Karmactive Staff
Australians will soon be able to apply for new passports entirely online, eliminating the need to visit Australia Post offices. This major change, announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), is expected to roll out within the next year.
The new system will allow first-time applicants to complete the entire process digitally – from filling out forms to identity verification and payment. This marks a significant shift from the current process.
Right now, while passport renewals can be done online, first-time applicants must either apply online and then lodge paperwork in person at Australia Post, or complete a paper application and submit it at a post office.
Licensed Post Office Group executive director Angela Cramp confirmed the digital transition has been “years in the making.”
“Full online applications are supposedly six to 12 months away, but eventually it will happen,” Cramp told 2GB radio. “Most people do want to come and make sure that their passport is lodged at a post office and we check all the documents for them.”
The digital shift aims to speed up the application process. DFAT officials suggest processing times could drop by up to 20 percent once the system is fully implemented. This would cut the current average processing time from 15 days down to about 12 business days.
Security is a key focus of the new system. Applicants will upload identity documents that will undergo automated biometric facial-matching against a live selfie capture. The system will use AES-256 encryption for data storage and TLS 1.3 for in-transit security to protect personal information.
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The fully digital passport application is planned to be available nationwide by mid-2026, following a series of controlled pilot tests in metropolitan and regional centers set to begin in late 2025.
Despite the digital push, DFAT has confirmed that traditional in-person application options will remain available. This is crucial as many Australians still prefer face-to-face assistance when applying for important documents.
“For some people, applying for a passport was a very stressful experience because they were worried about having the correct documents or not getting their application approved,” Cramp explained.
The digital passport initiative follows similar moves in other countries. Canada now accepts fully digital ePassport applications, while the UK recently rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorization digital permit system.
To ensure no one is left behind, DFAT plans to maintain select Australia Post locations with dedicated assistance booths and provide a 24/7 helpline. Mobile application vans may be deployed in remote regions to help those without reliable internet access.
The system may eventually integrate with the federal “Trust Exchange” digital ID platform, allowing streamlined verification through existing systems like MyGov.
A key concern for experts is maintaining robust identity verification while ensuring accessibility. Currently, about 8 percent of passport applications are rejected due to poor-quality photos, an issue the digital system aims to address with clear guidelines.
A DFAT spokesperson confirmed Australians will still be able to apply for a passport by visiting an Australia Post Office once the online tool is available.
The change represents a significant step in modernizing government services, balancing digital convenience with security and accessibility for all Australians.
