Australian e-Passport Checklist: Guide for 2025

The Australian e-Passport, equipped with a biometric chip for enhanced security, is your key to seamless global travel in 2025, offering access to 189 visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA destinations (Henley Passport Index 2025). Our professional guide provides a trusted checklist for adults and children, ensuring a smooth application process for this world-class travel document.

About the Australian e-Passport

The Australian e-Passport, issued by the Australian Passport Office, incorporates advanced biometric technology, including a tamper-proof chip for facial recognition, meeting International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. Available as Standard, Child, Diplomatic, or Official passports, it ensures secure and efficient border crossings worldwide. This checklist covers essential documents for Standard and Child e-Passport applications in 2025.

Pro Tip: Verify your passport’s validity (6 months beyond travel dates) for international travel to avoid entry issues.

Adult e-Passport Checklist (Standard or Frequent Traveler)

For applicants aged 16 and over applying for a Standard e-Passport (P Series) or Frequent Traveler e-Passport, the following documents are required to confirm identity, citizenship, and eligibility:

Required Documents

Proof of Identity: One primary photo ID (e.g., current driver’s license, proof of age card) and one secondary ID (e.g., Medicare card, utility bill with current address). If no photo ID is available, two referees may be required for online applications.
Proof of Citizenship: Original full Australian birth certificate (issued by a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages), Australian citizenship certificate, or foreign passport with an Australian visa. Birth extracts or commemorative certificates are not accepted.
Passport Photos: Two identical color photos (35–40mm wide, 45–50mm high), taken within 6 months, plain light background, no glasses, neutral expression, true skin tone (no filters). Photos must be printed on matte or glossy paper.
Guarantor/Referee: An Australian citizen (not a relative or living at your address) who has known you for 12+ months, from an approved occupation (e.g., teacher, doctor). They must endorse one photo with “This is a true photo of [your full name]” and sign in black pen. For online applications in Australia, a referee may confirm identity if contacted.
Previous Passport: Current or expired Australian passport, if applicable. It will be cancelled upon application assessment.
Name Change (if applicable): Original marriage certificate, divorce papers, or legal name change document from an Australian authority if your name differs from previous records.

Pro Tip: Use Australia Post for photos to ensure compliance with strict guidelines, minimizing rejection risks.

Child e-Passport Checklist (Under 16)

For children under 16 applying for a Child e-Passport, additional documents are required to verify identity, citizenship, and parental consent:

Required Documents

Proof of Identity and Citizenship: Original full Australian birth certificate naming both parents, Australian citizenship certificate, or foreign passport with an Australian visa. Birth extracts or commemorative certificates are not accepted.
Passport Photos: Two identical color photos (35–40mm wide, 45–50mm high), taken within 6 months, plain light background, no glasses, neutral expression. For infants, eyes must be open with no visible support (e.g., parent’s hand).
Parental Consent: Both parents or legal guardians must sign Section 15 of the application form in front of a witness. If one parent is unavailable, submit Form B10 (Special Circumstances) with supporting documents (e.g., court orders, death certificate). Children aged 10 and over must sign Section 16 if applying in Australia.
Guarantor: An Australian citizen (not a parent, relative, or living with the child) who has known the child since birth or for 12+ months, from an approved occupation (e.g., teacher, lawyer). They must endorse one photo with “This is a true photo of [child’s full name]” and sign in black pen.
Previous Passport: Current or expired child passport, if applicable.
Name Change (if applicable): Original legal name change document or amended birth certificate if the child’s name has changed.
Proof of Parent’s Identity: One parent must provide a photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) with name, photo, signature, and residential address when lodging the application.

Pro Tip: Schedule an appointment at an Australia Post outlet for child applications to ensure parental consent is properly verified.

Special Circumstances

Certain situations require additional documentation to support your e-Passport application:

Additional Documents

Lost or Stolen Passport: Complete Form B9 (Declaration of Lost or Stolen Passport) and provide a police report. Report to local police and an Australian embassy if overseas.
Limited Validity Passport (LVP): If replacing an emergency passport or applying with incomplete documents, provide available identity and citizenship proof. LVPs are issued for up to 1 year.
Overseas Applicants: Provide proof of current address (e.g., utility bill) in addition to standard documents. An overseas surcharge (AUD 155 for adults, AUD 76 for children) applies.
Physical/Mental Incapacity: If unable to sign the form, submit a medical practitioner’s letter or Form B11 (General Declaration) explaining the reason.
Non-English Documents: Provide original English translations from a registered translation service for any non-English supporting documents.

Pro Tip: For lost/stolen passports, report immediately and store a digital passport copy securely to expedite replacements.

General Guidelines

Photo Standards: Photos must meet strict ICAO guidelines (no shadows, correct size, neutral background). Non-compliant photos are a common cause of rejection. Use Australia Post or professional services for best results.
Document Authenticity: Only original documents or certified copies are accepted. Photocopies, birth extracts, or commemorative certificates are not valid.
Guarantor/Referee Eligibility: Ensure your guarantor/referee meets Australian Passport Office criteria (e.g., not a relative, approved occupation) to avoid delays.
Application Form: Use the online AusPassport portal for adults (green form) or collect a purple Child Passport form at Australia Post. Print forms clearly, ensuring barcodes and admin sections are visible.
Lodgment: Lodge in person at Australia Post (1,700+ outlets) or an Australian embassy/consulate for overseas applicants. Walk-in service is available; no appointments needed at Post Offices.

Pro Tip: Start your application early (6–8 weeks before travel) and use the AusPassport portal to track progress with your application number.

Secure Your e-Passport for 2025

With this trusted checklist, applying for your Australian e-Passport is simple and efficient. Gather your documents and unlock secure, global travel with confidence!