Replace lost or destroyed documents

Document replacement services may be free to people who live in a declared disaster area.

Birth, death, marriage and change of name certificates

Order replacement certificates from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Medicare card

To order your free replacement Medicare card, phone 13 20 11, visit your local Medicare office, or write to Medicare Australia, GPO Box 9822, Brisbane 4001. You’ll need to provide a certified copy of other identification, such as your driver licence (no form is needed).

Driver licence

To replace lost or damaged driver licences, visit your local Department of Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre or QGAP Office or phone 13 23 80. They can also help with vehicle registration and infringement notices.

Tenancy agreement

Tenancy agreements continue even if the document has been destroyed or damaged. However, you can document the agreement by re-completing the tenancy agreement form on the same terms and conditions.

Property title

Original property titles are held in an electronic system, so you don’t need a paper copy as proof of ownership. However you can still request a certificate of title.

Taxation documents

For help with your tax affairs, contact the Australian Taxation Office. They may be able to help by fast tracking refunds, reconstructing tax records and giving extra time to pay debts or meet lodgement obligations. Phone 13 28 61.

Passport

To report a damaged or lost passport and organise a replacement, phone the Australian Passport Information Service on 13 12 32.

Immigration visa

If you hold an immigration visa that is about to expire, work for a business that has been affected or are otherwise concerned about your immigration status, contact the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 13 18 81. You can also contact them if you are a sponsor and are concerned about the possible impacts on your overseas workers.

Outstanding fines

If a natural disaster has affected your finances, making it harder for you to pay a fine, the State Penalties Enforcement Registry may give you more time to pay. Phone 1300 365 635 or email sper@justice.qld.gov.au to discuss your options.

Family law documents

There is no charge to replace family court orders, divorce orders and other documents held by the Family Law Courts that have been lost or damaged by natural disaster.

Complete a request form and post it to your nearest Family Law Court Registry, phone 1300 352 000 or visit a Family Law Court Registry.

Occupational licensing and organisation registration

The Office of Fair Trading regulates a number of industries and not-for-profit groups through registration and licensing. In the event of a natural disaster, they may replace licences and certificates free of charge that have been lost or destroyed. They may also grant application extensions and waive late fees. Phone 13 74 68 or visit the Office of Fair Trading website to find out more.