The Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages holds more than 18 million records of events registered in NSW, including early church records (baptismal, marriages and burials) from 1788 to 1855, and birth, death and marriage registrations from 1856. Limited information is available to view online, and anyone can request a Family History Certificate as long as a set amount of time has elapsed since the event. Births must have been at least 100 years, deaths at least 30 years ago, and marriages at least 50 ago. You can apply for a family history certificate online.
Apply onlineOrder a Family History Certificate
- your personal details
- your payment details, and
- the registration number of the certificate you want to order.
If you search online for the certificate before you place your order, you will be charged less than if the Registry has to do the search.
- Search for the certificate you want by selecting the Life Event (Birth, Death or Marriage) from the dropdown menu.
- If you know the registration number, enter it. If you don't, fill in at least one name field and date range.
- Select 'Buy Now' next to the certificate you want to purchase.
- Enter your personal details.
- Enter your payment details.
- Print your confirmation page.
If you don't wish to search online prior to placing your order, you'll need to:
- Download, print and complete the Application for a Family History Certificate – PDF form.
- Enter your payment details.
- Submit according to the instructions on the form.
To make sure that you have all the information and documentation you need to complete this transaction, please visit Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Apply online- Certificates ordered online are posted to Australian and international addresses by standard mail.
- Check the turnaround times via the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages website.
- turnaround times commence when applications are received in full compliance with Registry requirements, and exclude delivery time.
- If you change your mind, or decide the certificate is no longer required, your application fee will not be refunded.
To make sure that you have all the information and documentation you need to complete this transaction, please visit Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Apply onlineFor some online or phone transactions, you can pay with:
- credit or debit card (MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club International* or American Express*), or
- BPAY.
For transactions in person at a service centre, you can pay with:
- cash (in Australian currency)
- cheque (personal, bank or agency drawn)
- money order, or
- credit or debit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express* or EFTPOS).
Please note that you may need to pay a surcharge when paying by credit card.
* Unfortunately, some websites and locations may not accept American Express or Diners Club International.
We’re happy to help you with this transaction.
Feel free to call us on 13 77 88 or visit a service centre
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