Change your child's record of sex
Part of the Record of sex changes topic
You can change your child’s record of sex in Queensland. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage and pay a fee.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to change a child’s record of sex.
You must submit your completed application form, ID and supporting documents (if needed) by post or in person.
See How to apply to change your child’s record of sex for the full application process.
What you should know
In most cases, both parents must agree to change a child’s record of sex. If your child is 12 or older, they must also agree.
If your child was born in Queensland or overseas, you can change their first and middle names at the same time.
If they were born in another state or territory, you need to apply to change their name in that state or territory.
There are rules about:
If your child was born or adopted in Queensland, you can choose to get a:
- linking birth certificate shows your child’s new sex and name on the front and their previous details on the back.
- birth certificate with sex shows your child’s new sex and name and does not show any previous details.
- Birth certificate without sex shows your child’s new first names and does not show any previous details. This may not be suitable for changing their name out in the community.
If your child was born or adopted outside of Queensland, you can choose either a:
- linking recognised details certificate shows your child’s new sex and name on the front and their previous details on the back
- recognised details certificate shows your child’s new sex and name and does not show any previous details. This may not be suitable for changing their name out in the community.
Who can use this service
You can apply to change a child’s record of sex if:
- your child was born or adopted in Queensland or
- your child was born or adopted outside of Queensland, lives in Queensland and has lived here for the past 12 months
- you are the parent
- you are their legal guardian or have legal parental responsibility
- you are the child and are aged 12 or more but under 16 and have a court order.
Don't use this service if:
- your child is 16 or older
Instead, they can apply to change their record of sex.
How to apply to change your child’s record of sex
Choose how to submit and follow the steps.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
You will need to provide documents to support your application.
See Supporting documents for other Registry services.
Translating documents
If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.
Step 2: Certify copies of your documents
You must get copies of your ID documents and supporting documents certified by an authorised person.
See Getting documents certified.
Step 3: Choose the application form
Online form
Complete the online form and pay the fee. Print the form and receipt.
Start the online form for a child born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for a child born or adopted outside Queensland
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the PDF form for a child born or adopted in Queensland
Download the PDF form for a child born or adopted outside of Queensland
Step 4: Get a practitioner assessment
You need to have a developmentally informed practitioner complete this section of the form and sign it.
See Rules for a practitioner assessment.
Step 5: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness both parents signatures on the application form.
Step 6: Submit your application
Post to
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Include your:
- completed application form
- receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
- certified copies of ID and supporting documents.
Step 7: Receive the certificate
Once the application has been approved, if you ordered a certificate it will be posted to you.
You can then update your child’s name in the community.
Your application may not be approved if:
- you don’t meet the rules
- have not included the right documents.
You will not receive a refund if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
You will need to provide documents to support your application.
See Supporting documents for other Registry services.
Translating documents
If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.
Step 2: Choose the application form
Online form
Complete the online form and pay the fee. Print the receipt.
Start the online form for a child born or adopted in Queensland
Start the online form for a child born or adopted outside Queensland
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the PDF form for a child born or adopted in Queensland
Download the PDF form for a child born or adopted outside of Queensland
Step 3: Get a practitioner assessment
You need to have a developmentally informed practitioner complete this section of the form and sign it.
See Rules for a practitioner assessment.
Step 4: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness both parents' signatures on the application form.
Step 5: Book an appointment
You must book an appointment to submit your application in person at the Brisbane registry.
Book the appointment online
The Department of Justice, Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages is collecting your personal information for the purpose of facilitating your appointment booking online and for contacting you in relation to your booking. Your personal information will not be used or disclosed for any other purpose unless authorised or required by law. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2009.
Book the appointment by phone
Local call* 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or international +61 7 3022 6100 (+10 hours UTC)—phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm.
Step 6: Submit your application
Submit your application by appointment:
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
- receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
- certified copies of ID and supporting documents.
Step 7: Receive the certificate
Once the application has been approved, if you ordered a certificate it will be posted to you.
You can then update your child’s name in the community.
Your application may not be approved if:
- you don’t meet the rules
- have not included the right documents.
You will not receive a refund if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.
How long it takes
Processing times start when an application with all required documents and payment 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
The fee you pay is for you to submit your application and for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to review it.
- Application fee: $134.80
- Each official certificate: $58.10
- Official linking birth certificate package (1 official linking birth certificate plus 1 official birth certificate with sex): $116.20
Regular postage is free.
You can choose other delivery types:
- Registered post (recommended): $8.10
- Express post: $8.55
- International registered mail: $21.55