Add a parent to a birth certificate
Part of the Births and registration topic
You can add a parent to a Queensland birth certificate. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and pay a fee.
On this page
In short
You can use this service to:
- add a parent to a birth certificate
- add other older children to a birth certificate.
You must submit your completed application form, ID and supporting documents (if needed), by post or in person.
What you should know
Applications to add a parent or child to a birth certificate are reviewed case-by-case.
Sometimes you may need a parentage order from the Supreme Court.
If your child was born before 1 June 2010 and you want to add a same-sex parent, contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The fee to add a parent does not include an updated birth certificate.
Who can use this service
| You can apply to add a parent to a birth certificate if: |
|---|
| Correct.both parents apply together. |
| Don’t use this service if: |
|---|
| Incorrect. your child's birth isn't registered Instead, use register a birth. |
| Incorrect. your child's birth is registered outside of Queensland Instead, apply in that state, territory or country. |
How to apply to add a parent to a birth certificate
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
Applications are reviewed individually and we may request additional documents to support your application.
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: Fill in the form
PDF form - add a parent
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
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 the payment method on the form.
Step 4: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness your signatures on the declaration section of the form.
Step 5: 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 on the PDF form
- certified copies of ID and supporting documents.
Step 6: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved, if you ordered a birth certificate we will post the certificate to you.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don’t meet the rules
- 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 need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
Applications are reviewed individually and we may request additional documents to support your application.
Translating documents
If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.
Step 2: Fill in the form
PDF form - add a parent
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
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 the payment method on the form.
Step 3: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness your signatures on the declaration section of the form.
Step 4: Submit your application
Submit your application at any Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except for the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Bring with you:
- completed application form
- payment method on the PDF form
- original ID and supporting documents.
Step 5: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved if you ordered a birth certificate, we will post it to you.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don’t meet the rules
- 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 need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.
See Proof of identity documents.
Supporting documents
Applications are reviewed individually and we may request additional documents to support your application.
Translating documents
If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.
Step 2: Fill in the form
PDF form - add a parent
Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.
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 the payment method on the form.
Step 3: Get a witness signature
An adult (18 or older) must witness your signatures on the declaration section of the form.
Step 4: 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
- original ID and supporting documents.
Step 5: Receive the certificate
Once your application is approved if you ordered a birth certificate, we will post it to you.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don’t meet the rules
- 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 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.
- Add a father or parent to a birth certificate: $22.65
You may also choose to order:
- Official birth certificate—with or without sex shown: $56.20
- Commemorative birth certificate package (includes 1 official birth certificate)—with or without sex shown: $73.10
Regular postage is free.
You can choose other delivery types:
- Registered post (recommended): $8.10
- Express post: $8.55
- International registered post: $18.55
From the Help centre
Find answers to frequently asked questions about services, including:
- Payments, refunds and financial hardship
- Getting help in other languages
- Interstate and overseas registry offices
Find more in the Help centre
Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages