Get a birth certificate

A birth certificate is an important legal document, which can be used as proof of identity.

What is this application for?

Use this application to order a Victorian-issued birth certificate. This will provide a legal copy of a birth certificate for a birth registered in Victoria.

This process is for people who need to:

  • Replace a lost or damaged certificate, or
  • Get a copy following a birth registration.

Certificates are only issued for births registered in Victoria. If the birth hasn't been registered, go to Register a birth.

If you were born overseas or in another Australian state, you’ll need to apply for a certificate from where your birth was registered.

Apply for a birth certificate(opens in a new window)

Who can apply?

  • If you were born in Victoria, you can apply for a copy of your birth certificate.
  • Anyone can access an historical birth certificate (more than 100 years old).
  • Certain people can apply for a copy of someone else's certificate.

For young people, we have information for young people on getting a birth certificate.

What you'll need

We'll ask for information about the person named on the certificate. You’ll also need to provide proof identity.

Details of the person named on the certificate

You'll need to provide basic information about the person, including at minimum:

  • Given name
  • Family name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth

If some information is missing, such as if an adult was separated from their birth family at a young age, let us know.

Proof of identity

You can prove your identity two ways.

The easiest way to prove your identity is online.

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

Requirements when applying for someone else’s certificate

If you're applying for someone else's certificate, you must prove that you're authorised to do so. Read how to get someone else’s birth certificate.

Carers of children under a Children’s Court order: find out how to get the birth certificate of a child protection client.

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)
Commemorative birth certificateUp to 28 days (4 weeks)

Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.

Types of certificates

All birth certificate applications include a legal birth certificate. This can be used as official proof of identity.

Victorian Birth Certificate

Commemorative certificates

Commemorative birth certificates are decorative keepsakes that celebrate the birth of your child. They are not legal documents. They can’t be used for official purposes, such as proving your identity.

If you want a certificate for display purposes, order a commemorative birth certificate.

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

Type of certificatePrice
Legal certificate$55.80
Commemorative certificatefrom $90.70

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.

Postage typePrice
Express post (within Australia)$10.20
Express post (International)$55.50

Payment methods

Pay via credit card, Paypal or BPAY.

Payment methods are Visa, Mastercard, 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 for a birth certificate(opens in a new window)

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