Registering the birth of your child is important!
Birth Registration...
- a simple process creating an official public record of your child's identity;
- one of the few officially accepted ways to identify your child to most government and private organisations;
- an essential part of your child's future.
It's how your child is officially recognised by the State of NSW, giving them same rights as other people. Without registering your child, it may not be possible for them to access public facilities such as Medicare or Centrelink.
All new babies born in NSW must be registered within 60 days of birth
Under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 parents must fill out a Birth Registration Form for the birth to be registered and for a Birth Certificate to be produced. If you do not have your child registered within this time then your registration is considered late. Late registrations are more complex and you will save yourself delays in getting you child's birth certificate in the future if you have your child registered on time.
What happens if I register my child late?
It is the State's priority to support parents to register their child. Late registrations involve strict verification of the child's details, and more proof of identification will be required. For these reasons, it is not always possible to process these applications urgently due to the extra requirements.
What identification can I use to register my child if I miss the 60 day cut-off?
As parents, you may use any of the following identification to prove your identity:
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Driver's Licence
- Passport
- Social Security Benefits Card
- Immigration or Citizenship Papers
- Certificate of Aboriginality
- Centrelink Statement
Additionally, you must show one of the following to prove the identity of your child:
- Medicare Card
- Pre-school or school report
- Medical Certificate from family doctor showing full name and date of birth
- Health Insurance Commission Immunisation Certificate
- Centrelink Letter (If child's full name is shown)
- WE DON'T ACCEPT either the Blue Book or a Social Security Benefits Card as ID for the child. The only acceptable Identification is listed above.
Photocopies are only accepted if certified by a Qualified Witness as “true and correct copies”.
There is no fee to register your child
NSW law says that every child must be registered and this is best done as soon as possible. Once your child is registered you don't need to do anything else until you want to purchase a birth certificate.
The usual fee applies if you would like a birth certificate
A birth certificate provides legal evidence of age, place of birth, and parents' details. Without this proof of identity, provided by birth registration, your child may not be able to access some of their rights and privileges, including their:
- School Attendance
- Healthcare (through Medicare)
- Passport
- Driver's Licence
- Social Security Benefits (through Centrelink)
- Participation in Organised Sports
- Bank Account
- Inheritance
Who can access these details or purchase a birth certificate?
Only the people mentioned on the birth certificate may purchase that specific birth certificate. This includes the mother, father (if listed), or child. Some information may also be used for important medical research and community planning purposes but it is kept strictly confidential and only you, your child, or a legal guardian can purchase a copy of the Birth Certificate.
The hospital supplies you with the Birth Registration Statement form
Please ensure it is completed accurately and mailed to the Registry within 60 days of your child's birth. A Birth Certificate Application form will be included. If you require a birth certificate straight away, then the standard fee for a Birth Certificate applies.
What happens if my Birth Registration Statement form is lost or destroyed?
It may be possible to obtain another form from the hospital where your child was born. If not, you should apply for a Birth Certificate from the Registry and we will contact you to assist with the registration. Click here to download the Birth Certificate Application Form.
How can I contact the Registry for more information?
- Phone: 1300 655 236 (general enquiries)
- TTY: 02 9354 1371 (hearing impaired)
- TIS: 13 14 50 (translating and interpreting services)
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