Before you can get a recognised details certificate, you need to change your recorded sex in Victoria. See Change a record of sex.
When ordering a certificate you will need to prove your identity.
What is this application for?
Use this application to order a Victorian-issued recognised details 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 recognised details certificate.
How long will it take to get my 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.
| Type of application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Up to 14 days (2 weeks) |
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
Types of certificates
Legal certificates
All recognised details certificate applications include a legal recognised details certificate. This can be used as official proof of identity.
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 certificate | Price |
|---|---|
| Legal certificate | $55.80 |
Postage
We send legal certificates by express post, for security.
| Postage type | Price |
|---|---|
| Express post (within Australia) | $10.20 |
| Express post (International) | $55.50 |
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.
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