Apply for a birth certificate

Introduction

A birth certificate is an official copy of the birth registration held by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. It's often used to help establish a person's identity.

For a birth or adoption that was registered in NSW, you can apply for a birth certificate online, by post, or in person at a Service NSW Centre.

Note: If you have not previously registered the child's birth, you can order a birth certificate at the same time as you register a birth.

When you order a standard birth certificate, you can buy a commemorative certificate. You cannot use a commemorative certificate as an identity document with government agencies.

If the birth occurred 100 or more years ago and you do not need a certificate for official use, you can Order a Family History Certificate.

Eligibility

You can apply for a birth certificate if:

• the birth or adoption was registered in NSW
• you're applying for your own birth certificate
• you're applying for your child's birth certificate
• you're applying on behalf of someone else and you have the required supporting documents.

If you need the birth certificate of a parent for your Australian passport application:

• your parent's birth must be registered in NSW
• you must have been born in Australia after 20 August 1986.

What you need

• the birth registration details
• copies of 3 personal identity documents
• your payment.

If applying on behalf of someone else, you'll also need the following ready for uploading:

• copies of 3 personal identity documents for the person named on the form (or for one of their parents if applying for a child's birth certificate)
• one of the following:
  • a letter of authority giving permission to apply on their behalf
  • a written Power of Attorney given by the person on the birth certificate
  • a document showing you are a legally appointed guardian of the person on the birth certificate
  • if a solicitor, you'll need:
    • a letter on company letterhead stating your client's name and the reason required (for example, Probate, Estate Administration)
    • a copy of your Law Society ID Card or Practising Certificate
    • payment made by company credit card.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare your supporting documents ready for uploading.
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
4. Follow the prompts to apply.

If you begin filling in the online application form and want to save it to complete later you can resume your application.

If you're unable to apply online:

1. Download and complete Birth Certificate Application – PDF.
2. Prepare your supporting documents.
3. Lodge your application and documents:
   • by post to the address on the form or
   • in person at a service centre.

What happens next

• You can check the status of your application online.
• A tax invoice will be sent to the email address you provided.
• When the Registry receives your complete and correct application, the processing time starts. It excludes delivery time.
• Certificates are sent to you by the Registry, using registered post. You can ask for the certificate to be sent to a government agency. You cannot get a certificate from a service centre.

Privacy and personal information

This information is being collected by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages for the purpose of assessing your application for a birth certificate.

Service NSW does not collect or maintain any personal information in relation to this transaction.

For further information on how your privacy is protected read the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages privacy collection notice.

More information

Caring for your certificate

We suggest you do not laminate your certificate. Where possible, identity documents should be kept in their original state.