Certificate turnaround times

We understand your certificate is important, and we aim to get it to you quickly.

Processing times

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.

Type of applicationProcessing time
CertificateUp to 14 days (2 weeks)
Birth registration and certificate for newbornsUp to 28 days (4 weeks)
Death registration and certificate in the last 3 monthsUp to 7 days (1 week)
Marriage registration and certificate for newlywedsUp to 28 days (4 weeks)
Relationship registration and certificate*Up to 35 days (5 weeks)
Change of name registration and certificateUp to 42 days (6 weeks)
Change of record of sex and certificateUp to 42 days (6 weeks)
Correction to a certificateUp to 28 days (4 weeks)
Commemorative birth certificateUp to 28 days (4 weeks)

Allow extra time for:

  • Public holidays
  • Postage:
    • 6 working days for registered or standard post
    • 2 working day for most express post

If you order legal and commemorative certificates together, we post them separately.

*The law requires a 28-day cooling off period when registering a domestic relationship. We can’t register the relationship until 28 calendar days have passed.

Common causes of delays

The most common delay happens when identity documents aren't certified by an authorised person(opens in a new window).

We can only accept copies of identity documents that have been certified by authorised people.

This helps ensure we keep the personal information of Victorians accurate and secure. We only release it to those with a genuine right to receive it.

Late or missing certificates

When you make an application, we email you details of documents you need to provide.

We can’t complete your application until you have provided the documents we need.

Have the turnaround times passed?

Our certificate turnaround times start once you have submitted all required documents.

We’ll email you when we finish processing your order.

If it hasn't arrived after two months, report a late or missing certificate.

Have we emailed you to say we’ve sent the certificate?

Commemorative certificates

We send commemorative certificates separately from legal certificates. They take longer to arrive.

If you ordered a commemorative certificate, please allow 4 weeks after we email you to say we’ve sent the certificate.

If you haven’t received the certificate by then, follow the instructions above to email us. Mention that you’re missing your commemorative certificate.

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