Change a record of sex

Adults born in Victoria or living in Victoria can apply to change their record of sex. Parents of a child living in Victoria can apply to change the child's record of sex.

Victorian law allows people born in Victoria to change the record of sex shown on their birth certificate. People born elsewhere may also change how their sex is recognised.

Adults can apply and parents can apply on behalf of their child.

You don’t need to have surgery.

The process to change your record of sex depends on whether:

  • You’re an adult (18 or older) or a child (under 18)
  • You or the child were born in Victoria or outside Victoria.


You can change your record of sex only once in 12 months. You must enter a sex descriptor.

When you change your record of sex, you get either:

  • A new birth certificate – if you were born in Victoria
  • A recognised details certificate – if you were born outside Victoria.

Please choose the page that matches your circumstances:

Choose the page that matches your circumstances: adult or child, born in Victoria or born outside Victoria.
Age of person whose record of sex is being changedPerson born in VictoriaPerson born outside Victoria
(interstate or overseas)
Adult (18 or older)Change your record of sex – adult born in VictoriaChange your record of sex – adult born outside Victoria
Child (under 18)Change your child’s record of sex – child born in VictoriaChange your child’s record of sex – child born outside Victoria

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

Updated