A birth certificate is an official document issued by the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) that records the details of a person’s birth, including their full name, date and place of birth, and the names of their parents. It is a crucial document used for identity verification, applying for passports, enrolling in schools, and many other legal purposes. If you were born in New South Wales or are the parent of a child born there, you can apply for a birth certificate from the NSW BDM either online, by mail, or in person. This article outlines the steps involved in obtaining a birth certificate.

Who Can Apply for a Birth Certificate?

The NSW Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages restricts who can apply for and receive a birth certificate due to privacy laws. The following individuals can apply:

• The person whose name appears on the birth certificate (if over 16 years of age).
• A parent or legal guardian of the person listed on the birth certificate.
• A legal representative acting on behalf of the person (e.g., a solicitor).

Third parties may apply, but they must provide proof of authorization from the person named on the certificate or the legal guardian.

Types of Birth Certificates Available

When applying for a birth certificate from the NSW BDM, you have the option of choosing between different types of birth certificates depending on your needs:

1. Standard Birth Certificate: This is the most commonly used certificate and includes full details such as the individual’s name, date of birth, place of birth, and their parents’ names. It is suitable for legal and official purposes such as obtaining a passport or driver’s license.
2. Commemorative Birth Certificate: This is a decorative certificate often chosen to mark the birth of a child. It has no legal standing but is a great keepsake.

How to Apply for a Birth Certificate

There are several ways to apply for a birth certificate from the NSW Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages:

1. Apply Online

The easiest and fastest way to apply for a birth certificate is through the NSW BDM’s online service. Here’s how you can do it:

• Visit the NSW Births, Deaths, and Marriages website.
• Navigate to the Birth Certificate application page.
• Complete the online form with the required information, including details of the person whose birth certificate is being requested, their date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ details.
• Upload any necessary identity documents (such as a driver’s license, passport, or Medicare card) to verify your identity.
• Pay the application fee online using a credit card.

Once the application is processed, the birth certificate will be mailed to you within a few business days, depending on the processing time and postal delivery services.

2. Apply by Mail

If you prefer to apply by mail, follow these steps:

• Download and print the Birth Certificate Application Form from the NSW BDM website.
• Complete the form with all the necessary details.
• Attach certified copies of your identity documents. These can be certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP), a notary public, or a police officer.
• Enclose payment (cheque or money order) with your application form.
• Mail the completed form and documents to the NSW Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages at the address provided on the form.

Processing times for mail applications may take longer due to postal delays.

3. Apply in Person

You can also apply for a birth certificate in person by visiting a Service NSW center or the NSW Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages office. Here’s how:

• Bring the completed application form along with the required identity documents.
• Submit the form and documents at the Service NSW center.
• Pay the application fee using a card or other accepted payment method.

In-person applications allow you to have your identity documents verified immediately, but the certificate will still be mailed to you after processing.

Identity Documents Required for Application

When applying for a birth certificate, you must provide proof of identity. Accepted forms of identification typically include:

• Primary ID: Passport, driver’s license, or proof of age card.
• Secondary ID: Medicare card, utility bill, or bank statement. All ID documents must be certified copies if applying by mail.

Processing Time and Fees

The processing time for a birth certificate in NSW generally ranges from 5 to 10 business days for online and in-person applications, though it may take longer for mail applications. Fees vary depending on the type of certificate and the method of application, with expedited services available for an additional fee.