Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a certificate over the phone?

No, you can apply online, in person at Service Tasmania or by post.

Can I apply for an issue search (to identify any child/ren born to an individual)?

Issue searches (where an applicant is trying to identify any child/ren born to an individual) are not accepted, as not all records held by Births, Deaths and Marriages are electronic.

I haven't received the certificate I ordered - what should I do?

If you have been waiting longer than 2 weeks, you will need to check with your local Post Office to investigate whether there has been a problem with delivery.

If they have no relevant information, please contact Births, Deaths and Marriages to check when the certificate was sent and the mailing address.

What documents do I need to apply for a passport?

An application for an Australian passport must be made through the Passports Office (external link) or Post Office.

What documents do I need to when applying for a driver licence?

Contact Service Tasmania (external link)

We want to get married in Tasmania - what do we need to know?

You will need to select either a religious or civil celebrant to conduct the ceremony.  You will find a list of Authorised Celebrants on the Attorney General's website (external link).

You will need to lodge a "Notice of Intended Marriage" form with the proposed celebrant at least one calendar month before the date of the ceremony.

You will also need to provide evidence of date and place of birth, proof of identity and evidence of the termination of any previous marriages (a decree absolute, if divorced, or a full death certificate if widowed).

We want to get married overseas - what do we need to do?

Contact the consul or embassy of the country in which you want to get married and ask their advice.

If we get married overseas will it be recognised here?

In most cases, overseas marriages will be recognised, but there are exceptions. Please contact the Attorney General's Department, Canberra (external link) for advice.

What is an Apostille stamp and where can I get one?

Contact Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (external link)

Where can I get a copy of my divorce certificate (decree absolute)?

Contact the Court Registry (external link) where your divorce was finalised.

What can I do if only one parent will consent to a change of name?

You must obtain a Court Order from the Magistrates Court (external link).

You must then apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages to register the change of name.

Can I revert to the use of my maiden name?

Yes, a married woman is entitled to revert to her maiden name at any time.  If seeking official recognition it may be necessary to register a change of name.

Where can I get a copy of a Will?

Contact the Supreme Court (external link) or contact the Libraries Tasmania (external link) to access their Index of Wills.