Introduction
The NSW Digital Birth Certificate (DBC) is available through the latest version of the Service NSW app.
The DBC is currently available for people aged 16 to 21 who were born in NSW. You must hold a NSW Photo Card or NSW Driver Licence to be eligible to apply.
The DBC is a safe and convenient way to prove your identity and shows the same information that is available on a paper birth certificate. The DBC does not replace your paper birth certificate. It is an optional, digital version available at no additional cost.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the DBC, you must be aged 16 to 21, and have had your birth registered with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. You must also hold a NSW Photo Card or NSW Driver Licence.
How to apply
- Apply for the DBC at https://forms.bdm.nsw.gov.au/dbc.
- If eligible, you will receive an email with a reference number from no-reply@mail.forms.bdm.nsw.gov.au. This email may take up to 5 minutes to come through.
- Download or update to the latest version of the Service NSW app on your smartphone.
- Log in to the app with your MyServiceNSW account details.
- Select ‘Wallet’ from the home screen and then the ‘Add’ button.
- Select ‘Birth Certificate’.
- Select ‘I have my reference number’.
- Follow the prompts in the app.
- Enter the reference number when prompted.
Frequently asked questions
Why was my application for a Digital Birth Certificate rejected?
Your application for a Digital Birth Certificate may have been rejected for several reasons, including:
- your birth or adoption is not registered in NSW
- you are not aged 16 to 21 years old
- you do not hold a NSW Photo Card or NSW Driver Licence
- your birth registration details do not match the details on your NSW Photo Card or NSW Driver Licence. Visit update details with Transport for NSW.
- your name and date of birth is the same as someone else in NSW. At this stage, we cannot approve Digital Birth Certificates if your details are the same as someone else.
- you do not have a first name or last name (surname). At this stage, we cannot approve Digital Birth Certificates for people without both a first and a last name.
- other reasons that may impact eligibility. For example, if you have previously reported a lost or stolen birth certificate.
How much does the Digital Birth Certificate cost?
The first release of the Digital Birth Certificate is available at no cost.
What do I do if my phone is stolen?
If someone has stolen your phone and may have access to your digital identity documents, please contact ID Support NSW on 1800 001 040 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (Sydney time) for advice and assistance.
How is my Digital Birth Certificate protected?
To ensure the security and privacy of licence holders, we've built strong partnerships with cyber security and identity theft experts. Comprehensive security measures have been undertaken to protect your information and identity at all times, like those used for internet banking.
For more information see: Privacy, digital licences and credentials.
How do I update the details in my Digital Birth Certificate?
Your Digital Birth Certificate is linked to your birth record, which is held by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
- Change your name or sex: If you need to change your name, visit nsw.gov.au/change-of-name. If you need to update your sex, visit nsw.gov.au/change-of-sex.
- Correct an error: To correct an entry on your birth record, visit nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/name-changes-and-corrections/correct-an-entry.
Your Digital Birth Certificate will become invalid if any information on your birth record is updated. To obtain a new Digital Birth Certificate after making changes to your birth record, you must follow the same application process. Prior to reapplying, ensure that you update your details with Transport for NSW, as your NSW Photo Card or driver licence must match your birth registration information.
Where can I use the Digital Birth Certificate?
The Digital Birth Certificate is confirmed for use as proof of identity when applying for some NSW Government transactions such as, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA), Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) competency cards and as an identity document for applications with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Over time, it is expected that the Digital Birth Certificate will be widely accepted by government, commercial, education and sporting organisations.
If you are a business wanting to accept the Digital Birth Certificate, you can find out more by visiting NSW Digital Birth Certificate for business.
Can I get a physical copy of my Digital Birth Certificate?
A Digital Birth Certificate has the same legal standing as a paper birth certificate. It includes a unique certificate number and is recognised under Section 20 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Regulation 2025. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate, you will need a paper certificate.
If you need a standard paper birth certificate, you can apply for one online at any time.
To start an application refer to Apply for a birth certificate.
When will the Digital Birth Certificate be made available to more people?
The Digital Birth Certificate is currently only available to those born or adopted in NSW aged 16 to 21.
Any further rollout of this product will be communicated by the NSW Government.
We recommend setting up a MyServiceNSW account in the Service NSW app to be notified when you are eligible for the Digital Birth Certificate.