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.

Depending on the correction, further evidence may be required from the application. 

All corrections are subject to a full assessment.

If you want to add a parent's name to a birth certificate, see Add a parent to a birth certificate.

To remove the father's name (if incorrect)

To remove the name of the father if they've been incorrectly named as the biological father:

  1. Complete the application to correct a birth certificate
  2. Provide one piece of evidence from the list below that the father named on the certificate isn't the child's biological father, such as:

 Learn more about how to digitise and upload hard copy documents.

Apply now (External link)

What we need from you

​We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:

1. Details of the person on the certificate

As a minimum, we ask for:

  • Given name
  • Family name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth.

2. The original birth certificate

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 need to provide a Statutory Declaration (External link) explaining why you cannot surrender the original certificate. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.

You'll need to apply for a new birth certificate once we've corrected the birth record.

If the original birth certificate is returned, we issue a replacement certificate free of charge. If the original isn't returned, there is a fee for the new certificate.

3. Evidence to support the correction

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.

4. Proof of your identity

Acceptable documents

One of the easiest ways to prove your identity is by presenting your driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your Passport.

Example driver licenceExample passport

Alternatively, you can provide your driver licence, medicare card and bank card.

Example driver licenceExample Medicare cardExample bank card

Alternatively, there are other ways to prove your identity.

Evidence required

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:

  • A baptismal certificate
  • A maternal health book or baby health care book (dated within 12 months of birth)
  • Any other document indicating the earliest registered name.
  • Original immunisation records.

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 a 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:

  • A confirmation of employment letter from the employer
  • Pay slips
  • Pay records.
Parents' marriage details Marriage certificate with the correct details.
Previous children (names or ages) Birth certificate/s with the correct details.
Add a parent's name See Add a parent to a birth certificate.

 

Processing and delivery

How long will it take for a corrected certificate to be issued?

Processing start date Processing time Pick up/delivery
Date received

Full application
with eligibility and
proof of identity documents

20 working days

Standard processing

 Pickup
595 Collins Street
Melbourne

or

6 days
Australia post

Track the progress of your corrected certificate (External link).

Fees and payment

Certificate fees

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
 

Postage fees

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

  

Registered post (recommended)

 $7.40
Standard post/Handling $1.00

Express post

Note: This is not a priority service fee - standard Turnaround times still apply.

 $7.80

Outside Australia

  
Airmail (Standard post) $3.70
Express Courier International $52.80

Check the Payment methods (External link) we accept.

Apply now (External link)