We’ll ask you for the following:
1. Your current details
At a minimum, personal details such as your name, address and date of birth.
2. What you want the sex on your birth certificate to be
BDM accepts most sex descriptors. However, there are some the law doesn’t allow. This may include descriptors that are:
- Obscene or offensive
- Impractical (for example, it is too long or contains symbols)
- Restricted for other reasons (for example, chosen for an improper purpose).
You must enter a sex descriptor.
As part of your application, you’ll need to complete both of the following:
- A statutory declaration stating that:
- Your birth is registered in Victoria
- You believe your sex is the one nominated in your application
- You have not changed your record of sex in the last 12 months;
- A supporting statement from an adult who has known you for at least 12 months. They must state that they:
- Believe you are applying in good faith
- Support your application.
3. Advise if you are detained or subject to court orders
If you are an offender, you must attach approval from the relevant authority to change the record of your sex.
It is an offence to apply without this approval.
4. Proof of your identity
You may be able to prove your identity online. If not, you can still prove your identity by mailing certified copies to us.
Acceptable documents
The easiest way to prove your identity is with your driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your passport.
There are other ways to prove your identity.
Learn more about how to prove your identity.
Documents must be current (not expired). We accept Australian passports that are current or expired less than 3 years.
If you can’t provide current photo identification, please contact us.
5. Return your original birth certificate
You must return all original legal Victorian birth certificate(s). A record of sex can’t be changed, unless you return all original certificate(s).
You will need to post these to us (if you or your parents have previously purchased a certificate). If you don’t have the original(s), you need to provide a statutory declaration explaining why.
