Birth certificates

Your birth certificate is an important document that you can use as part of your proof of identity.

Order a standard birth certificate

You can only order a birth certificate from us if the birth or adoption was registered in NSW.

You can order a birth certificate online at the same time as you register your baby.

If you need a birth certificate as part of a family research project, find out more about family history research.

Important: We suggest you do not laminate your certificates. Where possible, identity documents should be kept in their original state.

As of 2021, all certificates are printed on new security paper. 

Order a commemorative certificate

For something more special, you can choose from our range of designs and purchase a commemorative certificate to frame as a gift or keep for yourself. 

About the process

Fees and processing times

Standard birth certificate
Fees include $11 postage and handling
Standard service $68Priority service $101
Online applicationUp to 3 weeksUp to 2 weeks
Postal applicationUp to 5 weeksUp to 4 weeks
Via Service NSWUp to 4 weeksUp to 3 weeks
Fee to send a certificate 
to a passport office
$49 
Official birth certificate and commemorative certificate* package
Fees include $11 postage and handling
Standard service $98Priority service $131
Online applicationUp to 4 weeksUp to 3 weeks
Postal applicationUp to 6 weeksUp to 5 weeks
Via Service NSWUp to 5 weeksUp to 4 weeks
Commemorative birth certificate* only
Fees include $11 postage and handling
Standard service $44Priority service
Online applicationUp to 4 weeksNot available
Postal applicationUp to 6 weeksNot available
Via Service NSWUp to 5 weeksNot available

*Commemorative certificates are sent separately from a standard certificate.

What's on the certificate

A birth certificate is an official copy of the information given to us to register the birth such as:

  • name, sex, date and place of birth
  • information about the parents
  • information about any brothers or sisters and
  • date of registration and registration number.

Please note that your provided postal address will appear on the back of the official certificate to ensure it is sent to your nominated address. This section is not considered part of the legal certificate.

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