All births in Victoria need to be registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Births must be registered within 60 days of the child being born. There is no fee to register.
Registering your baby's birth:
- creates an official record of their identity
- allows access to public services like school, Medicare and Centrelink
- helps you exercise your rights and responsibilities as a parent
- enables the child to access their records once they're 18.
Do I need to register a birth or get a birth certificate?
Registering a birth and a getting a birth certificate are 2 different tasks.
The law says that a birth must be registered. Getting a birth certificate is optional, but it is often needed as a primary form of ID for official purposes.
Unless you opt out, you’ll receive a free digital birth certificate for your child once we register the birth. You can access it in your digital wallet in the Service Victoria app.
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 get a paper birth certificate when you register the birth, or later through the Births, Deaths and Marriages website.
You can also choose to get a digital birth certificate for your child later through the Service Victoria website.
Who can apply?
You can register a birth if you are a parent of a baby born in Victoria.
If you are a carer and need a birth certificate for a child in your care, the birth must be registered first. Read Carers and Child Protection clients: register a birth or get a birth certificate.
What you'll need
We'll ask you for the following information during the application process.
You'll need to log in with your Service Victoria account. If you don’t have a Service Victoria account, you’ll need to create one.
Your legal obligation to provide correct data
The law requires people to notify us about certain life events. These include births. Learn about why you must give us correct data.
Protecting your safety
Your safety is our priority. We can support you if you have experienced family violence.
If you tell us that you have concerns for your safety, we can protect your information from the other parent.
For example, we don’t have to tell the other parent your address or contact details without your consent.
We may ask you to provide some documents to support your concerns.
Learn more about Protecting your safety at BDM.
How long will it take to get my certificate?
Current estimated times are:
| Type of application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Birth registration and paper certificate for newborns* | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
| Birth registration and digital birth certificate for newborns* | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
| Commemorative birth certificate | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
* Donor-conceived births: Birth registration and certificates for newborns may take up to 4 to 6 weeks more. This is because we need information from the donor conception registers.
Types of certificates
You don't automatically get a birth certificate when you register the birth. You can order a certificate at the time of registration or order one separately later.
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
Digital birth certificates are now available for Victorians born on or after 19 February 2019. You can apply for a digital certificate on behalf of your child.
When applied for, a digital birth certificate can be accessed on a mobile device using the Service Victoria app.
It holds the same legal standing as a paper certificate, so it can be used for official purposes like proving identity.
As a parent or caregiver, there are two ways to get a digital birth certificate for your child.
- At the same time you register a child’s birth.
- Through Service Victoria after the birth has been registered (requires you to already have your child’s paper certificate.)
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 read more about and apply for a digital birth certificate on the Service Victoria website.
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, 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
Cost
There is no cost to register a birth.
When registering a birth you can also get a birth certificate. Digital birth certificates are free but there is a cost for paper or commemorative certificates. Refer to Get a birth certificate for fees and postage.
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