The Australian Passport Office processes more than 2 million passport applications each year. With the peak holiday-travel season now here, make sure your trip starts smoothly by checking your passport early and planning ahead. Find out more: https://www.passports.gov.au/ | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Plans are underway to make it easier for Australians to renew their passports. The federal government is in the process of changing laws so that passports can be updated through the myGov portal using an e-signature. The move could help clear backlogs at the post office and produce savings of up to $400 million a year. It's expected to be up and running within 12 months. 7NEWS at 6pm. More local news: 7news.com.au/news/sydney #Passports #7NEWS | 7NEWS Sydney