passports.govt.nz

New Zealand passports | Uruwhenua Aotearoa

The Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua

 

Apply for or renew a New Zealand passport

The cover and some of the inside pages of the latest design New Zealand passport

How long does it take to get a passport?

Standard passport applications can take up to 10 working days, not including delivery time. If you choose to submit an urgent application and pay an additional fee, your new passport will usually be issued within 3 working days.

Contact us if your travel is extremely urgent and we may be able to help you even faster.

  • Check that you're eligible to renewFront page of the Renewal application form

    Already have a New Zealand passport? Even if your existing passport is expired, most people can use the simpler renewal form when its time to replace it.

  • Apply for an adult passportFront page of the Adult application form

    Never had a passport issued in New Zealand? Have you lost your previous New Zealand passport or has it been stolen? You need to complete a full application.

  • Apply for or renew a child passportFront page of the Child application form

    All children (under 16 years) and babies need to travel on their own passport. Consent from a parent or legal guardian is required before we will issue a child’s passport.

  • Learn how we can help you in an emergencyFront page of the Emergency travel document application form

    Already overseas? Need to travel urgently? You may be able to apply for an emergency travel document when you can't wait for a full replacement passport to be issued.

New Zealand citizens are entitled to a passport

You are a citizen if you were born in New Zealand, Niue, the Cook Islands or Tokelau before 1 January 2006. Children born on or after 1 January 2006 are only New Zealand citizens if one of their parents was a citizen or a permanent resident of New Zealand, Niue, the Cook Islands or Tokelau at the time of the child's birth.

If you were born elsewhere and have obtained New Zealand citizenship you will have received a citizenship certificate.

If you believe you are entitled to citizenship but have not obtained a citizenship certificate, contact the Citizenship office to determine your citizenship status. Your status must be confirmed before we will issue you a New Zealand passport.

If you're not a New Zealand citizen, you may be able to apply for Certificate of identity or Refugee travel document

If you live in New Zealand but you're not a New Zealand citizen, you can apply for a Certificate of Identity or Refugee Travel Document if you cannot get a passport from your country of citizenship.

A Certificate or Identity may be issued to a person who is not a New Zealand citizen if they genuinely cannot obtain a passport from their country of citizenship. This document allows the holder to leave New Zealand, and is valid for a maximum of 1 year. Earlier expiry dates may apply.

A Refugee Travel Document may be issued to a person who has refugee status confirmed by Immigration New Zealand. This document allows the holder to leave (and re-enter) New Zealand for up to 2 years. Earlier expiry dates may apply.

Certificates of Identity and Refugee Travel Documents can not be replaced by the New Zealand Passport Office if they are lost, stolen or expire while you are overseas. You will need to apply to the local authorities of the country in which you are travelling for a replacement travel document. If you are the holder of a Refugee Travel Document you may be able to obtain a travel document from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Information for transgender applicants

If you maintain a gender identity that differs from that shown on your birth or citizenship record, you may wish to have your passport issued showing your new gender identity. New Zealand law allows an eligible adult, or the guardian of an eligible child, to apply to the New Zealand Family Court for a declaration to have their birth or citizenship record reflect their nominated gender.

Learn more about applying for a change in gender or gender 'X' passport.