You can apply to add a parent to a birth certificate, even if the birth was registered without them.
You can apply to remove a parent from a birth certificate if the parent was recorded incorrectly.
You'll need to provide:
- Your own proof of identity
- Original certificates showing incorrect information
- Evidence of correct information (as outlined below).
A fee of $76.70 applies.
If you return the original birth certificate, we issue a replacement free of charge.
If you don't return the original, you can apply for a replacement at an extra cost of $33.80.
Add the biological father's details
The mother, father or child (if over 18) may apply to add the child's father.
Apply to add a parent to a birth certificate (External link)
You must attach a certified copy of one of the following documents:
- Results of the DNA-based parentage test (paternity test) approved by National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) (External link)
- A court order directing BDM to add a parent to the birth certificate
- A court order declaring the identity of the biological father.
Learn more about how to digitise and upload hard copy documents.
BDM may consider adding the father’s details without one of the above documents if:
- The mother named the father on the birth registration, but
- The father didn’t complete his part of the registration.
(This is dependent on any paternity disputes).
If you want to change the child's name to the birth father's name, you need to apply separately. Refer to Change your child's name.
Remove the father's name (if incorrect)
You can apply to remove the name of the father incorrectly named as the biological father.
BDM will waive the application fee in this instance.
Apply to correct a birth record (External link)
You’ll need to attach evidence that the father named on the certificate isn't the child's biological father. This may be:
- DNA-based parentage test (paternity test) approved by National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) (External link)
- Court order declaring the identity of the child's biological father.
- Court order declaring that the registered father is not the biological father.
Add the birth mother's female partner's name
If you're the birth mother's female partner, the child's birth certificate can show you as a parent. You need to have given your consent at the time of the treatment that resulted in the pregnancy.
Then, both partners need to:
For births after 1 January 2010
- Put both your names on the birth registration when you register the child's birth, and
- Attach a statutory declaration that you consented to the donor treatment that resulted in the child’s birth. This will be that you either:
- Underwent treatment as a couple, or
- Entered into arrangement with a private donor that resulted in pregnancy.
For births before 1 January 2010
If the birth certificate names a father, apply to the County Court of Victoria (External link). The court may issue a court order to amend the birth record to show the mother's female partner as the parent.
If the birth certificate doesn't name a father:
Apply to add a parent to a birth certificate (External link)
You’ll need to attach evidence that you underwent treatment together.
If the birth registration named the partner as an informant, BDM will let you know whether you need to provide any further information.
Remove the birth mother's female partner's name
Contact us for advice.