In everyday life, we may be asked to provide a form of ID in numerous situations- at a bank, during a routine police check, before a domestic flight, and more.
Since Australia does not have a national identity card, many citizens may feel that they do not have an appropriate document on hand. But what about an expired Australian passport? Can you use an expired passport as ID in Australia?
The short answer is yes. However, it’s not always possible. In this article, we’ll guide you through each situation and explain all the necessary conditions for a passport to count as ID.
Can an expired passport be used as ID for a police check?
A National Police Check (NPC) is a certified document that contains the full police history and personal details of an individual. To start the background check, the authorities need detailed identity documentation.
Generally, the police will only accept valid documents, however, there is one exception. Australian citizens can provide a passport that expired less than 2 (two) years before the application. To be used as an identity document, it must not be cancelled or damaged.
This exception applies EXCLUSIVELY to the Australian passport – an expired foreign passport will never be accepted by the Australian Government. In this case, it’s necessary to provide another form of ID, such as a valid driver’s licence or an Australian or overseas birth certificate.
Can I use an expired passport as ID to apply for a driver’s licence?
When an Australian citizen applies for a driver’s licence through the local government, it’s mandatory to provide identity documents to accompany the application forms. In these circumstances, the authorities usually require valid documents.
However, according to the governments of New South Wales and Queensland, an Australian passport that expired less than 2 (two) years ago is an acceptable form of ID. As always, if the document was ever reported lost, stolen or damaged it will no longer be considered a valid ID by any state or territory.
Looking for more tips for your passport application? Look no further:
- Renew Expired Australian Passport: A How-to Guide
- Visa-Free Countries for Australian Passport Holders in 2024
- Do You Need a Passport to Go to New Zealand?
- How to Renew South African Passport in Australia: A Step-By-Step Guide
- Apply for Australian Passport: A How-to Guide
- Officeworks Passport Photos Rejected
- Lost Passport in Australia – Report and Replace
Is an expired passport a valid ID for domestic flights?
When travelling by air inside Australia, every passenger needs to present an ID before boarding. Differently from international flights, domestic travel requires less detailed documentation. Driver’s licences and other IDs are enough for an Australian citizen to fly inside of the country.
When it comes to expired passports, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade only states that the document is valid for travel from the issue date to the expiry date, without further information. The same goes for airlines – they only specify that expired documents are not acceptable for booking or boarding.
So, if a citizen needs to fly to another Australian state or territory, they need to show valid photo ID documents or alternative documents.
To fly outside the country, only a current Australian passport will be accepted.
Prepare for an Australian passport or ID with Passport Photo Online
If you need pictures to apply for an official document in Australia, use Passport Photo Online.
Our app, used by over a million people, allows you to take your snaps at home without any kind of special equipment.
Take a photo with your smartphone and we will handle everything else:
- Our app can resize a photo to meet official requirements and remove the background seamlessly. No need to wander looking for the right place, you can take your pictures anywhere, with no appointments or queues whatsoever. We are available 24/7.
- Our AI scans the image, finding even the tiniest mistakes. We can also help you meet the requirements by sharpening your photo and adjusting the lighting. Once you get our approval, you’ll have a 100% guarantee to have followed all government instructions.
- You can try as many times as you like. Aim for the perfect picture; there will be no additional costs. Perfect for taking baby passport photos in a relaxing environment.
You can get the printed pictures delivered to your home or download the file immediately.
Passport Photo Online works for Australian passports, identity documents, and much more.
Using an expired passport as ID in Australia: FAQ
In the following section, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about the validity of an expired Australian passport.
Is an expired passport valid ID in Australia?
Not always. To be used as ID, it needs to have expired less than 2 (two) years ago, and never be reported lost, stolen, or damaged.
Does an expired passport count as ID for a police check application?
If it expired less than 2 (two) years before the application and it hasn’t been cancelled or damaged, the police will accept it as ID.
How long is an expired passport valid for ID?
It will be valid for identification for 2 (two) years if it’s not damaged or cancelled.
Is an expired passport still a valid ID to travel?
Not for air travel – it can only be used for identification purposes and not as a travel document.
Is an expired passport valid ID for employment?
Yes, provided the document expired less than 2 (two) years ago and it’s not damaged or cancelled.
Can you use an expired passport as ID for clubs?
The Australian Government counts an expired passport as a valid ID for 2 (two) years, however, whether to accept a document or not is ultimately up to the club management.
Can I use an expired passport as ID for alcohol?
For 2 (two) years after the expiry date, Australian passports are considered valid identification documents. The decision to accept a document as proof of age is up to individual stores and establishments.
Can you use an expired passport as ID in Australia — closing thoughts
For mere identification purposes, the Australian Government considers expired passports valid for 2 (two) years after the expiry date. This only counts if the documents were never cancelled or damaged.
So, Australian citizens can use an expired passport to apply for a police check, a new driver’s licence, and more.
However, holders of an expired Australian passport cannot confirm their identity for air travel. It’s also fundamental to note that the exception only counts for Australian passports.
If you need to apply for a new passport, ID, or any other official document, trust Passport Photo Online to get the necessary pictures any time and from anywhere.
Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
