Register a significant relationship

What is a significant relationship

A significant relationship is a legally recognised relationship between two adults.

Your significant relationship does not have to be registered to be recognised, but you may find it useful to have a certificate to prove that your relationship exists in emergency situations or when dealing with government agencies.

You can register a significant relationship in Tasmania if you are a couple who:

  • both live in Tasmania
  • are not married or related by family
  • are in a relationship with each other.

You do not need to register a relationship in  Tasmania if you have already formalised a relationship in another Australian state or territory or overseas.

How to register a significant relationship

You can apply to register your relationship online.

Please note: when you begin the online application, you will be unable to save the application and return to it later.

Your application will expire after 30 minutes of inactivity and you will need to start again, so BEFORE you start, have the following information ready to upload for each party:

The fees are non-refundable except as set out in our Refund Policy.

Ready to register your relationship?


If you are unable to complete the relationship registration form online, please contact Births, Deaths and Marriages on 1300 135 513 for a paper copy.

Ceremonies

You can have a ceremony to formally recognise and celebrate your relationship.

You can let Births, Deaths, Marriages know the date of your ceremony, and we will register your relationship on that date. The date chosen must be at least 28 days after you have lodged your application to register a relationship.

You can apply for a special certificate to use at your ceremony. The following information is completed on the day of the ceremony:

  • Celebrant’s name
  • Place of ceremony
  • Signature of celebrant
  • Signature of parties
  • Signature of witnesses

View sample decorative certificates

If you need more details, contact Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Withdraw application to register or revoke a relationship

Use the Withdrawal of application to register or revoke a relationship if you need to withdraw an application you have already lodged. There is no fee for this application, but you will not be refunded the original revocation fee.

Certificate of Legal Advice - (Section 62 certificate)

Use this form if you need to prove that a party to a relationship has received legal advice about the advantages and disadvantages of entering into a personal relationship or separating. It is required under Section 62 of the Relationships Act.

Last updated: 8 July 2025