Relationship register
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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 $407 package
fee includes the registration fee ($223 including standard
certificate), ceremony and issue of a ceremonial certificate on
the day ($184).
Ceremony venues
Parramatta Registry Office (max number of guests: 24)
| Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
| $407
|
Chippendale Registry Office (max number of guests: 12)
| Weekdays: Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
| $407
|
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 |
If a relationship breaks down
A fee applies to revoke a registered relationship. Either or both parties can apply.
If only one partner revokes a registration, they must provide proof they've served notice on the other. The Registrar has the discretion to dispense the notice requirement if the partner cannot serve notice.
A cooling-off period of 90 days applies before the registration is revoked by the Registrar.
If either couple requires a copy of the Relationship certificate showing the revocation details, a standard certificate fee of $60 applies.
Download a
Relationship certificate application - PDF
Download a
Revoke a registered relationship application - PDF
Withdrawing an application
There is no fee for withdrawing:
- a relationship registration (within the 28-day cooling-off period)
- a relationship revocation (within the 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 - PDF
Fees
Relationship registration (includes 1 standard certificate)*
| $223
|
Revocation of relationship (if required)
| $82
|
Standard (relationship or revocation) certificate
| $60
|
Commemorative package (1 standard
and 1 commemorative certificate)
|
$87
|
Commemorative certificate on its own
| $41
|
Relationship ceremony package fee
| $407
|
*Add $41 if you require a letter of confirmation for lodgement of the application.
Identification
You must provide three forms of identification, one 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.
1 |
If born in Australia: - An Australian birth certificate
Record of immigration status: - New Zealand citizenship certificate
- New Zealand birth certificate
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Proof of permanent residency from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection
|
2 | - Australian driver's licence
- Australian passport
- Firearms licence
- Foreign passport
- Photo card issued by a government agency
|
3 | - Medicare card
- Centrelink card
- Australian security guard licence or crowd control licence
- Student or tertiary card
- Overseas birth certificate
|
4 | - Australian driver's licence
- Utility account (electricity, gas, water)
- Rates notice
- Centrelink concession card
- Current tenancy or lease agreement
- Superannuation fund statement
|
How to apply
Download a
Register a relationship application - PDF