Registering for a Birth Certificate

When a child is born the birth must be registered. Parents usually receive a Birth Registration Statement from the Hospital or Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The birth must be registered within 60 days.

Where possible, both parents need to sign the Birth Registration Statement. The signatures need to be witnessed by a person over 18 years of age.

A parent will not be added to the Birth Certificate unless they agree to sign it.

A father’s details can be added to a Birth Certificate at a later date. Marriage details can also be added to a child’s Birth Certificate, an application form is available from the Registry.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the Birth Registration Statement or to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

ACT

You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the Birth Registration Statement or to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

Western Australia

You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the Birth Registration Statement or to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

NSW

You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the Birth Registration Statement or to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

Victoria

You can contact the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the birth registration statement or to get a copy of a birth certificate.

South Australia

The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Office is responsible for registering and maintaining an accurate record of all births, deaths, marriages, changes of name, adoptions and sexual reassignments that occur in South Australia. You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the Birth Registration Statement or to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, both parents must consent to the information provided on the registration form. If the other parent is unknown or is unable or unwilling to sign, you should contact Births, Deaths and Marriage for advice on (03) 6165 3450 or bdm@justice.tas.gov.au.

You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the Birth Registration Statement or to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.

Queensland

You can contact the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages to receive a copy of the birth registration statement or to get a copy of a birth certificate.