[warren21]

Hi all,

Well looks like I'm headed to Malaysia for a holiday at the end of November but I don't have a passport. Now to get the passport I also need a birth certificate because they no longer accept birth extracts. I have tomorrow off so was going to try and get it all done in the one day. So was going to Birth, Deaths & Marriages and then to the passport office. However can I have my passport photo taken and developed on the spot? How long do you think it will take for me to get my passport? I know I'm leaving things a little late.

[BLINDER]

I think you've left it far too late.
I believe the passports usually take 6 weeks!?

Edit: Government passport link

[DavyG]

Do this tomorrow, first thing in the morning, call in sick to school/uni/work whatever, process the photo first, go get a passport application form, fill it in, get the photos, make a back up in iPhoto, get a family friend, not member to verify the application and send it in. Then hope and pray that the new passport comes back in time.

With a bit of luck and trust in Australia Post, it might make it...

Or you can get a refund for that holiday...

[spargo]

You'll be fine.

Take a look through the links on this page, which includes the option to request priority processing. I will cost you more, but in your case may be worth it.

I'd even think that a normal application would make it in time. Try and get as much done as you can tomorrow, including all aspects of the application that require your presence.

From memory you will require someone who knows you to sign the back of the passport photos to verify it is you, and also sign the form - keep that in mind if you're trying to do it all tomorrow.

There is also an online application form system these days - have a crack at that tonight and then go from there.

[timothy]

you can maybe get it done... just in time. the passport photos you get done yourself at a chemist... the back of the photo has to be signed by someone you have known for a year. make sure to tell them at the passport office that you are in an urgent rush... they can speed things up if they have to. good luck...

[spargo]

Warren21 - if you need it to go away, they will get it processed for you. Take a good look through that website I linked you to and get things done tomorrow.

[ryano]

It only took a just over a week to get mine (about this time last year)

[Alessiman]

Passport photos can be done on the spot. There is a chemist next to the passport office on Lonsdale St that will do it for you. The minimum time for a passport now is 2 days due to the new RFID chips. It used to take 3-4 hours when I had mine done last

6 weeks I think is if you have to send it in by post etc

[warren21]

Thanks everyone will fill out the forms online tonight. Will let you all know how it goes.

[toholio]

Ouch, a passport in four weeks? You're possibly not going to be able to get one.

Get you photos done at a chemist tomorrow morning first thing and fill out the form straight away. Get the other documentation you need in order then get a fiend to sign the photos and form. Submit it for processing and pay the extra $75 for priority processing.

I'm not sure what the eligibility requirements for priority processing are but you're probably going to need it if you want one in time.

Make sure your pen doesn't so much as go one millimetre over the edge of the box when you sign the form. I wish I was kidding about this...

[craigd]

cant speak for aussie ones but my last uk one took 3 hours from filing the form to collection

[g5agogo]

The eligibility requirements for priority processing are as for anything in our capitalist system , you can get it *play ennio morricone music* "for a few dollars more". You should have no problem if you do it express, and btw many post offices now have the facility to take an instant passport photo for you (also for a few dollars more) as well as doing your "passport interview" but you usually have to book in advance.

[melbmac]

Go the the passport office and it will go much quicker, and much smoother. The problem with Australian passports id the post office (they struggle to arrange a reliable mail service, why they do passports I will never understand).

[Bee-J]

Even considering the information already posted re: Passport processing, will you be able to get a full birth certificate in a day-or a morning for that matter? I know in NSW it can be pretty time consuming getting a full certificate made up. They can do it in a day, but naturally there is a pretty decent fee involved.

This may not end up being your experience, but I would prepare for alot of waiting in government offices with bad TV pointed at you, and hideous decor (plastic plants, garish paint colours etc.) along with (possibly?) bored/exhausted/bitter public servants full of jargon you don't understand.

Be thankful you live in a city with wonderful trams to get you around the CBD to help with the running around.

[warren21]

Well all sorted. Got my photo's, full birth certificate and passport done all done before 2.30pm. Paid priority ($275.00) for the passport and it will be here in 5 days. Phew...........

[tommelbourne]

Awesome! Glad to hear it all worked out for you. Happy holidaying!