Register a birth

You must register the birth of a child (including stillbirth) within 60 days from the date of birth.

Registering the birth of your child is free.

You can complete a form or submit a registration online.

You are not automatically issued a birth certificate when you register the birth of a child. You will need to make a separate application for a birth certificate. If a baby is not registered, a birth certificate cannot be issued.

You can complete an online birth registration statement.

If both parents are to be on the birth certificate, you will need to upload identity documents for each parent, such as:

  • driver’s licence
  • passport
  • Medicare card

You will also need to provide information about the:

  • date and place of birth
  • birth weight
  • mother’s full details
  • father’s or co-parent’s full details
  • marriage details of parents
  • details of previous children.

When the baby is born, health professionals will give you a birth registration statement and a reply-paid envelope.

The information you will need to provide on the statement include:

  • baby’s name
  • sex of the baby
  • whether the baby is a multiple birth
  • date and place of birth
  • parent's details and previous children details
  • a postal address
  • your signature witnessed by a person over 18 years old.

You need to be as accurate as possible on the birth registration statement.

If you make a mistake, cross it out. The mistake must be initialled by all people completing the form.

Use the reply-paid envelope or you can deliver it in person to the Births, Deaths, and Marriages office.

One parent registration

One parent may register the birth but you must write a letter with your documents explaining the reason. A valid reason is if it’s impossible, impractical or inappropriate for the other parent to join in the registration.

Neither parent registration

If both parents are unable to sign the birth registration, then the person who has custody of the child is responsible for the registration.

You will need to complete the birth registration statement for same sex parents.

You must include:

  • the baby’s name
  • sex of the baby
  • whether the baby is a multiple birth
  • date and place of birth
  • parent's details and previous children details
  • preferred title for both parents on the certificate
  • a postal address
  • your signature witnessed by a person over 18 years old.

You need to be as accurate as possible on the birth registration statement.

If you make a mistake, cross it out. The mistake must be initialled by all people completing the form.

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