To change a child’s record of sex, both parents named on the child’s birth certificate must apply.
A child can record their consent in the application. Children aged 12 or over should do this. Children under 12 can also choose to record their consent.
Upload the completed child’s consent in your application.
Learn more about uploading hard copy documents.
One parent can apply if:
- You are the only parent named on the child’s birth certificate
- There is no other surviving parent of the child
- You have a court order approving the child’s record of sex be changed to the sex descriptor nominated in the application. A court order granting you sole parental responsibility alone does not give you the right to change your child's record of sex.
You will need to upload evidence. This might be the other parent’s death certificate or a court order.
A guardian can apply if they have a permanent care order or other court order giving them responsibility for the child.
1. Your details
At minimum, we’ll ask you for:
- Your child’s name, date of birth and place of birth
- Your name and address
- Name and address of the second parent (if applicable).
2. What the child wants the sex on their 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 for the child.
As part of your application, you’ll need to upload both of the following:
- A statutory declaration from each of the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s), stating that:
- The child’s birth is registered in Victoria
- The child consents to their record of sex being changed to the one nominated in the application
- You believe the change is in the child’s best interests
- The child’s record of sex has not been changed in the last 12 months.
and
- A supporting statement from an authorised person. They must state that in their opinion:
- Changing the child’s record of sex is in the child’s best interests
- If the child is under 16, the child has capacity to consent to the change of their record of sex.
A person authorised to make a supporting statement is:
- An adult who has known the child for at least 12 months and who is not the child’s parent or guardian
- A doctor or psychologist.
You do not need a supporting statement if you can attach a County Court order stating that the change is in the child’s best interests.
3. Advise if the child is in a Youth Justice facility
If the child is detained, you must attach approval from the Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety to change the child’s record of sex.
It is an offence to apply without this approval.
4. Proof of your identity
Each parent or guardian must provide proof of their 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.
If you send us documents, they must be certified copies.
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 cannot provide current photo identification, please contact us.
5. Child's original birth certificate
You must return all original legal Victorian birth certificate(s) (if you have any). A record of sex can’t be changed unless you return all original certificate(s).
You will need to post these to us (mentioning the order/reference number). If you don't have the original(s), you need to provide a statutory declaration explaining why. Learn more about uploading hard copy documents.
