This page contains information to help parents register a birth online.
This information is also available to download as a fact sheet. Midwives provide this fact sheet to new parents.
To do: Register your baby within 60 days
It's online and it's free. The hospital doesn't do this for you.
How to register
Registering a birth takes about 30 minutes.
You need to register your baby to get a birth certificate.
Step 1
Once you’ve decided on the baby’s name, gather the information in the checklist below. Learn more about Victoria’s most popular baby names and naming restrictions.
Step 2
Create a user account by visiting Register a birth.
You will need your own email address.
Please fill out your section of the online form as ‘Parent 1’. We will ask for details about yourself, your baby, and the second parent (‘Parent 2’). Learn more about Protecting your safety when registering a birth.
You must nominate a second parent (‘Parent 2’), if known. They must have a separate email address to yours. They must complete their section separately (see Step 4).
Each parent needs to provide their own details and email address. Otherwise, there may be delays.
Step 3
Review the information you’ve provided. You can make changes if you need. If everything is correct, choose ‘next’.
You can choose to buy a birth certificate now, or at a later date (after the birth has been registered).
Step 4
We will then email the second parent (if it’s safe and possible to do this). Please tell them to look out for it. They need to follow the link in the email to complete their details.
Once they’ve completed their section, this completes the registration.
Checklist
Your baby's details, including:
- date and place (suburb) of birth
- full name and sex
- birth weight in grams
- hospital name (or details of the doctor or midwife present if the birth didn’t occur in a hospital).
Parent details, including:
- contact details of each parent*, including a separate email address for each parent
- both parents’ full names and place of birth
- occupation of both parents
- any previous children of either parent.
Safety concerns (such as family violence)
We take privacy and safety very seriously. The birth registration process takes this into account.
If you can’t let the other parent know your address due to fears for your safety or wellbeing, you can either:
- ask us to contact them on your behalf, or
- tell us that we should not contact the other parent.
You can still complete this process online (you will be asked about safety concerns). For each option, you will need to provide evidence that your safety or wellbeing is at risk.
If you need further advice or help, see Protecting your safety when registering a birth or email us at bdmbirths@justice.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)
Birth certificates
Ordering a birth certificate is optional. You can order one now or later.
A birth certificate helps you and your child to access important services:
- government services and payments
- school
- a passport
- a driver’s licence and tax file number (when they’re older).
You can register your baby, and order and pay for a standard (legal) birth certificate at the same time. You can also order birth certificates later.
There is a fee for birth certificates. You’ll need to pay by credit or debit card, PayPal or BPay.
If you order later, you’ll also need to prove your identity.
Commemorative certificates
You can purchase an additional commemorative birth certificate — there are lots of designs to choose from!
Each certificate is printed on archival-quality paper, and fits a standard frame size of 280x355mm (11”x14”).
Commemorative certificates are designed as a keepsake or gift to acknowledge a birth. You cannot use these as legal proof of identity documents. To prove your child's identity, you need a standard (legal) birth certificate.
Learn more about our commemorative birth certificates.
If you need help
Email us at bdmbirths@justice.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window) — we’re happy to help.
Help in other languages
Information about birth registration is available in other languages.
If you need to use the Translating and Interpreting Service, email your request to bdmbirths@justice.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window). Please include your name and phone number.
We will contact you using the Translating and Interpreting Service.