No more than 30 minutes! That is the time in which applicants will be able to process their application for a British passport renewal in Australia with the help of this guide.
Here you will find the steps to follow to renew a British passport in Australia, the required documentation, and requirements for children, among many other things.
In addition, readers will learn how to get a passport photo ready for a UK passport application in just 2 minutes with the PhotoAiD® app, with +1 million downloads.
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How do you renew a British passport in Australia?
To renew a British passport in Australia, a person just needs to visit a dedicated governmental website, fill in the online overseas passport application form, and pay the corresponding fees.
There is no need to look for an embassy or schedule any meetings.
Renew British passport in Australia: process overview
Overall, renewing a United Kingdom passport in Australia is possible in less than half an hour by completing the process entirely online, via the official UK-government website.
Here is a brief overview of the renewal process:
Step 1: take a UK-sized passport photograph: 35 x 45 mm size, in colour. You can submit your own digital passport photo by using PhotoAiD® (100% validity guarantee), or visit a photo studio to get a special code.
Step 2: collect the necessary documents. In most circumstances, your current passport is the only document you need.
Step 3: fill in the online overseas passport renewal application form.
Step 4: pay the passport renewal fees (debit or credit cards only).
According to the information provided by the HM Passport Office, it may take up to 13 (thirteen) weeks to deliver a new passport, shipped to Brits via DHL. Applicants will get email updates about an already completed application form.
British passport renewal in Australia: an application form
When renewing a UK passport overseas, it may be required to attend the nearest British Embassy or Consulate. However, there is no need to visit an embassy and apply for a new travel document with the embassy’s mediation in Australia.
It is His Majesty’s Passport Office that deals with domestic and overseas passport inquiries online for UK citizens via a dedicated gov. website.
To access the online service for overseas passport renewal and fill in the British passport renewal form in Australia, just click here.
*NOTE: the website is intuitive to navigate, and the interface is understandable, even for less technologically-advanced people, such as elders; walking you through each stage of the passport renewal process with clear commands and instructions.
Documents needed for renewing British passport from Australia
Although the overseas passport application informs you about the required documents during the process, it is advisable to prepare yourself beforehand.
What documents are required for British passport renewal in Australia:
- current UK passport*
- recent UK-sized (35 x 45 mm) passport photograph (digital or a code from a photo studio).
Supporting documents if:
- the passport is lost or stolen: identity confirmation**;
- the applicant recently changed their name: a name-change certificate.
*Applicants must hand in their old passport whether this is in good condition or damaged. The expired UK passport will return it to the owner along with the new one.**In the event of a lost or stolen passport, British expats will need to confirm their identity—for that, another person will have to certify it. Learn more about the identity confirmation process here.
Renew child’s British passport in Australia
Children should follow the same procedure as adults when applying for a new passport.
First, access the overseas passport application (here) and fill in the form with their child’s details instead of their own.
Before paying the corresponding fees, submit the appropriate documents for a kid’s UK passport renewal:
- a UK-sized passport photograph—either a digital version or a code from a photo studio;
- if applicable, the court order stating parental responsibility, the kid’s custody, or residency arrangements, for example;
- any other passport the kid may have, as a citizen of Australia or any country different from the UK;
- if the kid is 11 (eleven) years old or younger, parental consent is not enough. Online identity confirmation from another person is required. More details here.
How much does it cost to renew a UK passport from Australia?
The UK passport renewal prices are standardised for all countries and are paid in British Pound Sterling—regardless of the applicant’s location.
Here is a table of standard costs for British passport renewals:
- standard adult passport: £94;
- standard child passport: £61;
- courier fee: £19.86.
Due to currency fluctuations, the final amount paid in AUD will differ depending on when you apply for your new travel document.
Emergency British passport renewal from Australia
If you need to receive a new passport immediately, for example, because of a sudden funeral of a relative or for medical reasons, the British government has foreseen an option for emergency passports.
An emergency passport is a unique travel document that allows you to travel for a single journey through up to 5 (five) countries. The emergency passport is valid only on your planned itinerary, and you cannot use it as a regular passport.
It is essential to understand that an emergency passport is not an expedited (fast-track) service to receive a passport. Once you complete your journey, you will have to apply for a standard UK passport.
When can you apply for an emergency passport?
- your passport was lost or stolen;
- your UK passport is expired;
- your passport is full;
- UK citizens have urgent travel plans.
What is required for an emergency passport?
- you need to be a citizen of the UK;
- you need to provide proof of your itinerary.
You can apply for an emergency travel document in Australia by visiting this website.
The fee for an emergency passport is £100, and the processing time takes up to 2 (two) working days.
Get your UK-sized passport photos from home
PhotoAiD® is a professional program that transforms your pictures into fully government-compliant UK passport photos—and it does so automatically, in just 3 seconds.
Go to Google Play or App Store, download the app and take a photo with your smartphone anywhere you want.
You do not have to think about a proper background, as the app will replace it with a plain white one, adjust the lighting and crop your photo adequately to UK standards.
Once you submit the image to the app, a human expert will verify your photograph—and correct it if needed—to ensure the highest quality and success rate. See why Forbes, National Geographic, and Glamour endorse this app and get your UK passport photos from your home.
FAQ
See answers to the frequently asked questions about British passport renewal in Australia below.
How much does it cost to renew a British passport in Australia?
The renewal cost for a standard British passport is £94 for adults and £61 for children. You should add an extra fee of £19.86 for courier service to this price.
How long does it take to renew a British passport in Australia?
According to the HM Passport Office, you may have to wait 13 (thirteen) weeks to get your new British passport in Australia.
Do I have to send my old UK passport when renewing it from Australia?
Yes, your old UK passport is a crucial part of the passport renewal process and needs to be submitted with the application form.
Where do I apply to renew my British passport in Australia?
To renew your British passport in Australia, you must visit a dedicated website here and submit your passport renewal application form. There is no need to visit the British embassy.
Can I renew my British passport at Australia Post?
When it expires, British citizens have to renew their UK passport online, through the dedicated government website.
How to renew an expired British passport in Australia?
Expired British passport renewal in Australia can be accessed online through the website indicated by the UK passport office. No need to contact the British Consulate General or Embassy if it’s not an emergency.
How to renew a British passport in Perth, Australia?
UK citizens living in Perth can have their British passport renewed online. The HM Passport Office’s web page redirects applicants to the appropriate site.
How to renew a British passport in Sydney?
The entire process takes place online. Visit the HM Passport Office website and click on the appropriate link.
Do I have to go to the British Embassy in Australia for passport renewal?
No, UK passports can be renewed online through the dedicated website.
Can I renew my British passport online in Australia?
Yes, just go to the website indicated by the HM Passport Office and start with the online application form.
Can I request express UK passport renewal in Australia?
The HM Passport Office does not give specific info on the matter, they only indicate that, for emergencies, a British citizen should get an ETD.
How to renew a British passport in Australia: closing thoughts
With the overseas passport renewal app, the British government has introduced one of the most advanced and comfortable systems for passport renewal for its citizens. The whole procedure can be done entirely online.
What is more, you can now use the services of PhotoAiD® to take your passport photographs at home—meaning the whole process of renewing your UK passport (photo and application) can be wrapped up in 1 hour from your couch.
