How to Obtain a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Australia
Australian birth certificates are handled by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Obtaining a copy of your certificate is a fairly straightforward process, but processing times may vary, sometimes taking up to three weeks or longer. Along with standard birth certificates stating a person's place and date of birth, some states and territories offer decorative certificates. Although they tend to cost more, these commemorative certificates are intended for display, while standard certificates act as an essential proof of identity.
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Instructions
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Contact the appropriate registry office in the state or territory where you were born. Each of these regions has slightly different requirements when it comes to getting a copy of your birth certificate. See References for the appropriate link to your birthplace.
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As requested by your state or territory, gather the required amount of identification. This is likely to include a passport, Australian driver's license or a recent bank statement showing your current address. Some states accept photocopies of these documents, while others will require certified copies.
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Complete the application form. For New South Wales, this can be downloaded and printed from its website, then mailed or faxed to the NSW Registry. In the Northern Territory, you can apply online with scanned copies of your proof of identification.
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Send off your application form, along with the requisite copies of your proof of identity and any relevant fees. In Tasmania, the document fee is $37.24AUD, while in Queensland the cost is $34.00AUD per certificate (fees are as of January 2010). See Resources for updated currency conversions. Applications can be submitted by post or in person at the Registry for Births, Deaths and Marriages in your area.
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Tips & Warnings
The only people who can get a birth certificate are the person named on the certificate, that person's parents or an authorized representative.
