Register a birth
Part of the Births and registration topic
If your child was born in Queensland, you can register their birth for free. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to:
- register your child’s birth for free
- order and pay for a birth certificate at the same time.
You must register your child’s birth within 60 days of the birth.
You can submit the completed application online, by post or in person.
See How to apply to register a birth for the full application process.
What you should know
Your child’s birth must be registered before you can get a birth certificate.
If you have already registered your child’s birth, you can apply for a birth certificate. Do not try to register your child’s birth again.
There are rules for choosing a name.
If you think the birth may already be registered, or you could not submit the online registration, email
m-bdm-online-birth-registration@justice.qld.gov.au.
Who can use this service
You can apply to register a birth if:
- both parents apply together or
- you are the only parent able to apply.
Don’t use this service if:
- the child was born outside of Queensland
Instead, apply in that state, territory or country.
How to apply to register a birth
Choose how to submit and follow the steps.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
Both parents must electronically verify one or more Australian ID documents:
- Driver licence
- Medicare card
- Passport
- Australian visa (foreign passport)
- ImmiCard
- Citizenship certificate
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Change of name certificate.
Step 2: Fill in the application form
Online form
Complete the online application form and verify your ID electronically. You may choose to order and pay for birth certificates at the same time.
Step 3: Submit your application
When both parents have verified their identity, the form can be submitted online.
If either parent cannot sign electronically, the form must be printed and submitted by post or in person.
Do not download and print the form if it was submitted online.
Step 4: Get confirmation the birth is registered
The Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages will email you to let you know:
- if you need to do anything to complete the registration process
- the birth has been registered.
If you ordered a certificate it will be posted to you.
Step 1: Fill in the application form
PDF form – birth registration
Download, print and complete the application by hand.
PDF form – birth certificate
To order a birth certificate at the same time, download and print the birth certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Step 2: Get signatures witnessed
An adult (18 or older) must witness parent signatures on the application form.
Step 3: Submit your application
Post to
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Include:
- completed application form
- payment method on the PDF form if you order a birth certificate.
Step 4: Get confirmation the birth is registered
The Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages will email you to let you know:
- if you need to do anything to complete the registration process
- the birth has been registered.
If you ordered a certificate it will be posted to you.
You can submit your application in person at any Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Step 1: Fill in the application form
PDF form – birth registration
Download, print and complete the application by hand.
PDF form – birth certificate
To order a birth certificate at the same time, download and print the birth certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Step 2: Get signatures witnessed
An adult (18 or older) must witness parent signatures on the application form.
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application in person at a Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Bring with you:
- completed application form
- payment method on the PDF form if you order a birth certificate.
Step 4: Get confirmation the birth is registered
The Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages will email you to let you know:
- if you need to do anything to complete the registration process
- the birth has been registered.
If you ordered a certificate it will be posted to you.
Step 1: Fill in the application form
PDF form – birth registration
Download, print and complete the application by hand.
PDF form – birth certificate
To order a birth certificate at the same time, download and print the birth certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Step 2: Get signatures witnessed
An adult (18 or older) must witness parent signatures on the application form.
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application in person at:
Brisbane registry customer service centre
Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane
Opening hours Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.
Closed public holidays.
Bring with you:
- completed application form
- payment method on the PDF form if you order a birth certificate.
Step 4: Get confirmation the birth is registered
The Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages will email you to let you know:
- if you need to do anything to complete the registration process
- the birth has been registered.
If you ordered a certificate it will be posted to you.
How long it takes
Processing times start when an application with all required documents and payment, if you ordered a birth certificate, has been received.
Standard application: up to 10 business days
Urgent application: not available
Applications missing any required information or documents will take longer.
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
How much it costs
Registering a birth is free.
The fee you pay for a certificate is for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to review it.
- 1 official birth certificate—with or without sex shown: $58.10
- 1 commemorative birth certificate package (includes 1 official birth certificate)—with or without sex shown: $75.60
Regular postage is free.
You can choose other delivery types:
- Registered post (recommended): $8.10
- Express post: $8.55
- International registered post: $21.55