Children's passports can be renewed online

More people can renew their New Zealand passport online. Photo / File

Children's passports can now be renewed online.

Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne has announced changes to the passport system, including allowing adults who have never had a passport to apply for one online.

ONLINE LINK: www.passports.govt.nz

"More than half of all applications for a 10-year adult passport renewal have been made online since the popular change from 5-year passports in late 2015," Mr Dunne said.

"The easiest way to renew a New Zealand passport is online. It's swift, safe and secure, with no need to print or post forms or even visit a passport office."

The online passport service will expand further this year to include applications by family groups, urgent lost, stolen or damaged applications, and renewals for people who have changed their names in New Zealand.

By the end of next year, the aim is to have New Zealanders completing an average of 70 per cent of their most common transactions with government digitally.