This page is for organisations who support people experiencing homelessness. It helps you to help your clients get their birth certificate.
This information is also available as a fact sheet for you to download.
You can also:
- Download posters to display in your location
- Download content to share on your organisation's social media accounts.
Before you begin
It may help to read Supporting people experiencing disadvantage – it provides context and information.
How to help your client apply
Was your client born in Victoria?
If yes: proceed. BDM can issue certificates for births in Victoria only.
If no: contact the Registry of the state or territory in which they were born.
Help your client to apply for their birth certificate
Your client can either:
- Apply online, or
- Apply by post.
You can help them with their application.
You can also:
- Act as a guarantor if your client doesn’t have enough proof of identity of their own
- Apply on their behalf, if you have their authority to do so (‘Third party authority’).
For more information, see the document checklist.
Apply online
Following these steps does not guarantee that BDM will issue a certificate. We still need to assess your client’s application.
Request a paper application form
Email bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au.
In the subject line, mention assisting a client who is experiencing homelessness. This helps us manage these enquiries.
Download a fee waiver application form and attach it to the application
Print and have your client sign the Fee waiver application form.
Attach it to their application, along with the evidence they need to provide.
To download the form and view the evidence your client will need to provide, see Financial hardship and fee waiver.
Attach proof of identity and any other evidence required
Help your client attach the proof of identity that they need to provide.
For more information, see:
- Proof of identity, and
- Financial hardship and fee waiver
For more information about our proof of identity exceptions, email us at bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au.
All identity documents must be:
- Certified copies. Check the rules about who can certify documents at justice.vic.gov.au/statdecs(opens in a new window)
- Current, or dated within the last 12 months. Passports may be current or expired less than 3 years.
You do not need to pay to submit the application.
If you are applying on behalf of your client or acting as a guarantor, you will also need to provide your own proof of identity and supporting documents. See the document checklist.
Submit the application
Refer to document checklist below for other evidence you may need to attach.
Post the forms and the required evidence to:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
GPO Box 4332
Melbourne, VIC, 3001
or visit a Justice Service Centre.
Apply online
The fastest way for your client to apply for a certificate or registration is online.
You can assist them with their application.
You can also:
- Act as a guarantor if your client doesn’t have enough proof of identity of their own
- Apply on their behalf, if you have their authority to do so (‘Third party authority’).
For more information, see the document checklist.
If applying online, they will need to pay up front. We will then assess whether your client is eligible for a fee waiver.
Apply online
To apply online, visit Get a birth certificate.
Download a fee waiver application form and attach it to the application
If applying online, your client will need to pay upfront before applying for a fee waiver.
Print and have your client sign the Fee waiver application form.
Attach it to their application, along with the evidence they need to provide.
To download the form and view the evidence your client will need to provide, see Financial hardship and fee waiver.
Upload proof of identity and any other evidence required
Help your client attach the proof of identity that they need to provide.
For more information, see:
For more information about our proof of identity exceptions, email us at bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au.
All identity documents must be:
- Certified copies. Check the rules about who can certify documents at justice.vic.gov.au/statdecs(opens in a new window)
- Current, or dated within the last 12 months. Passports may be current or expired less than 3 years.
Submit the application
Refer to document checklist below for other evidence you may need to upload.
Post the forms and the required evidence to:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
GPO Box 4332
Melbourne, VIC, 3001or visit a Justice Service Centre.
Document checklist
Remember to provide all documents at the same time (with the application).
- The application form, and payment if applying online
- Certified identity documents, and
- Any statutory declarations or other documents if required.
Plus, if applying for fee waiver:
- Fee waiver application form, and
- A letter on official letterhead confirming homelessness, from either a:
- Government agency; or
- A recognised community or outreach organisation.
Extra documents you need to provide will depend on the way you’re supporting your client.
Guarantor-assisted application
Use when your client does not have enough proof of identity for their application.
What to provide
- Any proof of identity your client has that outlines their name. If your client doesn’t have sufficient ID, please contact us to learn more about our proof of identity exception policy.
- Your own proof of identity. You can contact us to discuss how you can use your professional ID instead of your personal ID to prove your identity.
- A statutory declaration(opens in a new window) from both you and your client outlining:
- How you know each other
- How long you have known each other
- Why they need the birth certificate.
Check out who can witness statutory declarations(opens in a new window) here.
If there is a problem with the documents provided, we can advise you on next steps.
Third party authority application
Use when your client:
- Has enough proof of identity, and
- Gives you authority to apply on their behalf.
What to provide
- Your client’s proof of identity
- Your proof of identity. You can contact us to discuss how you can use your professional ID instead of your personal ID to prove your identity.
- Plus, either:
- Our third party authority form, or
- A letter that outlines your client’s consent for you to access their birth certificate.
Need help? Contact us
We are here to help. If in doubt, contact us to discuss. It’s important you have the right information.
- Email bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- In the subject line, mention 'assisting a client who is experiencing homelessness'. This helps us manage these enquiries.
Updated