manager
• don’t re-use the same password across multiple online accounts
• don’t save passwords in your web browser
• don’t share your password with anyone
• don’t let anyone see your screen if you use the ‘show password’ option.

* You can find the specific AusPassport account password requirements on our website.

You can test the strength of your password and whether it’s been involved in a breach or leak by visiting the passwords page on the NSW Government website.

You should report passport theft as soon as possible to protect your identity. Contact us on 131 232, or if you’re overseas contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular mission. 

When you tell us your passport has been lost or stolen, we cancel it immediately and we tell border authorities in Australia and overseas. This helps prevent identity criminals from misusing your passport. 

You should also report any theft to the Australian police and to the local police if you’re overseas.

Find more information about lost or stolen passports on our website.

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You’ll find everything you need to know about passports like:

• how to apply for a passport
• how to care for and protect your passport
• how to check your passport before you book travel.

You’ll also get the latest information on the important work we do, with the occasional fun facts thrown in as well!

Not sure which passport processing service to choose or how long each one takes? 

Now you can use our new estimator tool to find out. 

Simply answer a few questions and the tool will: 

• help you choose the passport processing service that’s right for you
• give you an estimate of how long you can expect to wait for your passport once you’ve lodged your application.

Want to know how quickly we’re currently processing passport applications? Each week we publish the latest processing timeframes for applications received under our routine service.

We’re continually improving our passport services. Soon we’ll launch an improved online passport tracking tool. Stay tuned.

We’ve introduced a new 'Fast Track (5-day processing)’ service. This service guarantees your passport application will be processed in 5 business days. This excludes postage. 

Fast Track (5-day processing) is available to eligible customers for an extra $100 on top of the regular application fee. 

If you need a passport quicker, you may be eligible for our existing ‘Priority (2-day processing)’ service. The Priority service is $290 in addition to the regular application fee. 

For routine applications, customers should continue to allow at least 6 weeks to get their passport. More information on our current processing times is available online.  

This new service is one of several exciting changes to modernise Australia’s passport service. Stay tuned.