Birth certificates

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

New certificate paper

From 2 August 2021, all of our certificates will be printed on new security paper.

You don’t need to purchase a new certificate unless your details on it have changed.

This is an Australia wide initiative.

You can contact us if you’d like more information.

Picture:  Example of a birth certificate using the new security paper.

Example of new birth certificates using new security paper

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: Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by Government agencies.

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

Processing times

Processing of a birth certificate begins when we have received your complete and correct application.

  • 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.
  • Australia Post advises customers to anticipate delays with international post. 
  • Processing may be delayed if your application is incomplete, does not include valid identification, or you do not pay the fee.
Standard birth certificateStandard servicePriority service
Online applicationup to 6 weeksup to 2 weeks
Submitted by postup to 7 weeksup to 2 weeks
Registry agent (Service NSW)up to 7 weeksup to 2 weeks

 

Commemorative birth certificateStandard servicePriority service
Online applicationup to 8 weeksNot available
Submitted by postup to 7 weeksNot available
Registry agent (Service NSW)up to 9 weeksNot available

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.
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