What is this application for?
Use this application to register a change of your recorded sex.
Who can apply?
This page explains how to change the record of sex on your birth certificate if you:
- An adult (over 18)
- Born in Victoria, and
- Have not changed your record of sex in the last 12 months.
What you’ll need
We'll ask you for the following information during the application process.
Your current details
At a minimum, personal details such as your name, address and date of birth.
What you want the sex on your 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.
As part of your application, you’ll need to complete both of the following:
- A statutory declaration stating that:
- Your birth is registered in Victoria
- You believe your sex is the one nominated in your application
- You have not changed your record of sex in the last 12 months;
- A supporting statement from an adult who has known you for at least 12 months. They must state that they:
- Believe you are applying in good faith
- Support your application.
Advise if you are detained or subject to court orders
If you are an offender, you must attach approval from the relevant authority to change the record of your sex.
It is an offence to apply without this approval.
Original certificate(s)
You must return all original legal Victorian birth certificate(s). A record of sex can’t be changed, unless you return all original certificate(s).
You will need to post these to us (if you or your parents have previously purchased a certificate).
If you don't have the original, you need to provide a statutory declaration(opens in a new window) explaining why. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.
Proof of your identity
You can prove your identity two ways.
The easiest way to prove your identity is online.
You can use this proof of identity questionnaire if you are not sure which option is best for you.
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.
| Type of application | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Change of record of sex and certificate | Up to 42 days (6 weeks) |
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
Certificate showing affirmed sex
Legal certificate
When we register your change of record of sex, we issue you a new birth certificate.
The birth certificate shows your current name and affirmed sex.
There's no history of changes to your sex or any previous names on the certificate.
The certificate is valid for all legal and official purposes.
BDM will email you a letter of verification. A letter of verification links your previous identity to your current identity.
The letter includes:
- Your current name and record of sex
- If you changed your name, the date on which you changed your name and record of sex, and
- Your name and record of sex before these were changed.
Learn more about updating your other identity documents.
Get a replacement certificate
You can order another certificate later – for example if you lost it and need a replacement. Order a replacement birth certificate.
Change of name when you change your record of sex
If you want to change your name and your record of sex at the same time, you can do so when completing your online Change record of sex application:
- Answer 'Yes' when asked if you are seeking to change your name as part of your online application
- Continue on through the online application to apply to change your name and record of sex together.
You only pay one application fee ($140.40). We will waive the change of name application fee, if you apply to change your name and record of sex at the same time.
If you have changed your name, you must update your other identity documents.
Certificate fees and postage
The fees are non-refundable except as set out on our Refunds page. A fee waiver may be available in certain circumstances of financial hardship.
Certificate fees
| Product or service | Price |
|---|---|
Change of record of sex Includes:
| $140.40 |
Change of record of sex with change of name Includes:
We waive the change of name fee if both applications are submitted together | $140.40 |
Postage
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.
| Postage type | Price |
|---|---|
| Express post (within Australia) | $10.20 |
| Express post (International) | $55.50 |
Payment methods
Pay via credit card, Paypal or BPAY.
After your application is submitted
You‘ll receive an email after submitting your application.
If you didn’t receive an email after applying, first check your spam inbox. If you still don’t have the email, read about common causes of delay.
Once we have everything we need, we’ll complete your application within processing timeframes. We’ll email to let you know when we’ve posted your certificate.
If you’re unable to apply online, please email bdmcos@justice.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) for a printable form. This process may be slower than applying online.
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