Passport Renewal query

[WWTFC]

Our first ever passports expire in November this year. We don't expect to need a passport until January 2020. (Saving for trip to Antarctica). Should we renew now or let lapse and apply again about this time next year?

Thanks in anticipation
Col D

 

[Hvr]

Renew now. That way you have it if an unexpected trip presents itself.

Also, requirements may change and the cost will definitely rise.

 

[Denali]

I would renew now because what if you have to go to ?? suddenly?

I also thought it was easier to renew a passport than start the entire process again and doesnt it cost more for a new application than a renewal?

 

[RooFlyer]

Definitely renew now - cost and convenience.

 

[opusman]

You can renew a passport up to 3 years after it expires.

 

[Pushka]

You can renew a passport up to 3 years after it expires.

I think for the easy application though which is fabulously easy, it needs to be current.

I have never been without a usable passport for over 40 years now.

 

[opusman]

No, no difference if current or expired up to 3 years. After that you need a new application.

 

[Deleted member]

I would NEVER be without a valid passport, irrespective of travel plans

 

[jb747]

Renew now. Whilst it is currently easy to renew an expired passport (though I think it may be 2, not 3 years), you never know if that might change. The current system is quick and easy. My son's, which had expired, was back in about two weeks.

 

[opusman]

3 years...

 

[Blackbird]

Three years is correct.
Renewing your passport

 

[serfty]

I rewewed my passport in November last year.

Strait forward and nine days from PO visit to arrival in registered post.

The process is the same for a passport of up to three years expired.

 

[PineappleSkip]

I’d leave it, unless you think you’re likely to need it. If you renew now, your new passport will run out in Sep 2028. If you do it late 2019, it runs out in late 2029. Do it early without need and you pay for 10 more years, but effectively only get 9 more years compared to deferring.

Cheers ‘never pay today if you can defer till tomorrow’ skip

 

[leadman]

Renew now, fill those Government coffers, and receive the wonderful abridged 34 page passport. Seven months in 13 pages down, must thank the bureaucrat who worked out by cutting the larger passports out they could earn more money......

 

[OZDUCK]

One advantage of keeping a Passport active is an as an identification for various services in your old age - especially if you are a migrant. I had to do a lot of running around for my mother-in-law in her last few years when she needed to access government services. Her Singapore Birth Certificate was not acceptable, nor was her Australian Citizenship Certificate or Pension Card and she had no Drivers License etc.

 

[opusman]

You can use an expired passport for ID in some situations, e.g. one that expired less than 2 years is accepted for the 100 point ID check.

 

[OZDUCK]

You can use an expired passport for ID in some situations, e.g. one that expired less than 2 years is accepted for the 100 point ID check.

True, but she was 90 years old and her passport had expired at least 10 years ago.

 

[747sp]

100 point check stopped in 2008 with the new aml/ctf act . I would renew as it helps with kyc for banks and if you have a change in jobs it will show that have the right to work in Australia for the new employer.

 

[Hvr]

One advantage of keeping a Passport active is an as an identification for various services in your old age - especially if you are a migrant.

I had this issue with an 80 year old neighbour born in England. She never drove and needed to prove who she was to the UK government to continue getting the UK pension her late husband accrued. The only identification she could get was a proof of age card. I had to certify that I had known her for a specific time frame and then we had to get a person from a specific occupation to certify they knew us both.

Fortunately we both use the same pharmacist who was happy to sign the papers.

It was quite a saga because her passport had expired 20+ years previously.

 

[OZDUCK]

I had this issue with an 80 year old neighbour born in England. She never drove and needed to prove who she was to the UK government to continue getting the UK pension her late husband accrued. The only identification she could get was a proof of age card. I had to certify that I had known her for a specific time frame and then we had to get a person from a specific occupation to certify they knew us both.

Fortunately we both use the same pharmacist who was happy to sign the papers.

It was quite a saga because her passport had expired 20+ years previously.

The same story for me - the pharmacist to the rescue.