PASSPORTS: Australia to move to fully digital application process

Good news if you’ve ever stood in line at the post office juggling a passport form, two photos, a pen that doesn’t work, and a personal item. The Australian federal government is finally making passport requests a fully digital application process that can be completed online, with no Australia Post counter clerk required.

According to ET, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is preparing to launch a secure digital platform that will allow Australians to apply for new or first-time passports entirely online. So this innovation is for new applications, since current passport holders are already able to renew their passports online.

How digital will work

The new system will tap into existing identity-verification services already used for online renewals. It’s a natural next step. Although you can renew your passport online, first-time applications still require a trip to Australia Post to lodge the form and confirm your ID.

That step will vanish if everything goes online.

DFAT hasn’t put a firm launch date on the rollout, but we hear it will go live sometime in 2026.

Oh, in case you were looking forward to a post office visit, you will still be able to complete your application there, at least for the time being.

Smart tools at Passports.gov.au

There are a few new tools/features available at passports.gov.au:

• A passport timeline estimator — enter your details and see how long it’s likely to take based on current demand.
• A status tracker, so you can check your passport’s progress without phoning
• Guidance on fast-tracking options, including how to skip the $300 Priority fee if you qualify for the free ‘streamlined renewal’ service. An example is applying for a passport from outside Australia.

You can also save time by lodging your renewal at a GPO and nominating to collect your passport directly from a passport office. That saves you waiting on Australia Post, handy if you’re travelling soon.

2PAXfly Takeout

Now that international travel is back to pre-pandemic volumes, passport demand has been sky-high. Going digital means fewer queues, faster processing, and less paperwork.

For most travellers, this move to digital is a win. Moving the process to a fully digital application should be faster and simpler.

Which reminds me. My passport will require renewal in the next 12 months!