From 1st July 2008 new passport application forms have been introduced by the Australian Passport office. The responsibility for the renewal and issuance of passport lies with the Passport office under the ‘Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’. Use of old forms have been seized and the new forms can be identified from the presence of the letters G or F that is situated under the barcode located at the top of the application form.
The process for a fresh application and renewal differ in the method of application. So here we are going to look at the process how you can apply and renew an Australian passport.
First let’s have a look at the step by step process for the application for a new passport:
Step #1: Get your application form from a postal outlet approved by the passport office

Step #2: Put together the documents that are mentioned in the application form. The documents should be enough to prove that you are a valid Australian citizen. The original documents to prove your citizenship can be any of the following: a) Australian Birth certificate (people born after 20/8/ 1986 need to show evidence that at least one of the parents was a permanent resident or an Australian citizen at the time of his/her birth).
b) Australian citizenship certificate.
c) Passports carry the name issued at the time of birth; if there wee no changers incorporated by the Registrar of Birth, Deaths and Marriages. Documents to exhibit any instances of a change in name after birth should be presented.
d) 2 copies of recent photographs. One photograph should be signed and endorsed by the person who is providing the proof of the applicant’s identity.
e) Residential and identity proofs like credit card, driving license etc

Step #3: Duly filled application form along with the payment

Step #4: Fix your appointment for an interview at the post office. All post offices do not conduct the interview for passport applicants, so check out with the post office of your choice. Those under the age of 18 need not appear for the personal interview.
The process for renewal is:
Step#1: Visit the website www.passports.gov.au. Click on the section for renew and follow the instructions

Step#2: Enter the number of your current passport and post the answers for a few questions. Now you can download the application form that includes the information tat you have provided

Step#3: You can carry out the same process manually by calling up 13-12-32 (Australian Passport Information Service). Answer the same set of questions and then you will receive the application form through mail. Fill it up and set an appointment with the post office

Step#4: Pay off the fee at the time of the submission of the application (no checks, only cash or credit cards are accepted).

Please check in with the official site of the Australian Passport office under the ‘Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’. This are few of the simple steps that you need to take for ensuring the issuance or renewal of your new passport.