How to register a birth

Fill in a Birth Registration Statement

• You will receive a Birth Registration Statement from the hospital or midwife.

Home births

• You can get a Birth Registration Statement from the Registry Office

Multiple births

• In the case of a multiple birth a separate statement needs to be filled in for each child

Lodge the Birth Registration Statement

• You must lodge the Birth Registration Statement with the Registry Office within 60 days of the baby's birth.
• Please read the general information and directions before completing the form. Your baby will go through life with the information you have stated.
• There is no fee to register a birth.
• The registration will take about 7 working days.

Who can register a baby's birth?

• Where possible, both parents need to sign the Birth  Registration Statement and have their signatures witnessed by a person over 18 years of age.
• If only one parent has signed, he or she needs to attach a letter to the Registrar explaining why the other parent has not signed.  The letter should give details of the other parent's identity and last known address.
• If you have any further questions about signatures please contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration section on (03) 6233 3084.

Same Sex Relationships

The Relationships (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2009 came into effect on 1st January 2010.  Subject to the requirements of the Act, both women in a significant relationship may now be recognised on their child's birth certificate.  To obtain a "Same Sex Parents Birth Registration Statement" please contact BDM. 

Will I receive anything?

• The Registry does not send any acknowledgement of receiving the Birth Registration Statement.
• You can apply for a birth certificate