Passports

Even though you may also hold a passport from another country, U.S. immigration laws require that all U.S. citizens (regardless of age) enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport at all times. For further information please refer to Dual Nationality.

Please read carefully information relating to supporting documents and downloading forms, as well as our Tips for a Smooth Consular Visit. The online version of the application forms include instructions written for use in the U.S, which do not apply to applications made in Australia. Please follow specific instructions provided for each application.

The current processing time for passport applications is approximately 3 weeks. All passports submitted with an application for a new passport will be canceled and returned to you with the new passport. An expired passport can also be used as evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Which Form to Use

• Applications by mail only:

  Please do not submit your application directly to the United States. Doing so will delay processing of your application.

  • Renewal of an adult’s passport issued less than 15 years ago
  • Updating (name change) or correcting information on a passport issued more than a year ago
  • Updating (name change) or correcting information on a passport issued less than a year ago
  • Replace a limited validity passport
  • Adding Visa Pages to an existing passport
• Applications requiring personal appearance:
  • Replace a Lost/Stolen/Damaged passport
  • Passports for children under age 16
  • Passports for applicants aged 16 - 17
  • First time applicant aged 18+
  • Renewal of a passport issued before age 16
  • Renewal of a passport issued more than 15 years ago

For additional information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Child Support and Passport Issuance

Under Section 51.70 (a) (8) of Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a passport, except for direct return to the United States, will not be issued in any case in which the applicant has been certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as notified by a state agency to be in arrears of child support in an amount exceeding $2,500.00. Your passport will be revoked if you fall under this regulation, including when you apply for additional pages, seek a renewal or process a Report of Birth application.

Please direct any questions to the appropriate State child support enforcement agency. You may go to the Department of Health and Human Services - State Child Support Enforcement Web Site for a listing of HHS state and local agencies.

Passports for minor children may also be denied in the cases of Child Custody Disputes.

Last update: Thursday, 17 September 2009 GMT+1000