​Relationship register

Couples who are not married can apply to register a relationship in New South Wales. The relationships register provides legal recognition for a couple by registration of their relationship.

Who can apply

Adults who are in a relationship as a couple can apply for registration of their relationship provided at least one of them lives in NSW. A couple does not have to live together to be eligible to register their relationship.

A relationship cannot be registered if either person is:

• under 18 years of age
• married
• related
• in another registered relationship
• in a relationship as a couple with another person.
  

Things to keep in mind

Registered relationships are recognised as 'de facto' in NSW. Couples in registered relationships are subject to certain obligations and/or restrictions under NSW law.

Registered relationship certificates are used to access entitlements, services and records under State legislation.

In situations outside of legislation, service providers may choose to accept registration of a relationship as proof of legitimacy of that relationship.

Registration of a relationship may also be revoked by law on the death or marriage of a person in the relationship.

A registration is considered void if:

• the agreement of one or both persons in the relationship to registration was obtained by fraud, duress or other improper means, or
  
• the relationship was registered when either party was mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of registration, or
  
• the relationship was prohibited (i.e. one of the persons was married).
  

Relationship ceremonies

Why not celebrate the registration of your relationship with a special ceremony? This optional extra brings you together with your loved one (after the 28 day cooling off period) for the presentation of a ceremonial relationship certificate. 

Note, this information is for Registry ceremonies only and not for weddings performed by independent Marriage Celebrants.

Ceremony fees

The $398 package fee includes the relationship registration fee, the formal ceremony and the issue of a ceremonial relationship certificate on the day.

Ceremony venues

Commemorative certificate

Celebrate the registration of your relationship with a Commemorative certificate. They:

• can be purchased as a package with a standard relationship certificate
  
• are also available to purchase on their own
  
• are presented in a framing size of 279mm x 355mm
  
• are printed on archival paper, wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and packaged in a protective cylinder
  
• are for decorative purposes only and may not be accepted by organisations as proof of identity.
  

Opera House	Sydney Harbour

Withdrawing an application

There is no fee for withdrawing:

• a relationship registration (within 28 day cooling-off period)
• a relationship revocation (within 90 day cooling-off period).
  

The application to register a relationship fee is non-refundable. 

Download a Withdraw an application to revoke a registered relationship form [PDF 344KB]

Other fees

*Add $40 if you require a letter of confirmation for lodgement of application.

Identification

You must provide three forms of identification, on of each from categories 1, 2 and 3. If you're unable to provide identification from Category 1, you must still provide at least three forms of identification. At least one of these must be from Category 2, and two from Category 3. 

How to apply

You can apply to register a relationship by post, or in person.

Download a Register a relationship application [PDF 504kb].pdf

Apply in person

​Download a Register a relationship application [PDF 504kb].pdf