Change the details on a birth, death or marriage record

Introduction

The Births, Deaths and Marriage Registry records are historic documents showing information that was correct at the time of the event.

If you want to amend information kept by the Registry, you'll need to lodge an Application to Correct an Entry form. You can do this by mail, or by visiting a service centre and submitting the information in person.

Eligibility

• Birth Register:
  • Applications can only be made by the registered person. If the registered person is under 18 years of age, one or both parents can apply. If 2 parents are listed on the birth certificate both parents must apply. Other parties who wish to apply should contact the Registry.
  • To remove a parent's details from a birth registration, one or both parents named on the register can apply.  Documentary evidence such as a paternity testing report (DNA) or court order would be considered. 
• Marriage Register:
  • Applications can only be made by a spouse. Other parties who wish to apply should contact the Registry.
• Relationships Register:
  • Applications can be made by one or both partners listed on the certificate.
• Change of Name Register:
  • Applications can be made by the registered person only.
• Death Register:
  • Applications can be made by the next of kin listed on the death certificate, the informant or person who provided the particulars to the Registry at the time of death, the funeral director if the death was registered in the last 2 months.
  • Only the doctor who provided the original information to the Registry or the coroner can make changes to the details of the cause of death.
  • Other parties who wish to apply should contact the Registry.
• Recognised Details Certificate:
  • Applications can be made by the registered person only.

What you need

• your personal and contact details
• 3 personal identity documents as specified on the form
• the PDF – 'Form 18: Application to Correct an Entry', signed by you and a qualified witness
• the details in the Registry entry that need to be changed.

How to change

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Download and complete Form 18: Application to Correct an Entry – PDF.
3. Make sure you have the required documentation.
4. Visit a service centre and submit your application in person, or mail the information to the details on the form.

More information

• There are legislative and historical restrictions on which records can be changed, and in certain circumstances supporting evidence may be required.
• To correct records you may need to supply identification to verify that you're entitled to correct the records.
• This application cannot be used to change a child’s name, or to include the father’s details on a birth registration.
• Documents provided as proof of identity may have their authenticity verified through the National Document Verification Service (DVS).