Australian Passport Renewal in the USA

All passports have an expiry date, so if you suddenly realize that yours is about to expire or has already expired, it can disrupt your travel plans. As you can only leave the USA with a valid passport, renewing your Australian passport while in the US ensures you keep enjoying freedom of travel.

In this article, we will show you how to renew your Australian Passport in the United States without any hassle.

Table of contents

• How to Renew an Australian Passport in the USA? Step-by-step Guide
• Where to Renew Australian Passport in the USA: List of Consulates
• Documents Required for an Australian Passport Renewal
• Australian Passport Photo Requirements
• Australian Passport Photo Online
• Australian Passport Photo App
• How to Print Out a 35x45 Photo in the USA?
• Cost to Renew an Australian Passport in the USA
• How Long Does it Take to Renew an Australian Passport in the USA?
• How to Track an Australian Passport Application?
• Can You Renew an Australian Passport After it Expires?

How to Renew an Australian Passport in the USA? Step-by-step Guide

To renew your Australian passport from the USA, just follow the instructions below:

1. First, go to the Australian Embassy in the USA passport renewal website, create an account, and click on Apply or renew.
2. Fill out your application form directly on the website and print it out. Be sure to sign and date your form using the Australian date format (Day/Month/Year).
3. Gather all necessary documents and two passport-sized photos that meet the requirements.
4. Submit your completed application form, photos, and documents to the nearest Australian diplomatic or consular mission in the USA, making an appointment in advance.
5. After you pay the fee, it'll take about 6 weeks for the passport to be processed and sent to you. You will be notified by email or SMS when your passport is ready.

Where to Renew Australian Passport in the USA: List of Consulates

You have several options where to renew your Australian passport while you're in the U.S.: you can go to the Australian Embassy or one of the consulates, located throughout the country. You'll find the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Australian Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Hawaii, San Francisco, and Houston.

See the Locations page for detailed addresses and contacts.

Documents Required for an Australian Passport Renewal

To renew your Australian passport in the USA, you will need a few specific documents:

• Completed online and printed Australian Passport Renewal Application Form (PC7). This is for adults whose last passport was issued when they were 16 or older, was valid for at least two years, and hasn't been lost, stolen, or canceled.
• Two recent color passport-sized photos, matching official specifications, and are less than six months old. Make sure they meet official photo guidelines. Write your full name on the back of one of the photos.
• Your current or most recent Australian passport.
• All other documents that are listed on the application form.

Depending on your situation, you may need to bring other documents. This could be things like proof that you're Australian, IDs, or papers showing a change of name or gender.

Everything you bring must be an original and not a copy.

Australian Passport Photo Requirements

Make sure your Australian passport photo meets the following specifications:

• The photo should be 35×45 mm.
• The distance from the top of your head to your chin in the photo needs to be between 32 mm and 36 mm.
• For online applications, the photo must be clear with a resolution of at least 600 DPI.
• The background has to be plain white.
• Your photo must be in color, sharp, and well-lit without any blurs, shadows, or glitches.
• Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression (no smiles or frowns), ensuring your whole face is visible.
• Center your face in the middle of the photo.
• When wearing a head covering for religious or medical reasons, your face should not be covered.

Please note that photos from US pharmacies or post offices may not be suitable for the Australian Embassy, as they may not meet the required lighting, printing, or quality standards. But don't worry! We know where you can get the perfect picture for your Australian passport.

Australian Passport Photo Online

With Visafoto.com, you don't have to search for where to get a compliant Australian passport photo. Visafoto is a professional online photo editing service with a remarkable 99.7% photo approval rate.

Simply snap a photo with your smartphone or digital camera against a plain white background and upload it to Visafoto.com. We will edit its size, format, background color, and face position according to Australian passport photo requirements. Not satisfied with the result? We will change a photo for free and offer a full refund if it’s not accepted.

Additionally, Visafoto provides you with a digital version for online forms and a print-ready version.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

Australian Passport Photo App

Another professional tool for this task is the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. It's an easy-to-use app that lets you take ID, passport, and visa photos right on your phone, whether you're an iPhone or Android user.

Just upload your photo, choose what document you need the photo for, and specify the country. The app does the rest, adjusting your image to check all the boxes for the Australian passport – size, background, and format. You'll also get a file ready for digital use and a version set up for easy printing on common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

For those who want advanced editing, 7ID offers an Expert Tool. It uses smart technology to make more precise edits, enhance photo quality, and fix even complex backgrounds, all without a regular subscription. If you have any questions, our support team is available 24/7.

How to Print Out a 35x45 Photo in the USA?

If you need to print a 35×45 photo in the US, major chain stores like Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart can help you. Here's a quick guide on how to do that, using Rite Aid as an example:

• Go to the Rite Aid photo service website and choose the 4×6 print option.
• Upload the passport photo file you received from Visafoto.com or 7ID.
• Pay the print fee, choose a local pickup location, and have your photos delivered the same day or even an hour later.

Check this article to find out more passport photo printing options.

Cost to Renew an Australian Passport in the USA

The prices for Australian passport renewal from the USA change based on how old you are and how quickly you need it.

For adults (18 and over):

• passport valid for 10 years will cost you a total of USD 329 (USD 227 for the passport plus an additional USD 102 overseas fee).
• If you're 75 or older and only need a passport valid for 5 years, it will cost you a total of USD 217 (USD 115 for the passport plus the USD 102 overseas fee).

For minors:

• For children ages 0 to 15, a 5-year passport costs a total of USD 165 (USD 115 for the passport plus USD 50 for the overseas fee).
• For minors, 16 to 17 years old, a 10-year passport costs a total of USD 277 (USD 227 plus a USD 50 overseas fee).

An emergency passport will cost USD 142 for both adults and minors.

Please be aware that passport fees can change at the beginning of each year on January 1st. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please check the Australian Embassy's USA website for the latest fees on their Passport Fees page.

How Long Does it Take to Renew an Australian Passport in the USA?

Plan for at least a 6-week wait to receive your new Australian passport, although it can sometimes be quicker. If you need to travel urgently, check the Urgent Travel section on the Australian embassy website. They may be able to issue an emergency passport within two business days.

How to Track an Australian Passport Application?

After you get an email and an SMS with a tracking number, enter that number on the Australia Post website to see where your passport is. It might take a day or two for your tracking information to show up online.

Can You Renew an Australian Passport After it Expires?

In fact, Australians can renew their passports at any time, even if it has expired. But, if your passport has not been renewed for more than three years, you will need to complete a special form called Form PC8, which is for overseas passport applications.

Also, please keep in mind that the option to renew your passport is only available for adults. If you are looking to get a passport for someone who is under 18 years old, you will need to start the application process from the beginning.

Speed up your Australian passport renewal process by taking an ideal passport photo with 7ID or Visafoto.com!