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.

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

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.

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.

Note: Document copies need to be clear and easy to read. The file types can be TIF, JPG or PDF (no spaces or dashes in the filename).

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

Note: you can save and resume your application.

If you're unable to apply online:

1. Download and complete Birth Certificate Application – PDF.
2. Prepare your supporting documents. 
3. Visit a service centre to lodge it in person, or post to the address on the form.

What happens next

• You can check the status of your application online.
• Processing times start when the Registry receives a complete and correct application – it excludes delivery time.
• A tax invoice will be sent to the email address provided. 
• Certificates are sent to you by the Registry, using registered post. You cannot get a certificate from a service centre.
  Note: Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by government agencies.

More information

• 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 you want the certificate sent to an Australian passport office, consulate or embassy, you'll need to request it at the time of application – this cannot be done later. An additional fee applies.
• Certificates are not sent to foreign embassies, work or personal email addresses.
• 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.

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.