How to Apply For New Zealand Passport Online?

If you need to obtain your first New Zealand passport or replace an old one, you can easily apply for it online.

Do you remember that most countries require visitors to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the entry date? That means that you shouldn't wait for your passport to expire before you get a new one. Luckily, New Zealand allows its citizens to apply for passports online, so you can both save your time and keep a social distance. You will need a RealMe account details to login the service and a digital passport photograph. Follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Register a RealMe account (if you don't have one)

An online application for the first passport can be made by each citizen who is 16 or older and has a RealMe verified identity. RealMe allows you to log into many NZ government sites and services, so if you still don't have one - create it as soon as possible.

You'll need to provide a username and password, your contact details, and three security questions. To verify your identity after, follow the official guide. Keep in mind, that verification process takes up to 5 working days, so it's better to care about it in advance.

Step 2: Take a digital passport photo

Note, that you can't use your RealMe photo for a passport application. Scanned photos are not accepted as well. But it's not necessary to head to a photo studio or copying center. You can use Visafoto.com online New Zealand passport photo service. And it will make a photo that matches all of the official requirements:

• 3:4 ratio;
• in jpg or jpeg format;
• between 250KB and 10MB;
• between 900 and 4500 pixels wide and 1200 and 6000 pixels high;
• Head height (up to the top of the hair): 70%. Distance from the bottom of the photo to the eye line: 54%.

With Visafoto you don't even have to care about a background: service will automatically change it to white. It will also set contrast, smooth strong shadows and do all other needed things. Follow these tips to take a passport photo at home.

Step 3: Find a referee

That's a person who can confirm your identity. That must be someone who is 16 years or older, has held a NZ passport before (it can be expired) and has known you for more than one year. Note that your relatives can't be referees, so ask your friends or colleagues. Your referee should provide the name, date of birth, passport details and phone number.

Step 4: Proceed to the application

Head to Passports.govt.nz. Click "Apply for your passport online". After several questions sign in via your RealMe account. Fill the application form and upload a photo. The whole process takes about 10 minutes!

Step 5: Pay a fee

Standard passport service (processing takes up to working 10 days) is NZD $191 for an adult passport and $111 for a child passport. To obtain your passport urgently within 3 working days, you will need to pay $382.

Step 6: Get your passport via delivery service

You will be notified when your passport is ready. There is no need to go out: it will be brought to you as soon as possible.

All new adult passports issued are valid for 10 years. A child passport (under 16) lasts for just five years, because their appearance is more likely to change.