If you need to correct an error on a birth certificate, please visit Correct a birth certificate.
What is this application for?
Victorian law allows a person to change their record of sex.
If you have changed your record of sex and name, we can update your sibling’s Victorian birth certificate to show your new name.
The updated birth certificate will show your current name.
A birth certificate only shows a child’s older siblings (‘previous issue’). Even if it is reissued later in life, it does not show siblings born afterward.
We can’t update your name on your older sibling’s birth certificate because you won’t be listed on your older sibling’s birth certificate.
A Victorian birth certificate may be corrected only once in 12 months.
Who can apply?
We can only do this if:
- You changed your record of sex and name in Victoria
- Your sibling is a younger sibling whose birth certificate lists you. (For example, as ‘previous issue’ or ‘previous children of this relationship’); and
- Your younger sibling was born in Victoria.
Parent(s) and sibling(s) may also apply.
We can’t correct your name on your sibling’s birth certificate if you:
- Changed your name only (no change of record of sex); or
- Corrected your record of sex using a process other than Change a record of sex. (For example, by using the correction process under s43 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996.)
We assess all corrections before making them.
What you'll need
We'll ask for information on the person named on the certificate, and you'll need to provide proof of identity.
Details of the person named on the certificate
As a minimum, we ask for:
- Name and date of birth of each of the siblings
- Names and dates of birth of the parent(s).
The original birth certificate
We ask you to return the original certificate before we can issue a new, corrected version.
Proof of 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're not sure which option is best for you.
Evidence of consent
We will ask for consent from the party(s) affected by the change. If the siblings are adults, both must agree to the change.
We may also ask for other supporting documents.
| Applicant | Age of sibling(s) | Consent needed from |
|---|---|---|
| Adult who changed their record of sex and name | The younger sibling is 12 or older | Younger sibling |
| Adult who changed their record of sex and name | The younger sibling is under 12 | Each parent(s) or guardian(s) of the younger sibling |
| Adult whose older sibling changed their record of sex and name | Adult | Older sibling |
| Parent of a person who changed their record of sex and name | Either of the siblings are 12 or older | Each child 12 or older |
| Parent of a person who changed their record of sex and name | Either of the siblings are under 12 | You don’t need the consent of child(ren) under 12 |
To provide consent, the relevant party(s) must complete a statutory declaration to consent to the correction(opens in a new window).
You should upload this with your application. Learn more about Uploading hard copy documents online.
Processing times
When you apply, 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 |
|---|---|
| Correction to a certificate | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage
Information on a certificate
When you correct a Victorian legal birth certificate, we issue you a new birth certificate. We will also issue you a new commemorative birth certificate if we must correct one you already have.
The birth certificate shows the name and age of each sibling.
There’s no history of changes to a sibling’s sex or any previous names on the certificate.
The history on the back of the legal birth certificate will note that:
- The sibling’s details have been corrected, and
- The date of the correction.
It does not provide any details about the change.
Certificate fees and postage
The fees are non-refundable except as set out in our Refunds page. A fee waiver may be available in certain circumstances of financial hardship.
Certificate fees
| Whereabouts of original certificate | Price |
|---|---|
| If you return the original recognised details certificate | $0.00 |
| If you do not return the original recognised details certificate | $55.80 |
Postage fees are additional.
Postage fees
We send legal certificates by express post, for security
| Postage and handling method | Price |
|---|---|
| Express post (within Australia) | $10.20 |
| Express post (International) | $55.50 |
Payment methods
Pay via credit card, Paypal or BPAY.
After you've submitted your application
You'll receive an email after you've submitted 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 complete your application within processing timeframes and email to let you know when we've posted your certificate.
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