By 3 News online staff
The Government has cut the cost of getting a passport and revealed a new system that allows online renewals.
Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain announced the changes today as part of the Government’s push for online services.
Since 2005, a passport with a five-year lifetime had a price tag of more than $150. Before then, it cost around $70 for a passport valid for 10 years.
Mr Tremain says savings will be made in three application categories:
- First-time adult application, printed format: $140.00 (down from $153.00);
- Adult renewal, printed format: $134.50 (down from 153.00);
- Adult renewal, online: $124.50..
All applicants may also be required to pay a courier fee of $10.
The changes don’t include urgent or after-hours passports, which will still cost up to $664.30.
“The Government is committed to returning savings to passport holders and providing even better public services at lower cost," says Mr Tremain.
He says the goal is to move 70 percent of the Government's transactions with the public online by 2017.
3 News
source: newshub archive
