Your certificate is an important document. We aim to get it to you as quickly as possible.
Processing times
When you apply for a certificate or registration, we email you details of documents you need to provide. Our processing times start when we receive all required documents.
If you didn’t receive an email after applying, contact us.
Common cause of delays
The most common cause of delays is not providing certified proof of identity documents.
We can only accept copies of identity documents that have been certified by authorised people (External link).
This helps ensure we keep the personal information of Victorians accurate and secure. We only release it to those with a genuine right to receive it.
| Type of application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Up to 14 days (2 weeks) |
| Birth registration and certificate for newborns | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
| Death registration and certificate in the last 3 months | Up to 7 days (1 week) |
| Marriage registration and certificate for newlyweds | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
| Relationship registration and certificate* | Up to 35 days (5 weeks) |
| Change of name registration and certificate | Up to 42 days (6 weeks) |
| Change of record of sex and certificate | Up to 42 days (6 weeks) |
| Correction to a certificate | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
| Commemorative birth certificate | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
Allow extra time for:
- Public holidays
- Postage:
- 6 working days for registered or standard post
- 2 working day for most express post
If you order legal and commemorative certificates together, we post them separately.
*The law requires a 28-day cooling off period when registering a domestic relationship. We can’t issue a certificate until 28 calendar days have passed and we have registered the relationship.
What if my certificate hasn't arrived?
If it hasn't arrived after two months, report a late or missing certificate.