Australian Passport Office Sets New 2026 Application Rules

The Australian Passport Office (APO), operating under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has released the requirements for passport applications in 2026. Applicants must submit their applications in an approved form and in person, accompanied by the applicable fee.

Eligible applicants can complete their applications online and print them for submission at designated Australia Post outlets or Australian diplomatic missions overseas. Original documents confirming identity and citizenship are required, including a cardinal document for first-time applicants and Personal Identity Documents for adults.

A referee who has known the applicant for at least 12 months must also be provided. All applicants aged 16 and above must attend the lodgement in person for identity verification.

To confirm citizenship, original evidence of Australian citizenship must be presented. For child applications, written consent from all persons with parental responsibility is necessary.

The APO emphasizes that Australia's passport is among the most secure globally, adhering to strict identity verification standards.