Change of sex

If you have had a sex affirmation procedure you can apply to register your sex as male, female or non-specific.

If your birth was registered in NSW your new sex (and name if applicable) will be recorded on your birth certificate.

If your birth was registered outside of Australia your new sex (and name if applicable) will be recorded and a recognised details certificate issued.

How to apply

What’s on the certificate

For births registered in NSW

If you have had a sex affirmation procedure you can apply to have your new sex recorded on your birth certificate. The new birth certificate will not disclose that a change of sex has taken place.

If you have changed your name since your birth was first registered, an endorsement will appear on the new certificate stating your birth was 'Previously registered in another name'.

Your birth will be registered in the current year showing the new sex. Access to your original birth record is restricted by legislation, but can be accessed under certain circumstances. 

For births registered outside Australia

If you have had a sex affirmation procedure you can apply to register a change of sex.

Once a change of sex is registered a recognised details certificate can be issued. The recognised details certificate will record your new sex and current name. 

Who can apply

You can apply to record a change of sex if:

  • you are aged 18 years or older or are the parent/s or guardian of a child, and
  • you or your child has had a sex affirmation procedure.

In addition:

  • you or your child was born in NSW, or
  • if born outside Australia, you or your child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and has lived in NSW for at least one year.
Complete application forms

Download and complete a Record a change of sex application (PDF 1.01MB)

Download and complete a Recognised details certificate application (PDF 971.25KB)

If a formal change of name is required, view Change of name.

You must lodge the following documents with your application:

  • two supporting statutory declarations signed by two 2 medical practitioners verifying the sex affirmation procedure.
  • at least three 3 forms of proof of identity.

Apply by post

When applying by post, you must enclose copies of your identity documents certified by a:

  • Justice of the Peace
  • notary public
  • practising solicitor/lawyer
  • a person authorised to administer an oath under Section 26 of the Oaths Act 1900.

Apply in person

Bring your original identity documents with you to a Service NSW service centre.

Proof of identity

For births registered in NSW

You must provide at least three 3 forms of ID current identification (one of each from Categories 1, 2 and 3 or 4).

  • If you cannot provide identification from Categories 1 and 2, you must still provide at least three forms of identification. At least two of these must be from Category 3.
  • One form of identification must show your current residential address.
CategoryDocument
1
  • Australian birth certificate
2
  • Australian driver's licence
  • Australian passport
  • Firearms licence
  • Foreign passport
  • Photo ID card from motor vehicle or driver licensing authorities
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)
  • Rates notice
  • Lease agreement

For births registered outside Australia

You must provide at least four forms of current identification from the list below with your application.

  • At least one form of identification must be provided from each category.
  • If your Category 1 document does not include your place of birth, you must also provide a passport or full birth certificate containing this information.
  • At least one form of identification must contain your current residential address.
  • Your Category 4 document must show that you have lived in NSW for the past 12 months.
CategoryDocument
1
  • Citizenship certificate
  • New Zealand citizenship Certificate together with passport
  • New Zealand birth certificate
2
  • Australian driver's licence
  • Australian passport
  • Firearms licence
  • Foreign passport
  • Photo ID card from motor vehicle or driver licensing authorities
3
  • Medicare card
  • Credit or debit 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
  • Utility account dated more than 12 months prior to this application
  • Rates notice
  • Lease agreement

 

Fees
Application typeFee
Recording a change sex (born in NSW)
Includes registration and certificate
$148
Recognised details certificate (born outside of Australia)
Includes registration and certificate
$148

 

Using your new birth certificate

Your new birth certificate can be used in Australia. Other countries may not legally recognise a change of sex. If you are concerned about the local laws at your destination check the advice at the Australian government's Smartraveller website.

Processing times

Processing a change of sex registration or recognised details (PDF 1.01MB) certificate begins when we receive a complete and correct application. The processing time is up to 3 weeks.

Certificates are delivered by registered post. The processing time does not include delivery, please see Australia Post website for current delivery times within Australia or International. 

Certificate request

​Standard service

​​By post

up to 6 weeks

​​Registry agents (Service NSW)

up to 6 weeks

Related information

Last updated:
Top of page