Use of an endorsement, including a label, is the only way additional information can be added to a passport or other travel document – either at the time of issue or subsequently. The endorsement must not conflict with, or be used to try to alter any personal details on the bio-data page.

An endorsement may:

• Indicate the status of the bearer of a Diplomatic or Official passport;


• Indicate a title, decoration of award conferred by the crown or the Australian government but not an honorific (i.e. Doctor); See: ‘ Titles, decorations and awards ’.


• Observe that the holder of a limited validity passport can apply for a replacement to be issued gratis;


• Indicate that a Document of Identity was issued for travel between the Australian mainland and Norfolk Island only; See: ‘ Travel to/from Norfolk Island:DOI ’.


• Extend the validity of a Certificate of Identity (COI) or a Convention Travel Document (CTD) overseas. See: ‘ Revalidation or extension of a COI ’ and ‘ Revalidation or extension to a CTD overseas ’.

The text used for endorsements must follow follow the standards outlined in ‘ Standard formats for endorsement in travel document ’. Authorised Officers do not have authority to vary these standards or decide new formats of text.

The text can be printed on a label and placed in a travel document with a stamp/seal if additional information is subsequently required after it has been despatched.

Fees apply to applications for endorsements/observations that are made after the initial production of the travel document. There are no provisions allowing waiver or refund of this fee.