Births outside Victoria

If your child is born in Victoria, you must register the birth within 60 days. There's no fee to do this.

If your child is born outside of Victoria, in some cases you can still register the birth in Victoria.

Births in another state or territory of Australia

Register the birth in that state or territory. Check the list of other registries.

Births while travelling to Victoria

You can register the birth in Victoria if your child is born:

• During a flight to a Victorian airport
• Onboard a ship on its way to a Victorian port.

Otherwise you must register the birth in the state, territory or country of birth.

Exceptions – Registering a birth from outside Victoria

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria only records events that happen in Victoria.

However, there are a small number of exceptions.

You, your child's other parent and your child must be living in Victoria for at least 3 months before applying to register a birth. If you have not returned to Victoria for at least 3 months, you will not be eligible to apply. To request registration of your child's birth in Victoria, you will need to provide:

• Reason for request: Explain why you want the birth registered in Victoria.

• Reason for being overseas:

  • If on temporary work, provide proof from your employer
  • If on holiday, provide travel documents showing return dates.

  If you went overseas to give birth with family support, you may not qualify to register the birth in Victoria.

• Proof of birth: Provide the child’s overseas birth certificate
• Proof of residency: Show evidence that the parent(s) have the right to live in Australia permanently. Acceptable evidence includes:
  • An Australian passport
  • Citizenship certificate
  • An Australian visa allowing indefinite stay.
• Proof of return to Victoria: Show evidence that the parent(s) and child have returned to Victoria. Acceptable evidence includes:
  • Travel documents including itinerary or plane ticket
• Proof of currently living in Victoria: Provide evidence that the parent(s) have lived in Victoria for at least 3 months before applying to register the birth. Acceptable documents include:
  • Last 3 months’ bank statements
  • Rates notices
  • Rental agreement
  • Utility accounts.
• Proof of previously living in Victoria. Show that the parent(s) were living in Victoria for at least three months before going overseas. Acceptable documents include:
  • Last 3 months’ bank statements
  • Rates notices
  • Rental agreement
  • Utility accounts.

Both parents need to provide evidence. If you can’t identify/locate the other parent, read more about what you’ll need when registering a birth. If you’ve experienced family violence, read more about protecting your safety when registering a birth.

How to apply

If you can meet these criteria:

1. Email bdmvictoria@dgs.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) before registering the birth
2. Include your reason for applying, and
3. Attach the required documents.

If we approve your supporting documents, we will guide you through the registration process.