Your 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 you can get a birth certificate, the birth needs to be registered in Victoria. See Register a birth.
When ordering a certificate you will need to prove your identity.
We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:
At minimum, you'll be asked for:
You may be able to prove your identity online. If not, you can still prove your identity by mailing certified copies to us.
One of the easiest ways to prove your identity is by presenting your driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your Passport.
Alternatively, there are other ways to prove your identity.
If you're applying for your own certificate, you only need to provide proof of your identity.
If you're applying for someone else's certificate, you also need to prove that you're authorised to do so. See Get someone else's birth certificate.
Carers of children under a Children’s Court order: Find out how to get the birth certificate of a child protection client.
If it's urgent, apply online then contact us.
We send legal certificates by express post, for security.
For commemorative certificates, you may only choose standard post. This is because they're not official identity documents. Legal and commemorative certificates will arrive separately.
The fees are non-refundable except as set out on our Refunds page.
Order a legal certificate and commemorative certificates together.
A commemorative certificate is not accepted as an official Australian birth certificate. It is for decorative purposes only.
Postage fees are additional.
| Type of certificate | Postage and handling method | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Legal certificate | Express post | $10.20 |
| Type of certificate | Postage and handling method | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Legal certificate | International express | $55.50 |
Check the Payment methods we accept
Commemorative birth certificates are decorative mementos of the birth of your child. Unlike standard birth certificates, they're not a legal document and can't be used for official purposes.
Our commemorative birth certificates have been designed by local artists to celebrate your child's birth in a unique and lasting way. Each certificate is printed on archival quality paper and fits a standard frame size of 280mm x 355mm (11" x 14").
You can apply for a commemorative birth certificate when you order a legal birth certificate or when you register the birth. Choose from the following designs when you apply:
For a born footy fan, celebrate the birth of a child with our official AFL commemorative certificates.
Celebrate the birth of children with a Chinese zodiac commemorative birth certificate. There are twelve designs, representing each year of the Chinese zodiac.
The certificates combine Chinese design elements with Australian flora, fauna and landscape. The certificates feature endearing cartoons of baby animals, connecting the designs with the birth theme.
The Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificate brings together artwork by three of Victoria's leading Indigenous female artists, Vicki Couzens, Lee Durroch and Treahna Hamm. Each artist depicts an element of birth in a way that recognises and celebrates Victoria's Aboriginal heritage.
This certificate cannot be used as confirmation of Aboriginality.
The Australian Blue commemorative birth certificate incorporates beautiful calligraphy and Australian imagery of gumnuts and eucalyptus leaves. It's printed in soft, harmonious shades and highlighted with gold. This style is also available in pink.
The Australian Pink commemorative birth certificate incorporates beautiful calligraphy and Australian imagery of gumnuts and eucalyptus leaves. It's printed in soft, harmonious shades and highlighted with gold. This style is also available in blue.
The Victorian Birds commemorative birth certificate has been superbly painted by award-winning artist Lynne Tracey, in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th Century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian birds with a description. This style also comes in fauna.
The Victorian Fauna commemorative birth certificate has been superbly painted by award-winning artist Lynne Tracey in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th Century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian animals and is accompanied by a description of each animal on the certificate. This style also comes in birds.
The Victorian Flora commemorative birth certificate has been superbly painted by award-winning artist Lynne Tracey in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th Century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian flora and is accompanied by a description of the flora.
BDM commissioned the rainbow commemorative birth certificate to:
