If you're in Australia when your British passport is set to expire, the U.K. High Commission in New Zealand will help you renew your passport close to home. Keep in mind that only the New Zealand offices renew U.K. passports for people in Australia; Canberra's offices do not. Fortunately, the High Commission makes it simple to renew your passport while you're overseas. Within six weeks, you will have a new passport that will allow you to jet off to visit your home country of Great Britain or any other country whenever you like.

Download and print a passport application from the U.K. High Commission Wellington website. If you are over age 16, you will need Form C1. Complete the application using black ink, initialing in the bottom right-hand corner of each of the first three pages.

Have a new passport photo taken, which must be no more than one month old when you lodge your application. Some post offices have instant passport photo services. In the photo, face the camera without anything obstructing your face -- not even a shadow or hair. Make two copies of the photo.

Ask someone who is not a relative or partner to certify one of the photos for you. Ask them to write the following on the back of one photo:

"I certify that this is a true likeness of [Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms or other title followed by your full name]"

Ask them to sign and date underneath.

Provide all supporting documents, which include a photocopy of your valid I.D. and your birth certificate. This should be a full U.K. birth certificate if you were born in the U.K. If you were born outside the U.K., provide your birth certificate as well as your parents' marriage certificate and one parent's birth certificate. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce or choice, provide official proof via a marriage certificate or deed poll. Print out a copy of the current fee sheet from the British High Commission website.

Visit the Australia postal website or call 13 7678 to find the nearest post office that will process passport applications. Book an appointment.

Include your previous passport with your application, photos and supporting documents. Take all of these to your appointment at the post office. Staff will look over your passport to make sure everything is filled out properly and that all supporting documents are in order.

Pay your application fee at the post office. You must pay using cash, MasterCard, Visa or Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS). Keep your receipt to track your application's progress.

Tip

  • Apply six weeks before travel dates to ensure that you receive your new passport in time.

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