Access the family history research service
Part of the Family history research topic
You can search and order certificates and images of Queensland historical life event records. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and pay a fee.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to:
- search Queensland historical life event records online for free
- order and pay for historical records or images.
See How to order a historical record for the full ordering process.
What you should know
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages hold Queensland life event records starting from 1829.
There are 3 different historical records you may be able to order:
- historical certificates
- historical registration images
- historical source images (not available for all events).
You can download available images as soon as you pay for them. You cannot download historical certificates you purchase, these will be posted to you.
If you have a Queensland Digital Identity (QDI) you can view your historical life event image purchases for 3 days. When you order the image/s you will need to log into the family history research service with your QDI.
Learn more about how to search for historical records.
Who can use this service
You can order a historical record or image if:
- anyone can use this service.
Don’t use this service if:
- the Queensland life event is not a historical record
Instead, apply for the appropriate certificate. - the birth, death or marriage happened outside of Queensland
Instead, apply in that state, territory or country.
How to order a historical record
Choose how to order and follow the steps.
Step 1: Search the historical records database
Step 2: Add to cart
Use the 'add to cart' button to place a record in the shopping cart.
Step 3: Checkout and pay
Use the 'checkout' button to order and pay for the record.
Step 4: Receive your historical records
Historical images
Images will be available to download, save and print as soon as you have paid for them.
When ordering, if you sign in with your Queensland Digital Identity, your images will be available to download for 3 days from the date of purchase.
Historical certificates
Historical certificate orders are not available to download and will be posted to you once you have ordered and paid for them.
Step 1: Search the historical records database
Step 2: Choose the application form
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the birth certificate PDF form
Download the marriage certificate PDF form
Download the death certificate PDF form
Step 3: Submit your application
Post to
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Include your:
- completed application form
- payment method.
Step 4: Receive your historical records
The historical certificates will be posted to you.
You can submit your application at any Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Step 1: Search the historical records database
Step 2: Choose the application form
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the birth certificate PDF form
Download the marriage certificate PDF form
Download the death certificate PDF 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).
Include your:
- completed application form
- payment method.
Step 4: Receive your historical records
The historical certificates will be posted to you.
Step 1: Search the historical records database
Step 2: Choose the application form
PDF form
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
Download the birth certificate PDF form
Download the marriage certificate PDF form
Download the death certificate PDF 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.
Step 4: Receive your historical records
The historical certificates will be posted to you.
How long it takes
Processing times apply to historical certificate requests only.
Standard applications: 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
- Historical certificate: $37.10
- Historical registration image: $26.40
- Historical source image: $26.40
Regular postage is free.
You can choose other delivery types:
- Registered post (recommended): $8.10
- Express post: $8.55
- International registered mail: $21.55