If you believe there's an error on a birth certificate, you can apply to have it corrected.
Generally, you can only apply to correct your own or your child's certificate, if your child is under 18. Either parent can apply.
If you want to add a parent's name to a birth certificate, see Add a parent's name to a birth certificate.
We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:
As a minimum, we ask for:
We ask that you return the original birth certificate before we can issue a new corrected version.
If you don't have the original, you'll need to apply for a new birth certificate once we've corrected the birth record. A fee applies.
The evidence we ask for depends on the correction you want to make.
For documents in a language other than English, provide an English translation by a qualified translator. Approved translators can be found at naati.com.au (External link) or by contacting Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 1450.
In most cases, you can prove your identity with certified copies of your driver licence and Medicare card.
Alternatively, there are other ways to prove your identity.
The evidence listed below covers the most common correction requests. If you can't provide the evidence listed, send the best evidence you have available.
If we hold the evidence, for example, a marriage certificate, you don't need to provide a copy of it.
| Correction | Acceptable evidence |
|---|---|
| Name on the certificate |
Evidence that proves the correct name intended at the time of birth, such as:
As an adult, also send forms of ID that prove the consistent use of your correct name in your lifetime. If you can't prove the use of the corrected name from birth, a change of name is needed, rather than a correction. Likewise, additions and removals of given names need a change of name. See Change your name. |
| Parent age or place of birth | Either a birth certificate, citizenship certificate or overseas passport of the parent(s). |
| Parent occupation |
Evidence that proves the parent/s' occupation at the time of the birth, such as:
|
| Parents' marriage details | Marriage certificate with the correct details. |
| Previous children (names or ages) | Birth certificate/s with the correct details. |
| Add or remove a parent's name | See Add or remove a parent's name on a birth certificate. |
| Processing start date | Processing time | Pick up/delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Date received
Full application |
20 working days | Pickup 595 Collins Street Melbourne or 6 days |
| If the original birth certificate is returned | If the original birth certificate IS NOT returned |
|---|---|
| No fee |
$33.00
The price of a standard birth certificate applies |
Shipping fees cannot be refunded if you decide to collect your certificate(s) in person.
| Postage - see Australia Post (External link) for product details | Price |
|---|---|
Australia |
|
| Standard post/Handling | $1.00 |
|
Registered post (Standard) Note: We do no send commemorative certificates by Registered post. |
$7.40 |
|
Express post Note:
|
$7.80 |
Outside Australia |
|
| Airmail (Standard post) | $3.70 |
| Express Courier International | $52.80 |
Check the Payment methods we accept.