The ‘applicant’ means the person applying to BDM, even if applying on behalf of someone else.
The ‘registered person’ means the person to whom the information or certificate relates. For example, the registered person is either of the spouses on a marriage certificate.
What information BDM might provide to you
The table below sets out the requirements that different types of applicants need to meet. However, access to information is still subject to the Registrar’s discretion. For more information see how The Registrar makes a decision about access to information.
The Registry of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM) can provide information relating to marriages or registered relationships in the following formats:
- Legal certificates (can be used for all legal purposes including proof of identity)
- Letters of verification (cannot be used as proof of identity)
- Data
- Historical certificate (cannot be used as proof of identity)
- Commemorative Relationship Certificate (cannot be used as proof of identity)
Please refer to What information can be accessed for further information about these formats.
BDM will make every effort to assist you with your enquiry. If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a legal certificate, BDM might be able to provide you with a letter of verification.
Requirements for specific types of applicants
| Type of access | Applicant | How to apply | Requirements | What BDM might provide you |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered person access | Self - applying for your own marriage or registered relationship certificate | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
| Legal marriage or relationship certificate Commemorative relationship certificate (For relationships only) |
| Family access | Next of kin Where both parties to the marriage/relationship are deceased | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
| Legal marriage or relationship certificate Commemorative relationship certificate (For relationships only) |
| Other agent | Other person Where at least one party to the marriage/relationship is still living | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
| Legal marriage or relationship certificate Commemorative relationship certificate (For relationships only) |
| Other agent | Power of attorney, court or tribunal appointed administrator or guardian for the registered person | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
The Power of Attorney must be one of the following:
| Legal marriage or relationship certificate |
| Other agent | Primary carer (who does not have a guardianship order) | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
The statement must include the medical practitioner's registration number. | Legal marriage or relationship certificate |
| Other agent | Legal practitioner | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
The legal practitioner's client must be either:
The Power of Attorney must be one of the following:
| Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
| Other agent | Search agent applying on behalf of a legal practitioner or trustee | Go to: | The requirements for legal practitioners (above) A written statement on letterhead from the legal practitioner authorising the agent to apply on their behalf. | Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
| Deceased estate matters | Executor, public trustees and trustee companies, legal practitioner, search agent applying on behalf of legal practitioner | Go to: | See requirements for relevant applicant in Applying for certificates or information about a person who is deceased. | Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
| Administrative or research access | Government, not-for-profit, research (e.g. universities) or commercial organisations | Go to Apply for registry data For more information, contact BDM using our contact us form and include 'data request' in your message. | A written request using the online data request form setting out:
Pay the relevant fee. Note: There may be additional requirements, depending on the nature of the request. BDM will advise you if this is the case. | Data |
| Statutory or government access | Any Australian government or statutory body requiring access. For example:
| Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
If there is no statutory authority, provide permission (known as third party authority) and proof of identity from the registered person
| Legal marriage or relationship certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
| Statutory or government access | Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
Note: If a legal certificate from BDM is required, in addition to the requirements above, the application must:
| A letter of verification Legal marriage or relationship certificate
|
| Statutory or government access | Consulates (from the country the registered person was born in) | Go to: | Apply for a certificate including:
Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Learn more about the requirements for translated documents. | A letter of verification |
| Historical | Anyone (for information about marriages that occurred over 60 years ago) | Visit Search your family history | Visit Search your family history | Uncertified historical image of certificate Historical certificate |
Not what you're looking for?
Refer also to:
Applying for birth certificates or information
Birth certificates show information relating to the person's birth, including the registered person's name and sex.
Applying for certificates or information about a person who is deceased
Information about a person who is deceased.
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