Answers to common questions The quickest answer to your question might be on this website.
Here are some of our most common queries.
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How do I apply for a birth certificate? Go to our Get a birth certificate page. You’ll need to prove your identity and pay the fee.
We may email you about your application, so make sure you check your mailbox.
How do I get a replacement for a lost certificate? Applying for a replacement certificate is the same as applying for a new certificate. Go to birth certificate , marriage certificate or death certificate . If it's not one of these, check the full list of our services .
If your certificate is damaged during delivery, please contact us .
You can also read about what to do if your certificate has been lost or stolen .
How do I fix a mistake on a certificate? If you believe there's an error on a certificate, you can apply to have it corrected. We assess all corrections before making them. Go to Change or correct a certificate .
How do I prove my identity? In most cases, you need to prove your identity to get certificates from us.
The easiest way to prove your identity is by presenting your physical driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your passport. If you don’t have these, there are other ways to prove your identity. Learn more about proving your identity .
Where is my certificate? If you’ve already applied, please check the email we sent you for specific advice.
The most common cause of delays is not providing proof of identity. Our turnaround times don’t start until we receive your proof of identity documents.
Legal and commemorative certificates will arrive separately.
Check our certificate turnaround times .
How do I register a birth? Go to Register a birth . Registering is free.
When you register the birth, you don't automatically get a birth certificate. You can order a certificate at the time of registration or later.
Our priority is protecting your safety. If you tell us that you have concerns for your safety, we can protect your information from the other parent.
Phone us Our contact centre receives a high volume of calls. We apologise for any delay and thank you for your patience.
1300 369 367 132 842
+61 3 9454 9788
Hours: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
Service partners Service partners such as doctors, funeral directors and celebrants: phone 1300 369 367 option 3.
Hours: 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
You can also refer to your pages for instructions:
Visit in person Some BDM services are available at some Justice Services Centres throughout Victoria. You may be able to:
submit your identity documents get an application form if you’re unable to submit online. You can’t collect certificates from Justice Service Centres.
Find a Justice Service Centre near you(opens in a new window) .
Email The quickest answer to your question might be on this website.
We aim to answer queries within 10 working days. If you submit a complaint, please allow longer for investigation. Check our timelines for complaints .
Our IT Service Desk team may be able to help with problems such as logging in, password resets, pop-ups or printing.
The IT team can’t help with turnaround times or applying for a certificate.
Email bdm.ict.servicedesk@dgs.vic.gov.au
Mail Write to us at:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
If you're returning original certificates or providing certified identity documents, include your order number.
