Help parents register a birth

We are here to help all parents in Victoria complete the birth registration process.

From this page, you can find information to support parents.
 

Help parents register a birth

The importance of registering a birth

All babies born in Victoria need to be registered with us within 60 days. However, we understand that sometimes a birth needs to be registered later in life.

Parents can register their baby online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Once the birth is registered, parents can apply for their baby's birth certificate.

There is no fee for registering a birth.

When registering a birth, parents may also choose to purchase a birth certificate.

Birth certificates give children a great start in life. They help parents:

• Enrol their child in kinder and school
• Access benefits like Centrelink and Medicare
• Exercise their rights and responsibilities as parents.

Register a birth

How can I support parents?

To support parents, you can:

• Give them the parent information sheet about online birth registration.
  Midwives should include this sheet in parent packs.
  Hospitals can order hard copies by emailing bdmpostoffice@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)
  Other professionals can print and give a copy to parents who need one. 
• Print and give the stillbirth or the death of a baby information sheet (External link) to bereaved parents (They should also get the information sheet that all parents receive.)
• Keep some paper birth registration forms for parents who are unable to register a birth online.

Parents may also need information about how to register:

• A home birth
• A donor-conceived birth
• The birth of a child born as the result of self-insemination
• A stillborn baby, or a baby who died soon after being born
• The birth of a child born outside of Victoria
• A late birth registration (after 60 days).

Where parents have fears for their safety or wellbeing, we can help to register the child’s birth safely.

Help parents get a birth certificate

The importance of birth certificates

A birth certificate is an important personal document. It's proof of identity for many purposes, such as claiming government benefits, enrolling in school and applying for a passport or driver licence.

Before parents can get a child’s birth certificate, the child’s birth needs to be registered. See Register a birth.

Get a birth certificate

Parents can choose to purchase a birth certificate during the registration process, or later.

If the parents apply for their child’s birth certificate later, they will need to:

• Prove their own identity to get a birth certificate for a child under 18.
• Prove their own identity and prove they are authorised to apply on their child's behalf if their child is an adult (aged 18 or older).

Parents/carers may also need information about how to get:

• A birth certificate for a child under a Children’s Court order with the child protection program.
• A recognition of early pregnancy loss certificate.

How can I help parents access extra support?

If you need to help your client apply for a birth certificate, we can provide extra support. Learn how to support parents who:

• Have safety concerns
• Need help with fees
• Need help proving identity
• Are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person
• Are experiencing disadvantage, including homelessness.

Proof of identity

In most cases, customers need to prove their identity to get certificates from us. Most people prove their identity by providing certified copies of identity documents.

For customers who can’t meet our standard proof of identity requirements, 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. To request more information, email bdmapplicationmanagement@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents

Our Marguk-bulok koolin-ik Team (Aboriginal Outreach) provide culturally-appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents to access our services.

Our Aboriginal services section has information on:

• The importance of birth registration and birth certificates, and
• How we deliver culturally-sensitive services.

It is never too late to register a birth. 

Your clients don't need to wait until they've applied for a certificate before they contact the team.

To get in touch, please email bdm.koori@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)

You can also download and share resources to help support your Aboriginal clients. These include fact sheets and posters. 

Access professional resources and training

We have created resources and training materials to help you. These include a step-by-step guide for professionals supporting parents to register their child’s birth.

To access these resources:

• Email bdmbirths@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)
• In the subject line, mention assisting a client/parent with a birth registration or birth certificate. This helps us manage these enquiries.

Contact us

We are here to help! If in doubt, contact us to discuss. It’s important you have the right information.

You and your clients can contact us for help or advice by:

• Emailing bdmbirths@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)
• Calling 1300 369 367 (8am to 2pm, Monday to Friday)

Contact our Marguk-bulok koolin-ik Team (Aboriginal Outreach)

To get in touch, email the team at bdm.koori@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)

You can also learn more about our Aboriginal Services.