Passport Processing Times

Please apply for your passport well ahead of your proposed travel.

You should allow approximately six weeks to receive a passport once your complete application is accepted. An application is "accepted" at either the interview stage for in-person applications or at payment stage for mail applications. Incomplete applications will not be processed until they are complete.  

If you are applying by post and have urgent travel (less than three weeks), please ensure you clearly write “URGENT PASSPORT” in large font above the address on the front of the envelope and include both a covering letter clearly explaining your circumstances as well as evidence of urgency (e.g. travel itinerary, visa appointment confirmation, letter from employer). You may be eligible for an emergency document.

If you are applying in person and require your passport urgently (within three weeks), please advise the interviewing officer of your circumstances. You will need to provide evidence of urgency (e.g. travel itinerary, visa appointment confirmation, letter from employer).

You can help minimise processing times by ensuring you provide everything we need when you lodge your application.