Supporting people experiencing disadvantage

On this page:

• Why a birth certificate is important
• Types of help available
• Help your clients apply.

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 (External link). A birth certificate 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@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)
• 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.

Types of help available

The ways we can help people experiencing disadvantage include:

 

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@justice.vic.gov.au (External link).

Help your clients apply

You can apply on your client’s behalf, or help them to apply themselves.

If you have questions, please email bdmapplicationmanagement@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)

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

1. Request a paper application form:
   • Email bdmapplicationmanagement@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)
   • Tell us what type of certificate and/or registration you are applying for.
2. Download and fill out a fee waiver application form, print and sign it.
3. Attach this form to your paper application. Attach the evidence required. For more information, see Financial hardship and fee waiver.
4. You do not need to pay to submit the application.
5. 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 to apply for a certificate or registration is online.

If applying online, you will need to pay up front. We will then assess whether your client is eligible for a fee waiver.

1. Apply online for the certificate and/or registration.
2. Fill out a fee waiver application form, sign and save it electronically.
3. Upload the form to your online application.
4. Upload the evidence required. For more information, see Financial hardship and fee waiver.
5. Pay the fee to submit the application.
6. Note the order number in case you need to follow up with us.

Help for specific client groups

There are specific steps you should follow if you are helping:

• People experiencing homelessness.

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.