This page is for organisations who support people experiencing disadvantage. It helps you to help your clients get their life event certificate (e.g. their birth certificate).
This information is also available as a fact sheet for you to download.
Why a birth certificate is important
A birth certificate helps establish a person's identity. Everyone needs a birth certificate to access:
- Government benefits
- Education
- Childcare
- Employment
- Opening a bank account
- Help with housing.
Access to a birth certificate is a universal human right(opens in a new window). A birth certificate can only be issued after the birth has been registered.
It can form part of a person’s connection to their birth family and their cultural identity. It can also provide someone with information they may not already know. For example, this might include where they were born.
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM):
- Records life events for the Victorian community
- Issues certificates.
Birth certificates are the most common certificate requested by someone experiencing disadvantage. However, the advice on this page is relevant for our other certificates, too.
For people born outside Victoria, contact the Registry in the state or territory where they were born.
Get the right information
We are here to help! If in doubt, contact us to discuss. It’s important you have the right information.
To contact us:
- Email bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- In the subject line, mention ‘assisting a client who is experiencing disadvantage’. This helps us manage these enquiries so that you get information you need.
Help with proof of identity exceptions
Proof of identity exceptions
The easiest way for someone to prove their identity is with their driver licence (if it confirms residential address) and passport.
However, some customers can’t meet BDM’s standard proof of identity requirements.
For these customers, we have a proof of identity exception policy. The policy supports organisations to help clients who don't have the standard documents. It provides guidance on what documents to provide.
For more information, email bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
Help your clients apply
You can apply on your client’s behalf, or help them to apply themselves.
You can also:
- Act as a guarantor if your client doesn’t have enough proof of identity of their own
- Apply on their behalf, if you have their authority to do so (‘Third party authority’).
With both these options, you will need to provide documents and evidence to support the application.
If you have questions, please email bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
In the subject line, mention ‘assisting a client who is experiencing disadvantage’.
You can either apply offline (via post), or online via our website.
Apply offline
Following these steps does not guarantee that BDM will issue a certificate. We still need to assess your client’s application.
- Request a paper application form:
- Email bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
- Tell us what type of certificate and/or registration your client is applying for.
- If required, download and help your client fill out a fee waiver application form, print and sign it. Help your client attach it to their application.
Help your client attach the evidence that needs to be provided. For more information, see:
For more information about proof of identity exceptions, email us at bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au.
You can contact us to discuss how you can use your professional ID instead of your personal ID to prove your identity.
You do not need to pay to submit the application if you are applying for a fee waiver. If you are applying on behalf of your client or acting as a guarantor, you will also need to provide:
- Your own proof of identity, and
- Any other evidence required.
For more information about proof of identity exceptions, email us at bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au.
You can contact us to discuss how you can use your professional ID instead of your personal ID to prove your identity.
- Post the forms to:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
GPO Box 4332
Melbourne, VIC, 3001
or visit a Justice Service Centre.
Apply online
The fastest way for your client to apply for a certificate or registration is online.
You can assist them with their application but can only apply online on their behalf if you have legal authority to do so.
If applying online, they will need to pay up front. We will then assess whether your client is eligible for a fee waiver.
Help your client to apply online for the certificate and/or registration.
They will need to prove their identity:
- If required, download and help your client fill out a fee waiver application form. Sign and save it electronically.
- Help your client upload the form to their online application.
Help your client upload the evidence required. For more information, see:
For more information about proof of identity exceptions, email us at bdmapplicationmanagement@dgs.vic.gov.au.
You can contact us to discuss how you can use your professional ID instead of your personal ID to prove your identity.
- Pay the fee to submit the application.
- Note the order number in case you need to follow up with us.
Has your client already applied?
If they didn't apply for a fee waiver at the time, they may be able to apply for a refund.
Check Financial hardship and fee waiver for how to do this within four weeks of applying.
Help for specific client groups
There are specific steps you should follow if you are helping:
We have general advice for the following groups:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander prisoners
- Refugees
- Survivors of family violence
- People affected by natural disasters.
We also have:
- Information in other languages about BDM’s services
- Information in other languages about registering a birth.
Download the fact sheets
Updated