Requirements for passport renewal in New Zealand in 2026

Renewing a New Zealand passport is a straightforward procedure, but it requires careful preparation to avoid delays. Whether your current passport has expired, is about to expire, or has been lost or damaged, the process is managed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), which is the official body responsible for issuing New Zealand passports.

This guide covers every document you need to gather, the steps to follow, the fees involved, and the most common mistakes to avoid. Following these steps carefully will help ensure your application is processed without unnecessary hold-ups.

What this procedure is and what it is for

Passport renewal is the process of obtaining a new New Zealand passport to replace one that has expired, is about to expire, is full (no blank pages remaining), has been lost or stolen, or has been damaged.

It applies to all New Zealand citizens, whether residing in New Zealand or overseas. Adults renew their own passports; parents or guardians apply on behalf of children under 16.

The official body responsible is the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Applications can be submitted through the DIA’s online SmartGate passport portal, at a DIA Passport Office, or through a New Zealand diplomatic post if you are overseas.

Note that a renewed passport does not extend any existing visas held in your old passport — you should carry both documents when travelling if you hold a valid visa in an expired passport.

Documents required

The exact documents depend on your situation. The list below covers a standard adult renewal where your previous passport was a New Zealand passport.

For an adult renewal (18 and over)

Your current or most recent New Zealand passport (original — submit the physical document or note its details if applying online)
A completed passport application form (DIA 1 form, available online or at a DIA office)
Two recent passport photos meeting DIA specifications (45 mm × 35 mm, plain white or off-white background, taken within the last six months)
Proof of New Zealand citizenship if you have never held a New Zealand passport before — such as a New Zealand birth certificate or citizenship certificate (original)
Proof of name change (original) if your name has changed since your last passport was issued — for example, a marriage certificate, civil union certificate, or deed poll document

For a child renewal (under 16)

The child’s current or most recent New Zealand passport (original)
A completed DIA 1 form signed by a parent or guardian
Two recent passport photos of the child meeting DIA specifications
Proof of the child’s New Zealand citizenship (original birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
Proof of identity for the parent or guardian signing the form (original New Zealand passport or driver licence)
Evidence of parental consent if only one parent is signing and the other parent has guardianship rights — a court order or written consent from the other guardian may be required

General notes on documents

All original documents must be submitted; certified copies are not accepted in place of originals unless DIA specifically advises otherwise.
If a supporting document is in a language other than English, a certified translation must accompany it.
If your previous passport was issued by another country, additional citizenship evidence will be required.

Steps to complete the procedure

Check your eligibility and gather documents. Confirm you are a New Zealand citizen and collect all required documents listed above before starting your application.
Complete the application form. Download and fill in the DIA 1 passport application form from the DIA website (www.passports.govt.nz), or pick up a paper copy from a DIA Passport Office or PostShop.
Obtain passport photos. Have two passport photos taken at a photo studio or pharmacy. Ensure they meet DIA’s strict specifications — incorrect photos are one of the most common reasons for delays.
Choose your application channel.
- Online (SmartGate portal): Go to www.passports.govt.nz and follow the online application steps. You will upload a digital photo and pay by credit or debit card. You still need to post or deliver your current passport and supporting documents to DIA after submitting online.
- In person at a DIA Passport Office: Offices are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and other centres. No appointment is required for standard applications, but you can book one online. Staff can check your documents on the spot.
- At a PostShop: Many New Zealand PostShops accept passport applications on behalf of DIA. Staff will check your form and documents and forward them.
- Overseas: Apply through the nearest New Zealand embassy, high commission, or consulate.
Submit your application and pay the fee. Hand over your completed form, photos, supporting documents, and payment. Keep any receipt or reference number provided.
Wait for processing. Standard processing takes approximately 10 working days from when DIA receives your complete application. Urgent processing is available for an additional fee.
Receive your new passport. Your new passport will be posted to the address you provided, or you can collect it in person if you arranged that at the time of application. Your old passport will be cancelled and returned to you separately.

Fees and timelines

Fees are set by the Department of Internal Affairs and are subject to change. The figures below reflect rates in effect in 2026 — always confirm the current fee at www.passports.govt.nz before applying.

Adult passport (18 and over), standard processing: NZD 180
Child passport (under 16), standard processing: NZD 100
Urgent processing (in-person at a DIA office): an additional NZD 130 on top of the standard fee; ready within 3 hours if submitted before midday
Overseas applications: fees vary by post and are listed on the relevant embassy or consulate website
Standard processing time: approximately 10 working days from receipt of a complete application
Urgent processing time: same day or next working day (in-person at a DIA Passport Office only)
Validity of the new passport: 10 years for adults (18 and over); 5 years for children (under 16)

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Submitting non-compliant passport photos. DIA has strict requirements for photo size, background colour, lighting, and expression. Photos taken at home on a phone often fail. Use a professional photo service that is familiar with New Zealand passport specifications.
Forgetting to include original supporting documents. Sending photocopies or certified copies instead of originals (where originals are required) will cause your application to be returned. Check the DIA checklist carefully before posting anything.
Not accounting for a name change. If your name has changed since your last passport, you must include the original legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.). Omitting this is a very common cause of delays.
Applying too close to your travel date. Even with standard processing of around 10 working days, postal delays or incomplete applications can push timelines out. Apply at least six weeks before you travel. If you need to travel sooner, use the urgent in-person service at a DIA Passport Office.
Submitting an incomplete application form. Missing signatures, undated sections, or blank mandatory fields will result in your form being returned. Have someone else review the completed form before you submit it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I renew my New Zealand passport while living overseas? Yes. You can apply through the nearest New Zealand embassy, high commission, or consulate. Processing times overseas are generally longer than in New Zealand — often four to six weeks — so plan well ahead. Fees also differ by location.

Do I need to send in my old passport when I renew? Yes. You must submit your current or most recent New Zealand passport with your application. DIA will cancel it and return it to you separately after your new passport has been issued. If your old passport has been lost or stolen, you must report this to DIA and provide a statutory declaration or police report.

My child’s passport is about to expire — can I use the same process? Yes, the renewal process for children under 16 follows the same general steps, but the form must be signed by a parent or guardian, and additional consent documentation may be required if guardianship is shared. Child passports are valid for five years, not ten.

What if I need my passport urgently? DIA offers an urgent in-person service at its Passport Offices in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. If you submit before midday, you can receive your passport the same day. An additional fee of NZD 130 applies on top of the standard passport fee. You must attend in person — this service is not available by post or online.

Will my existing visas still be valid after I get a new passport? Yes, visas issued in your old passport generally remain valid, but they are linked to the old passport. You will need to carry both your new and old passport when travelling until those visas expire or are transferred. Check with the relevant country’s immigration authority for specific advice.

What to do next

The most important documents to have ready are your current or most recent New Zealand passport, a completed DIA 1 application form, and two compliant passport photos. If your name has changed, add the original legal document proving that change.

Your first concrete step is to visit www.passports.govt.nz to download the application form, confirm the current fee, and check the full document checklist for your specific situation.

Important notice: Passport requirements, fees, and processing times can change. Always verify the most current requirements directly with the Department of Internal Affairs before submitting your application, either at www.passports.govt.nz or by calling the DIA Passport Information line.

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