Renewal Applications

Purpose of the PC7

A streamlined process (PC7) is available to adults to renew a passport of the same type or obtain a passport of a different type, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. The use of a PC7 assumes that the holder of a passport has satisfied all identity and citizenship requirements when previously issued an Australian passport. Applicants using this process do not need to provide a guarantor or supporting documents.

Eligible applicants: PC7 renewal

Applicants may obtain a PC7 as long as it meets the eligibility criteria set out below and the applicant is not seeking to change their personal details (ie name, sex and date of birth) as recorded on their most recently issued passport.

An eligible ordinary/frequent traveller passport must:

• be either current or expired no later than 12 years after the date of issue (eg – a passport issued 1/1/2000 – can be used to generate a PC7 up to 1/1/2012);


• have been issued with at least two years validity.

An eligible diplomatic/official passport must:

• be either current or expired no later than 12 years after the date of issue (eg – a passport issued 1/1/2000 – can be used to generate a PC7 up to 1/1/2012).

  Circumstances where a PC7 may be used

  Applicants may use a previously issued passport as long as it meets the eligibility criteria (see ‘ Eligible applicants: PC7 renewal ’).

  An eligible ordinary/frequent traveller passport may be used to generate a PC7 to:

  • renew an ordinary/frequent traveller passport; or
  
  
  • to obtain a diplomatic/official passport, except where an applicant already holds an eligible diplomatic/official passport (see note below). (The application must meet the normal requirements for a diplomatic/official passport (e.g. sponsorship letter etc).)

  An eligible diplomatic/official passport may be used to generate a PC7 to:

  • renew a diplomatic/official passport (the application must meet the normal requirements for a diplomatic/official passport (eg sponsorship letter etc); or
  
  
  • obtain an ordinary/frequent traveller passport, except where an applicant already holds an eligible ordinary/frequent traveller passport (see note below).

  Note: Applicants who hold an eligible ordinary and eligible diplomatic/official passport at the same time can only use a PC7 to renew the same type of passport (i.e. a PC7 generated from their diplomatic/official passport cannot be used to renew their ordinary passport and vice versa).

  Ineligible applicants: PC7 renewal

  The PC7 cannot be used for:

  • to renew a passport which expired over 12 years from the date of issue;
  
  
  • to renew a passport which has been seriously damaged;
  
  
  • to renew a child’s passport, even if the child has reached the age of 18;
  
  
  • to renew a passport previously reported as lost or stolen (applicants must be able to present their previous document when lodging a PC7);
  
  
  • where the applicant has an outstanding lost of stolen passport prior to 1/7/2005 which has never been resolved;
  
  
  • when the applicant also wants to change their name or other personal details printed on the bio-data page in their passport (excluding place of birth or country of birth);
  
  
  • where there is an alert or impound recorded;
  
  
  • where the most recently issued document is a CTD, COI, or PTD; or
  
  
  • renewing a concurrent passport.

  Obtaining a PC7 renewal form

  After confirming their identity, applicants can obtain a one page form (PC7) which includes personal details pre-printed on the form.

  In Australia

  In Australia applicants can request a PC7 form from APIS. A covering letter and details of the fee payable should also be sent/given to the applicant. Applicant can also print a pre-filled form from the passports website (www.passports.gov.au).

  Overseas

  Applicants who are overseas can:

  • print a pre-filled form from the passports website (www.passports.gov.au);
  
  
  • request a renewal from APIS (New Zealand only);
  
  
  • request a renewal form on-line and ask for it to be mailed to them.
  
  
  • ask an overseas post (by telephone or in person) to create a pre-filled form which can then be mailed out or collected from the post.

  Lodgement requirements: PC7 renewal

  Completed PC7 forms can be lodged at an Australia Post outlet, a passport office or an overseas mission however applications for a diplomatic or official passport can only be lodged at a passport office or overseas mission. Lodgement must be in person except for those overseas posts which accept renewal applications by mail. APIS can make appointments with state passport offices. Some Australia Post outlets may require an appointment (applicant to check with local outlet).

  Expiry date: PC7 renewal

  The PC7 renewal form must be lodged before the expiry date printed at the top of the form.

  Forms past their due date are to be rejected at lodgement.

  Photographs and signature: PC7 renewal

  Two recent photographs must be provided with the application form. The applicant must also sign and date the declaration. See also ‘ Photograph requirements ’.

  Amending personal details: PC7 renewal

  Changes to names or other details printed on the bio-data page of the passport can only be made by using the full adult application form (PC1 or PC8) and submitting appropriate supporting documents.

  Applicants may amend their mailing address, country of birth (e.g. Yugoslavia to Croatia) or spelling of the town/city of birth. The country and town/city of birth may be changed to reflect the details recorded on their full Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate.

  If the applicant was born overseas and the place of birth is not shown on their Australian citizenship certificate, it is acceptable to use the applicant’s full foreign birth certificate (with an English translation where necessary), which states the proper birth place of the applicant. No other amendments to personal details are permitted using the renewal form (PC7).

  See also ‘ Place of birth and gender in passport ’.