What is this application for?
Use this application to order a Victorian-issued birth certificate. This will provide a legal copy of a birth certificate for a birth registered in Victoria.
This process is for people who need to:
- Replace a lost or damaged certificate, or
- Get a copy following a birth registration.
Certificates are only issued for births registered in Victoria. If the birth hasn't been registered, go to Register a birth.
If you were born overseas or in another Australian state, you’ll need to apply for a certificate from where your birth was registered.
Who can apply?
- If you were born in Victoria, you can apply for a copy of your birth certificate.
- Anyone can access an historical birth certificate (more than 100 years old).
- Certain people can apply for a copy of someone else's certificate.
For young people, we have information for young people on getting a birth certificate.
What you'll need
We'll ask for information about the person named on the certificate. You’ll also need to provide proof identity.
Details of the person named on the certificate
You'll need to provide basic information about the person, including at minimum:
- Given name
- Family name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
If some information is missing, such as if an adult was separated from their birth family at a young age, let us know.
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 are not sure which option is best for you.
Requirements when applying for someone else’s certificate
If you're applying for someone else's certificate, you must prove that you're authorised to do so. Read how to 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Certificate | Up to 14 days (2 weeks) |
| Commemorative birth certificate | Up to 28 days (4 weeks) |
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
Types of certificates
Legal certificates
All birth certificate applications include a legal birth certificate. This can be used as official proof of identity.
Commemorative certificates
Commemorative birth certificates are decorative keepsakes that celebrate the birth of your child. They are not legal documents. They can’t be used for official purposes, such as proving your identity.
If you want a certificate for display purposes, order a commemorative birth certificate.
Australian Blue commemorative birth certificate
Australian Blue 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.
Australian Pink commemorative birth certificate
Australian Pink 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.
Victorian Birds commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Birds is painted in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian birds and is accompanied by a description of the birds. This style also comes in fauna.
Victorian Fauna commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Fauna is painted in the style of an illuminated address of the 19th century. It features exquisitely detailed Victorian animals and is accompanied by a description of the animals. This style also comes in birds.
Victorian Flora commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Flora is painted 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.
Rainbow commemorative birth certificate
BDM commissioned the rainbow commemorative birth certificate to: Celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- and gender-diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) Victorians; Promote equality; and Reinforce our commitment to the inclusion of all communities.
Victorian Footprints commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Footprints certificate has space for you to personalise it with your baby's hand or foot prints. The certificate is a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of your child and would make a unique gift.
Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificate
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage brings together artwork by three Victorian Indigenous artists. Each artist depicts an element of birth in a way that celebrates Victoria's Aboriginal heritage.
Year of the Dog
Those born in the Year of the Dog are said to be honest, friendly and loyal. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with golden wattle, commonly found in Victoria. It features a cartoon of a mother dog and her pups.
Year of the Pig
Those born in the Year of the Pig are said to be sincere, brave and easy going. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with the Australian honeysuckle tree, found in Victoria. It features a cartoon of a mother pig and her piglets.
Year of the Rat
Those born in the Year of the Rat are said to be wise, intelligent and determined. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with the Victorian countryside. A family of rats dances with joy in the Grampians mountains.
Year of the Ox
Those born in the Year of the Ox are said to be honest, observant and loyal. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with a Victorian farm scene. It depicts a mother tending her calves as dad looks on from the hay bales.
Year of the Tiger
Those born in the Year of the Tiger are said to be adventurous, enthusiastic and unconventional. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with a Victorian beach scene. A parent tiger rests with its cubs on the sand. Behind is Port Fairy Lighthouse
Year of the Rabbit
Those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to be intuitive, gentle and clever. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with a Victorian forest scene. A parent rabbit enjoys a picnic with their kits in the Dandenong Ranges.
Year of the Dragon
Those born in the Year of the Dragon are said to be intuitive, gentle and clever. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with Victorian landscape. It features a young dragon on one of the well-known Twelve Apostles rock formations.
Year of the Snake
Those born in the Year of the Snake are said to be enigmatic, wise and sympathetic. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with the Victorian gum tree (eucalyptus). A parent snake watches over their young. They hide at the foot of the gumtree.
Year of the Horse
Those born in the Year of the Horse are said to be honest, outspoken and easy going. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with a Melbourne landmark. It features Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street Station. A foal rides in a carriage.
Year of the Goat
Those born in the Year of the Goat are said to be intelligent, romantic and compassionate. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with the Victorian high country. A mother goat tends her kids in the Snowy Mountains, connecting to the birth theme
Year of the Monkey
Those born in the Year of the Monkey are said to be humorous, popular and confident. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with a Victorian beach scene. Young monkeys celebrate an Australian iron-man event, connecting with the birth theme.
Year of the Rooster
Those born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be talented, brave and self-reliant. The certificate combines Chinese design elements with Australian flora. A proud rooster crows delight at his brood of chicks and hen. Australian flowers surround them.
AFL commemorative birth certificates
For a born footy fan, celebrate the birth of a child with our official AFL commemorative certificates
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
| Type of certificate | Price |
|---|---|
| Legal certificate | $55.80 |
| Commemorative certificate | from $90.70 |
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.
Updated