United Kingdom/British passports
You can apply for a new British passport or renew your existing passport at more than 130 Australia Post retail outlets nationally that offer this service on behalf of the British High Commission.
We can:
- accept your British passport application, either for yourself or for a child under the age of 16
- process your payment
- organise secure delivery of your passport application and supporting documentation to the British High Commission
- securely deliver your new passport and documentation back to you once your application has been processed.
How to apply for a British passport
To apply for a new or renewed British Passport please follow these 5 steps:
1. Choose a post office
In June 2009, the British Government introduced an improved passport application service. Everyone applying for a new or renewed British passport now needs to have their application reviewed at an Australia Post retail outlet.
Post Office Locator will help you find the nearest Australia Post retail outlet that can process British passport applications. Or call 13 POST (13 7678).
2. Make an appointment at your chosen post office
To make sure one of our trained staff is available to review your application, we strongly recommend that you make an appointment at your chosen outlet.
You can make an appointment by:
- asking at any Australia Post retail outlet
- booking online using Post Office Locator
- calling us on 13 POST (13 7678).
If you book online, our booking system can send you a reminder by text or email the day before your appointment.
3. Complete your application form
Download and print out the relevant application form from the British High Commission:
- If you're over the age of 16 and you're applying for your first British passport or renewing your existing British passport, use the C1 form and the C1 notes. The notes will help you fill in your application correctly - they also include advice on the supporting documentation required by the British Government.
- If you're applying for a new British passport or renewing an existing British passport for a child under the age of 16, use the C2 form and the C2 notes. The notes will help you fill in the application correctly - they also include advice on the supporting documentation required by the British Government.
If you'd like more information, the British High Commission has detailed advice about British passports, application requirements and fees. Application forms can be downloaded free from this website.
Tips for filling your application form in correctly
- Use the detailed notes and checklists for your particular application form - these are provided on the British High Commission and will help you fill out your application correctly.
- When you sign your application form, please make sure your signature is completely within the signature box. We won't be able to process your application if your signature is outside the box in any part.
4. Prepare your supporting documents
When you come in for your appointment please bring:
- your completed application form (a C1 form for an adult passport or a C2 form for a child under 16)
- a hard copy of the current fee sheet, which you can download from the British High Commission's website
- 2 identical photos that meet British Government passport photo requirements. Australia Post can take instant passport photos for you.
- all relevant documentation required by the British Government - please refer to the British High Commission.
5. Attend your appointment and pay your application fee
Our staff will check your application to make sure that key sections are completed correctly. They'll also check you've provided supporting documents before sending them by Registered Post to the British High Commission for assessment. However, it's up to you to make sure the documentation you've provided meets the requirements of the British High Commission. The British High Commission may need to ask you to submit further documents if you've made a mistake or if your documents don't meet their requirements - this can delay your passport.
We'll ask you to pay your application fee at the time you lodge your application. Information about application fees can be found on the British High Commission. This fee is non-refundable as it is an application fee rather than a fee for issuing your passport.
Fees are subject to change, so please make sure you have the latest fee sheet with you.
You can pay using:
- cash
- EFTPOS
- Mastercard or Visa.
Please note that we don't accept personal, business or bank cheques, Diners Club or American Express cards for payment of passport application fees.
Once you've paid, we'll print your Registered Post number on your payment receipt. You may be asked for this number if you need to check the status of your application with the British High Commission.
Processing your passport
Your application will take approximately 3-4 weeks to process once the completed application is received by the British High Commission. If your previous passport has been lost or stolen, it may take longer to process.
It is recommended that you apply 6 weeks before travel. Applicants should not make firm travel bookings until they have received their new passport.
Tracking your passport application
If you need to check on the status of your passport application, please call the British High Commission's help line (call charges apply). You may be asked to quote your Registered Post number - this number can be found on the receipt we gave you at the time you made your application payment.
Taking delivery of your passport
The British High Commission will return your new passport and supporting documents to the address you provide on your application form. For security and speed, it will be sent to you using our Express Post Platinum service - you don't need to provide a return envelope with your application.
Unless your old passport has been damaged or defaced, it will be returned with your new one.
Please note that Australian visas in your old passport will not be automatically transferred into your new passport. You should contact the Department of Immigration & Citizenship for advice on how to get a replacement visa sticker in your new passport.
More information
Need more information about British passports? The British High Commission has detailed information about passports and application requirements including answers to frequently asked questions about British passports.
The British High Commission also has a call centre that you can contact between 9am and 6pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. Please be aware that calls will incur charges.