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​Birth registration

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    The Registry records all births that occur in New South Wales. It is a legal requirement in NSW to register your child's birth with us within 60 days — the hospital doesn't do this for you.

    Choosing a name is always a very special moment, and the vast majority of names can be registered. However, some names are prohibited e.g. words which may be offensive, official titles or rank, using numbers or symbols e.g. 1st, Snr or Jnr. For more information please refer to the Prohibited Names Policy – PDF.

    Registering a birth

    Registering your newborn ensures you can apply for a birth certificate and certain government benefits like Parental Leave. 

    Here's how to register your newborn online >>

    Registering births from same-sex relationships

    As set out in the Miscellaneous Acts Amendment (Same Sex Relationships) Act 2008 (NSW), two women in a same-sex de facto relationship may be recognised on their child's birth certificate.

    Assisted reproductive technology

    If your child was born via assisted reproductive technology using donated sperm or ovum (egg), you may choose to answer 'Yes' to the following non-compulsory question on the online birth registration form:

    'Was the child a result of assisted reproductive technology using donated sperm or ovum?'

    Under the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007 (NSW), if you answer 'Yes' to this your child will receive a notification if they obtain a birth certificate after the age of 18 stating there may be further information available from the relevant authority. 

    If you have lodged a Birth Registration Statement for a birth that occurred on or after 4 May 2016 and wish to amend it with assisted reproductive technology information, please complete a Correct an entry application - PDF

    Wodonga births

    If you are a resident of Albury you can choose to register your child’s birth in NSW rather than in Victoria. For more information see Albury birth registration flyer - PDF

    Registering a homebirth

    We register all births based on the online birth registration form completed by the parents and a notification provided by:

    • the hospital in which the birth occurred (or a mother and child admitted within 24 hours of birth), or
    • a doctor or registered midwife who attended the birth, or
    • the independent witnesses who saw the birth occur.

    Unplanned homebirth — child in hospital within 24hrs

    If the birth occurred at home or in a location other than a hospital and the child is taken to a hospital within 24 hours of the birth, the hospital should notify the Registry of the birth. The mother must register the baby within 60 days of the birth.

    Here's how to register your newborn online >>

    Birth without a registered doctor or midwife — child not in hospital within 24hrs

    If the birth occurred in a location other than a hospital without a registered doctor or midwife in attendance and the child was NOT taken to a hospital within 24 hours of the birth:

    • At least two independent witnesses must have seen the birth occur.
    • Call us on 13 77 88 and provide your name, home address, and the names and addresses of the two witnesses who saw the birth occur.
    • A Section 44 Notice containing specific questions about the birth will be posted and must be completed by you and the witnesses.
    • The Section 44 Notices must be completed and returned to the Registry by the dates specified on each Notice.

    • Complete the birth registration within 60 days of the child's birth.

    Registering after 60 days

    Our priority is to support all parents to register their child. The Births Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 (NSW) states parents must register their baby within 60 days of birth.

    Late birth registration requires strict verification of both the parent/s identification and the child's details. It's not always possible to process these applications quickly due to these requirements. For proof of identification for parent/s and children refer to the information below.

    Identification

    Parents listed on the online birth registration form must supply current legible identification for proof of identity from the table below.

    Parent/s ID

    You must provide three forms of ID, one of each from Categories 1, 2 and 3. If you're unable to provide ID from Categories 1 and 2, you must still provide at least three forms of ID. At least two of these must be from Category 3. If you're unable to comply with these requirements, please contact us for further advice.

    ​Category
    		 ​Identification documents
    ​1
    		​If born in Australia:

    • An Australian birth certificate
    Record of immigration status:

    • Citizenship certificate
    • New Zealand citizenship certificate together with a passport
    ​2
    • ​Australian driver's licence
    • Australian passport
    • Firearms licence
    • Foreign passport
    • Proof of age card
    ​3
    • ​Medicare card
    • Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs card
    • Security/Crowd control licence
    • Tertiary education institution ID card
    ​4
    • ​Recent utility account with current residential address (issued within last 3 months)

    Child's ID

    You must prove your child's identity with one of the following accepted IDs:

    • Medicare card
    • Health Insurance Commission Immunisation Certificate (printed not written)
    • Pre-school or school report
    • School identification card
    • Letter from preschool or day-care centre showing child's full name and date of birth
    • Certificate of Aboriginality (or letter from Land Council, Aboriginal Corp with common seal)
    • Medical certificate from doctor showing child's full name and date of birth
    • Centrelink Letter showing child's full name
    • Australian Private Medical Insurance Card (for non-permanent residents)
    • A court order stating who has "Parental Responsibility" for the subject child.