The Victorian Government has introduced free digital birth certificates for Victorians born on or after 19 February 2019.
As a parent/caregiver, you can get a digital birth certificate:
If you need help, contact Births, Deaths and Marriages.
What is this application for?
Use this application to order a Victorian-issued paper birth certificate. This will provide a legal copy of a physical birth certificate for a birth registered in Victoria.
This process is for people who need to:
- replace a lost or damaged paper certificate, or
- get a copy following a birth registration.
Certificates are only issued for births registered in Victoria. If the birth hasn't been registered, go to Register a birth.
You can now also get a free digital birth certificate for your child on the Service Victoria Website. If you haven’t registered the birth yet, you can get one at the same time as you do that.
Digital birth certificates are currently only available to children born on or after 19 February 2019.
If you or your child was born overseas or in another Australian state, you’ll need to apply for a certificate from where the birth was registered.
Who can apply?
- If you were born in Victoria, you can apply for a copy of your birth certificate.
- Anyone can access an historical birth certificate (more than 100 years old).
- Certain people can apply for a copy of someone else's certificate.
For young people, we have information for young people on getting a birth certificate.
What you'll need
We'll ask for information about the person named on the certificate. You’ll also need to provide proof identity.
Details of the person named on the certificate
You'll need to provide basic information about the person, including at minimum:
- Given name
- Family name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
If some information is missing, such as if an adult was separated from their birth family at a young age, let us know.
Proof of identity
You can prove your identity two ways.
The easiest way to prove your identity is online.
You can use this proof of identity questionnaire if you are not sure which option is best for you.
Requirements when applying for someone else’s certificate
If you're applying for someone else's certificate, you must prove that you're authorised to do so. Read how to get someone else’s birth certificate.
Carers of children under a Children’s Court order: find out how to get the birth certificate of a child protection client.
How long will it take to get my certificate?
When you apply for a certificate or registration, we email you details of documents you need to provide. Our processing times start when we receive all required documents.
If you didn’t receive an email after applying, contact us.
| Type of application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Paper certificate | Up to 14 days (2 weeks) |
| Digital certificate - If birth already registered | Immediate |
| Commemorative birth certificate | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage. Digital certificates will be added to your Service Victoria account as soon as your application has been processed.
Types of certificates
Paper certificates
A paper birth certificate is a physical legal document that can be issued once you register a birth. This can be used as official proof of identity.
Digital Certificates
Free digital birth certificates are now available for Victorian children born on or after 19 February 2019.
You can apply for your child’s digital birth certificate when registering a child’s birth or later through Service Victoria.
A digital birth certificate holds the same legal standing as a paper certificate, so it can be used for official purposes like proving identity. You’ll need the Service Victoria app to access it.
Digital certificates aren’t replacing paper certificates. They’re optional and free.
We recommend still getting a paper certificate as some private businesses, and other interstate or international governments may not accept a digital birth certificate immediately. This will change as adoption increases.
You can learn more about digital birth certificates on the Service Victoria website.
If you need help, contact Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Commemorative certificates - for display and novelty only
Commemorative birth certificates are decorative keepsakes that celebrate the birth of your child. They are not legal documents. They can’t be used for official purposes, such as proving your identity.
If you want a certificate for display purposes, you can order a commemorative birth certificate.
Australian Blue commemorative birth certificate
Australian Blue incorporates beautiful calligraphy and Australian imagery of gumnuts and eucalyptus leaves. It's printed in soft, harmonious shades and highlighted with gold. This style is also available in pink.
Australian Pink commemorative birth certificate
Australian Pink incorporates beautiful calligraphy and Australian imagery of gumnuts and eucalyptus leaves. It's printed in soft, harmonious shades and highlighted with gold. This style is also available in blue.
Victorian Birds commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Birds is painted in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian birds and is accompanied by a description of the birds. This style also comes in fauna.
Victorian Fauna commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Fauna is painted in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian animals and is accompanied by a description of the animals. This style also comes in birds.
Victorian Flora commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Flora is painted in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian flora and is accompanied by a description of the flora.
Rainbow commemorative birth certificate
BDM commissioned the rainbow commemorative birth certificate to: Celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- and gender-diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) Victorians; Promote equality; and Reinforce our commitment to the inclusion of all communities.
Victorian Footprints commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Footprints certificate has space for you to personalise it with your baby's hand or foot prints. The certificate is a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of your child and would make a unique gift.
Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage brings together artwork by three Victorian Indigenous artists. Each artist depicts an element of birth in a way that celebrates Victoria's Aboriginal heritage.
Chinese zodiac commemorative birth certificates
Our beautiful Chinese zodiac birth certificates combine Chinese design elements with each zodiac animal and iconic Australian flora. These specially-designed birth certificates are decorative mementos.
AFL commemorative birth certificates
For a born footy fan, celebrate the birth of a child with our official AFL commemorative certificates
Certificate fees and postage
The fees are non-refundable except as set out on our Refunds page. A fee waiver may be available in certain circumstances of financial hardship.
Certificate fees
| Type of certificate | Price |
|---|---|
| Paper certificate | $59.10 |
| Digital certificate | Free |
| Commemorative certificate | from $95.80 |
Postage
We send legal certificates by express post, for security.
All legal certificates are folded. This does not affect the certificate's validity as a legal document.
We send commemorative certificates by standard post. This is because they're not official identity documents.
Commemorative certificates will be sent to you in a protective cardboard mailing tube. This may not fit in all mailboxes.
Legal and commemorative certificates will arrive separately via Australia Post.
Digital certificates are automatically added to your digital wallet in the Service Victoria app, so there's no postage fees.
| Postage type | Price |
|---|---|
| Express post (within Australia) | $10.60 |
| Express post (International) | $58.60 |
Payment methods
Pay via credit/debit card or BPAY.
After your application is submitted
You‘ll receive an email after submitting your application.
If you didn’t receive an email after applying, first check your spam inbox. If you still don’t have the email, read about common causes of delay.
Once we have everything we need, we’ll complete your application within processing timeframes. We’ll email to let you know when we’ve posted your certificate.
Updated