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 occurred in NSW, you can apply online, by post, or in person at a service centre. 

Certificates are sent to you by the Registry, using registered post. You cannot get a certificate from a service centre.

Eligibility

This application can only be used if the birth occurred in NSW.

• If you're the person to be named on the certificate, or a parent of the person to be named on the certificate, the birth certificate can be issued to you. You must provide:
  • 3 copies of your own identification.
• If you're not the person to be named on the certificate, or a parent of the person to be named on the certificate, you must provide:
  • a letter of authority
  • 3 copies of identification from the person giving permission
  • 3 copies of your own identification.
• If you're a solicitor applying for a certificate on behalf of your client, you must provide:
  • a letter on company letterhead stating the reason required (for example Probate, Estate Administration – 'legal' is not sufficient), together with your client's name
  • a copy of your Law Society ID Card or Practising Certificate
  • payment made by company or trust cheque, or company credit card.

Note: You can prove your identity using certain kinds of documents.

What you need

• the birth registration details
• your/the applicant's personal and contact details
• personal identity documents as specified on the form
• a scanner or phone/tablet camera so you'll be able to upload copies of the documentation required
• company documents (if applicable)
• evidence you have permission to be provided with the birth certificate (if applicable)
• your payment.

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
3. Enter the birth registration details.
4. Enter your/applicant's details.
5. Verify you're not a robot with reCAPTCHA.
6. Decide on the type/design/number of certificate/s required.
7. Confirm your delivery and order details.
8. Upload copies of the required identification documents.
9. Read and acknowledge the declaration.
10. Enter your payment information.
11. Submit your application for processing.

If you don't wish to apply online:

1. Download and complete Birth Certificate Application – PDF.
2. Lodge it with the required documentation and payment using the details on the form.

More information

• If you begin filling in the online application form and want to save it to complete later, you're able to resume your application.
• You can check the status of your application online.
• When you apply for a standard birth certificate, you also have the option to purchase a commemorative certificate to keep as a memento.
• If the birth occurred 100 or more years ago and you don't need a certificate for official use, you can Order a Family History Certificate.
• Make sure that the copies of the documents you have scanned or photographed are clear and easy to read. The file types can be TIFs, JPGs or PDFs (no spaces or dashes in the filename).
• When your application form and payment are received, you'll be sent a tax invoice to the email address you provided. You also have the option to print the summary page, or your entire application form.
• Processing 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.
• If you'd like your certificate to be sent to an Australian passport office, consulate or embassy, you'll need to request that at the same time as your application, as this cannot be done later. Please include a request letter if mailing your application (there is an additional payment for this request).
• Make sure that you indicate which destination office you want the certificate sent to.
• Certificates are not sent to foreign embassies, work or personal email addresses
• Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by government agencies.

Privacy

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.

Payment methods