TranslateWhat 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:
- Clear, readable scan or photo of ID ready to verify using the Digital Verification Service or upload. Front and back required for some ID.
- Evidence you live in Tasmania.
- Evidence of previous relationship/s or marriage/s have ended.
- Download this statutory declaration (includes identification requirements) and complete, confirming your eligibility to register a relationship.
- If you are registering a caring relationship, you will also need to download this certificate of legal advice declaration, complete, and upload a certificate of legal advice.
- Credit card information including cardholder name, number on the card, expiry date and CVV number.
The fees are non-refundable except as set out in our Refund Policy.
How long does it take to get a significant relationship certificate
It is a requirement of the Relationships Act 2003 that a relationship must not be registered before 28 days from when the application is received.
Please allow additional time (after the end of the compulsory 28 day waiting period) for the assessment and approval of your application.
We mail certificates to the postal address you provide. Check Australia post website for fees and delivery times
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.