Australian passports are valid for 10 years and since most countries require you have at least 6 months validity you actually have 9.5 years so sooner or later you have to renew them.
Renewals are easily done online, just start at the link above and fill in the form then print it out. You will need 2 passport photos and you can save money by doing them yourself but make sure they are the right size.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE
This is what most people really want to know. Of course this is addressed on the website.
In Australia the Australian Passport Office is committed to mailing out an eligible applicant’s passport within ten working days of receiving all information and documentation we require.
And you can pay extra for a 2 working day turnaround if you are really desperate.
Our Priority Processing Service guarantees that your passport will be ready for collection or despatch from a Passport Office within two working days of the office receiving everything it needs from you. However, you should allow extra time for Australia Post outlets to forward your application to us and for your passport to reach you by registered mail. There is a fee for this service in addition to the normal passport application fee. This service is not available for applications for full validity passports made overseas, except in London and Washington.
THE TIMELINE IN REAL LIFE
Here’s how it worked out for me.
Monday – Lodged application at my local post office. Website tracking showed that it had been received.
Tuesday – Tracking showed 40% and the message that the application is being processed. You can create a PIN by answering a few questions which makes it easier to check in the future.
Wednesday – Tracking still at 40% and it stayed that way all week.
Monday – Still at 40%, getting nervous.
Tuesday – Still 40% and I am getting worried no one has even touched it. What if my passport photo was the wrong size or something?
Wednesday – Finally moved to 60% and gave message “Your Application has been checked and printing of your passport will commence shortly”. Greatly relived the application was in order as I am keen to book some tickets asap. Now I estimate the passports will arrive at home the middle of next week.
Thursday – Checked 09:00, no change. Checked 11:00, moved to 80% with a new message. “Your Passport has been printed and a final check on the quality of the document is being carried out.”
Friday – Checked periodically throughout the day, still at 80% by close of business. Wondering what kind of quality checks are happening. Dragging it around the mud? Dropping it in water? Shaking vigorously?
Monday – Checked a couple times in the morning, still at 80%. Around 3pm got an email. “Thank you for your recent application for a passport. Your passport is now being prepared, and will soon be with you. When you receive your passport, please check the personal details page to make sure your biographical information (name, date and place of birth, sex and signature) is correct.” Logged onto the system and ticker is at 100%! Message reads “Your Application is ready.”
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Wednesday – Husband’s passport arrives by post. Wondering where mine is?
Thursday – My passport shows up, big sigh of relief!
So there’s the timeline for two Aussie passport renewals from start to finish about 2 1/2 weeks. The passports were posted from the processing centre in Canberra and sent to us in the metro Brisbane area.