Change your child's record of sex (child born in Victoria)

Apply to change your child's record of sex(opens in a new window)

Read our information for young people on changing a record of sex.

What you’ll need

We'll ask you for the following information during the application process.

Your current details

At minimum, we’ll ask you for:

• Your child’s name, date of birth and place of birth
• Your name and address
• Name and address of the second parent (if applicable).

What the child wants the sex on their birth certificate to be

As part of your application, you’ll need to upload both of the following:

• A statutory declaration from each of the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s), stating that:
  • The child's birth is registered in Victoria
  • The child consents to their record of sex being changed to the one nominated in the application
  • You believe the change is in the child’s best interests
  • The child’s record of sex has not been changed in the last 12 months;
• A supporting statement from an authorised person. They must state that in their opinion:
  • Changing the child’s record of sex is in the child’s best interests
  • If the child is under 16, the child has capacity to consent to the change of their record of sex.

A person authorised to make a supporting statement is:

• An adult who has known the child for at least 12 months and who is not the child’s parent or guardian
• A doctor or psychologist.

Advise if the child is in a Youth Justice facility

If the child is detained, you must attach approval from the Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety to change the child’s record of sex.

It is an offence to apply without this approval.

Child's original certificate(s)

You must return all original legal Victorian birth certificate(s) (if you have any). A record of sex can’t be changed unless you return all original certificate(s).

You will need to post these to us (mentioning the order/reference number).

If you don't have the original(s), you need to provide a statutory declaration(opens in a new window) explaining why. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.

You can use this proof of identity questionnaire if you are not sure which option is best for you.

How long will it take to get the certificate?

When you apply for a certificate or registration, we email you details of documents you need to provide. Our processing times start when we receive all required documents.

If you didn’t receive an email after applying, contact us.

Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.

Certificate showing affirmed sex

Legal certificate

When we register the child’s change of record of sex, we issue them a new birth certificate.

The birth certificate shows the child’s current name and affirmed sex.

There's no history of changes to the child’s sex or any previous names on the certificate.

The certificate is valid for all legal and official purposes.

BDM will email you a letter of verification. A letter of verification links the child's previous identity to their current identity.

The letter includes:

• The child’s current name and record of sex
• If the child's name was changed, the date on which their name and record of sex was changed, and
• The child’s name and record of sex before these were changed.

You may need to update their other identity documents, including their passport. Learn more about updating other identity documents.

Get a replacement certificate

You can order another certificate later – for example if you lost it and need a replacement. Order a replacement birth certificate.

Change of name when you change the child’s record of sex

If you want to change the child’s name and record of sex at the same time you can do this when completing a Change record of sex application.

1. Answer 'Yes' when asked if you are seeking to change the child’s name as part of this online application to change the child’s record of sex
2. Continue on through the online application to change the child’s name and record of sex together.

You only pay one application fee ($140.40). We will waive the change of name application fee, if you apply to change the child’s name and record of sex at the same time.

If you have changed the child's name, you must update their other identity documents.

Certificate fees and postage

The fees are non-refundable except as set out on our Refunds page. A fee waiver may be available in certain circumstances of financial hardship.

Certificate fees

Postage

We send legal certificates by express post, for security.

For commemorative certificates, you may only choose standard post. This is because they're not official identity documents. Legal and commemorative certificates will arrive separately.

Payment methods

Pay via credit card, Paypal or BPAY.

After your application is submitted

You‘ll receive an email after submitting your application.

If you didn’t receive an email after applying, first check your spam inbox. If you still don’t have the email, read about common causes of delay.

Once we have everything we need, we’ll complete your application within processing timeframes. We’ll email to let you know when we’ve posted your certificate.

Apply to change your child's record of sex(opens in a new window)

If you’re unable to apply online, please email bdmcos@justice.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) for a printable form. This process may be slower than applying online.