Get a birth certificate
Part of the Births and registration topic
You can get an official certificate for a birth registered in Queensland. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and pay a fee.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to:
- get a certificate for a birth registered in Queensland
- replace a lost or damaged birth certificate.
You must submit your ID and supporting documents (if needed) by post or in person.
See How to apply for a birth certificate for the full application process.
What you should know
You must register the birth of your child before you can get a birth certificate.
If you are not sure if the birth is registered, apply to get the birth certificate. We will contact you if the birth isn’t registered.
There are two types of birth certificates:
- official birth certificate with or without sex showing
- commemorative birth certificate cannot be used for identification purposes
An official birth certificate without the sex showing may not be accepted by some organisations.
When you apply you need to:
- choose the type of certificate
- decide if you want to show the person's sex.
Who can use this service
You can apply for a birth certificate if you are:
- the person
- their parent
- their legal guardian or have legal parental responsibility
- their solicitor
- an executor of the person's estate.
Check who else can apply and the documents they will need to provide.
Don't use this service if:
- the person was born or adopted outside of Queensland
Instead, apply in that state, territory or country. - the child’s birth or adoption has not been registered
Instead, register your child's birth. - you only want a commemorative birth certificate for yourself or your child
Instead, get a commemorative birth certificate.
How to apply for a birth certificate
Choose how to submit and follow the steps.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
You need 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
If you are applying for someone else's certificate, you will need to provide additional supporting documents.
See Supporting documents for certificate applications.
Translating documents
If you need to provide proof of ID or supporting documents and they 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 receipt.
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Step 4: Submit your application
Post to
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Include your:
- completed application form (if not submitted online)
- receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
- certified copies of ID and supporting documents.
Step 5: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don’t meet the certificate access policy requirements
- have not provided the right documents.
You will not receive a refund if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.
You can submit your application at any Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
You will need 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you will need to provide additional supporting documents to prove your relationship.
See Supporting documents for certificate applications.
Translating documents
If you need to provide proof of ID or supporting documents and they 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.
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit your application in person at a Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Bring with you:
- completed application form (if not submitted online)
- receipt of online payment or payment method on the PDF form
- original ID and supporting documents.
Step 4: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don’t meet the certificate access policy requirements
- have not provided the right documents.
You will not receive a refund if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.
You can have your original proof of identity and supporting document sighted at some JPs in the Community locations when you submit and pay for your application online.
Step 1: Gather your documents
Proof of identity
You will need 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you will need to provide additional supporting documents to prove your relationship.
See Supporting documents for certificate applications.
Translating documents
If you need to provide proof of ID or supporting documents and they are not in English, you need to get them translated.
Step 2: Fill in the application form
Online form
Complete the online form and pay the fee. Print the receipt.
Step 3: Submit your application
Take your original proof of identity and supporting document to be sighted at select JPs in the Community locations.
Bring with you:
- receipt of payment
- original proof of ID and supporting documents.
Step 4: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved we will post the certificate to you.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don’t meet the certificate access policy requirements
- have not provided 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 will need 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you will need to provide additional supporting documents to prove your relationship.
See Supporting documents for certificate applications.
Translating documents
If you need to provide proof of ID or supporting documents and they 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.
Self-service kiosk at the Brisbane registry
If you don’t apply online, you will need to use our self-service kiosk at the Brisbane registry.
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:
- receipt of payment (if paid online) or payment method
- original proof of ID and supporting documents.
Step 4: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved the certificate will be given to you in person.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don’t meet the certificate access policy requirements
- have not provided 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 apply to applications submitted by post or in person at a Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office.
Standard application: up to 10 business days
Urgent application: within 2 business days (extra fee applies)
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.
- 1 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
- Urgent application: $34.45
Regular postage is free.
You can choose other delivery types:
- Registered post (recommended): $8.10
- Express post: $8.55
- International registered mail: $21.55