General Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a certified copy of a U.S. birth/death/marriage certificate?

Contact the CDC National Center for Health Statistics in the state where the event took place.

How do I get a certified copy of an Australian birth/death/marriage certificate?

Contact the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the state or territory where the event took place.

I am currently outside the U.S. How do I register to vote, and where can I obtain an absentee ballot?

Please refer to our page on voting.

I am currently residing in Australia and my U.S. driver's license has expired. How can I renew it?

Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the U.S. state where your license was issued. An online search should give you the relevant contact details. The Embassy and Consulates in Australia cannot assist with the renewal of your U.S. driver's license.

I wish to extend my stay in Australia. How can I extend my Australian tourist/student/resident visa?

Contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) (phone 131 881).

How do I obtain up-to-date travel warnings/public announcements about the countries I will be traveling to?

Refer to our page on Public Announcements, Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets.

How do I locate friends/relatives in the United States?

Refer to our page on locating friends and relatives.

How do I join the U.S. military forces?

Refer to our page on the U.S. Military.

Last update: Thursday, 17 September 2009 GMT+1000