How to Renew a New Zealand Passport

Renewing your New Zealand passport can be done seamlessly online or through a paper application - our comprehensive guide explains how to do this.

Updated 9 June 2023

Summary

Before planning any international trip, check your passport's expiry date. If it has expired or has less than six months of validity, hold off making travel arrangements until you have a new one.
Some countries require you to have six months of validity on your passport when you enter; you can see a list of those here on a US Consulate's website.

How do I renew my New Zealand passport? How much does it cost?
You can renew your New Zealand passport in two ways:

Online
Paper application form

Renewing online is a faster, easier, and cheaper method. An adult passport renewal costs $206 for online or paper applications. You can pay with a credit or debit card.

How long will it take to get my new passport?
The Department of Internal Affairs advises you to allow up to 20 working days (4 weeks) for your new passport to arrive if you're applying within New Zealand. Urgent passports are processed in up to 3 working days, and if you need to travel sooner than 3 days, apply for an urgent passport which can be issued in one day.

Differences in Applying from Overseas: While you can renew your passport from anywhere in the world, note that some procedures might differ depending on the country you're in - please check with the relevant NZ Embassy or Consulate.

Know This: It's best to apply well before any planned travel given the four week renewal time. Applying during peak times like Christmas or school summer holidays could take longer.

What if I need my passport sooner?

You can use the Urgent Travel Document Service if you need to get your new passport sooner. The cost is higher, and your passport will be processed within three working days plus delivery time.
If you need a passport for a child to travel due to a serious illness or death in the family, call the Department of Internal Affairs Passport office on 0800 22 50 50 (or +64 4 463 9360 if you're calling from overseas).

Beyond the links above, our guide covers the following:

How to Renew a New Zealand Passport Online

The fastest and easiest way to renew your New Zealand passport is online via the New Zealand Government's Passport website.
What you'll need to renew your New Zealand passport online:

A digital passport photo
A credit or debit card or internet banking details
Your old passport details
An email address.

Once you've completed the application, you won't need to send your old passport anywhere. If you are uncomfortable with the online method, paper application forms are available from NZ Post shops.

How to renew a New Zealand passport by paper application
To renew your passport using a paper application, you'll need the following:

Two identical printed photos that meet the passport photo requirements
Your old passport
A payment method (credit, debit card, or cheque made payable to the Department of Internal Affairs).

What if I have an unexpired visa in my old passport?

It depends on the country - for example, the US accepts a visa in your old passport, meaning you'll need to carry both passports. However, policies vary by country - the best idea is to Google the country and "valid visa old passport". You can also contact the country's embassy in Wellington and ask them to confirm the process to ensure a hassle-free arrival later.

How to Renew a New Zealand Passport and Travel Insurance Considerations

Passport Renewal and Travel Insurance Considerations

Can I still purchase travel insurance if my passport is being renewed?

Yes, you can still purchase travel insurance. However, you will need a valid passport at the time of your travel. Therefore, you should ensure that your passport renewal is processed well before your travel dates to avoid complications.

I've renewed my passport. Should I update my travel insurance provider with the new passport number?

It's always a good idea to update your travel insurance provider with your latest details, including your new passport number. It will make the process smoother if you need to file a claim.

What happens if my passport doesn't arrive in time for my trip? Does travel insurance cover that?

Unfortunately, travel insurance generally does not cover situations where your passport didn't arrive in time for your trip. Therefore, applying for a passport renewal well before any planned travel is crucial.

If I lose my passport and have to cancel my trip, will my travel insurance cover the cancellation costs?

It depends on your policy. Some travel insurance policies offer "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage, which may cover this situation. However, most standard policies may not cover trip cancellations due to lost or stolen passports. Always read your policy carefully to understand what's covered.

Remember, the specific answers to these questions depend on the terms of your travel insurance policy and the regulations of your passport issuing authority. Always check with these sources when you're planning your travel.

Does travel insurance cover passport loss?

Yes, many travel insurance policies include coverage for lost or stolen passports. It typically covers the cost of replacing necessary documents and may include assistance services to help you report the loss to local authorities and your embassy.

Other Considerations for New Zealand Passport Renewal

To ensure you have everything covered, we list other options and considerations to make:

1. Renewing a Child's Passport

When renewing a child's passport, the application must be made by someone with parental responsibility for the child.
The cost for a child's passport renewal is different than for adults. A child passport (for those under 16) costs $120 online or by paper application.
Remember to provide an appropriate digital photo for the child, meeting all necessary photo requirements.

2. Renewing a Passport in Case of a Name Change

If you've officially changed your name since your last passport was issued, you must provide official documentation confirming this change. This might be a marriage certificate, a deed poll, or an official statutory declaration.
Ensure that the name you provide on your application matches the name on your supporting documents to avoid delays.

3. Passport Renewal Scams

Unfortunately, scams relating to passport renewal do exist. Some individuals or companies might try to charge you for free services, such as filling out the application form. Others might pretend to be the Department of Internal Affairs and try to get your details. Anyone can run online adverts and take your details - only use the official government website to renewal passports.
Remember, all official correspondence will come from the Department of Internal Affairs or other recognised government institutions.
Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts regarding your passport renewal. When in doubt, contact the Department of Internal Affairs directly.

4. Expediting Services

You can utilise the Urgent Travel Document Service in urgent situations where you need your passport sooner; this service guarantees that your passport will be processed within two working days plus delivery time.
If you're in New Zealand, you can also opt for the Callout Service, which operates outside of normal office hours and costs $837 per an adult passport. These services are subject to certain conditions and unavailable in all situations. Please check the official government website for details.

5. Renewing a Passport When It's Full But Not Expired

Even if your passport is not expired, if it's full of stamps and you have no pages left for visas, you may need to renew it before you travel again. Some countries require you to have at least one or two blank pages in your passport to enter.
It's possible that your passport may run out of pages for visas and immigration stamps before its expiration date. If this happens, you'll need to apply for a new one because many countries require you to have at least one, or sometimes two, blank pages in your passport to enter. Consider renewing your passport well before you travel if you anticipate running out of pages soon.

How to Renew a New Zealand Passport FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my New Zealand passport from outside the country?

Yes - you can apply to renew your passport from overseas. The application process is the same as when you're in New Zealand. Check the NZ Government's Passport website for guidance.

What should I do if my passport is stolen while travelling?

If your passport is stolen while travelling, report it immediately to the local police and the nearest New Zealand embassy, high commission, or consulate. You can apply for an Emergency Travel Document, allowing you to return to New Zealand or go to your next destination.

Can I track my New Zealand passport application?

Yes, you can track the status of your passport application on the NZ Government's Passport website by using your application number.

Can I use a damaged passport to travel?

If your passport is damaged beyond normal wear and tear (for example, if the laminate is lifting, pages are missing, or it's water damaged), you might not be allowed to travel. Apply to replace your damaged passport on the NZ Government's Passport website before you travel.

Important: Passport regulations and requirements can change, so always check the official New Zealand Government's Passport website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Will any unexpired time be added to my new passport?

Unfortunately, no - New Zealand, unlike some countries, does not allow unexpired time to be added to the new passport when you renew it.

What should I do if I've lost my old passport?

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to the Passport office to prevent potential identity theft. The lost or stolen passport will be cancelled and cannot be used for travel.

You can report a lost or stolen passport and apply for a new one on the NZ Government's Passport website. You'll need someone to confirm your identity, especially if you're applying for a replacement online.