Register a birth

Introduction

You should register your baby within 60 days of the birth. 

After 60 days, you can still register a birth but it requires more proof of the child's identification. The registration can also take longer to process. 

It's free to register a birth.

Note:

  • Only the parent(s) of the baby can register the birth online.
  • If you are not a parent of the child, you will need to submit a paper form at a Service NSW Centre.

Eligibility

You can register a birth online if:

  • you are the parent of the baby
  • the baby was born in NSW.

Note: 

  • If your baby was born in Wodonga and you live in Albury, your baby can be registered in either NSW or Victoria, but not both.
  • Other people such as grandparents and case workers can register a birth using the paper form application method.
  • For self-registration, use the paper form application method.

What you need

3 forms of current identity documents 

  • You will need identity documents for each parent who will be listed on the birth registration. Learn more about the documents you can use.
  • If you are registering online, you do not need to upload a copy of some documents such as a driver licence, you can just enter the licence and card number.
  • For ID that cannot be digitally verified:
    • You will need to upload a scan or photo of each ID document and save it as a JPG, PDF or TIF file, with a maximum file size 20MB.
    • You must only use letters and numbers in the file name. Do not include spaces, dashes, or underscores. For example, you can name your file: mypassport25.jpg, licence25.tif, yourname25.pdf

Details of the parents, including:

  • full name, address and contact details
  • place of birth
  • the surname of their mother at the time of her birth
  • occupation
  • address during most of the pregnancy
  • date and place of marriage (if applicable)
  • full name, date and place of birth of older children from the relationship or a different relationship (if applicable).

Details of the baby, including:

  • full name – learn more about choosing a name
  • date, time and place of birth
  • birth weight in grams.

Note: If you are coming into a service centre, you will need to bring original identity documents. You cannot use the digital version of your driver licence or Medicare card.

How to register

Online

  1. Select the 'Register online' button.
  2. Start your application and follow the prompts. You can save and resume your application if you need to finish it later.

By post or in person

You will need to complete these steps if you are using the paper form application method to register a birth.

  1. Download and complete the form Birth Registration Statement – PDF.
  2. Submit the completed form with the required identification documents:
    • in person at a service centre (find a location near you), or
    • by post to
      Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages 
      GPO Box 30 
      Sydney NSW 2001

Birth certificates

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages keeps a permanent record of the registration so parents or children can obtain a birth certificate at any time. 

You can order a birth certificate at the end of the registration process. 

Contact

Links

Last updated: 22 January 2025