Register a parentage order or discharge order
Part of the Surrogacy topic
You can register a parentage order or discharge order on a child’s birth record 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 as part of a surrogacy arrangement for a child born in Queensland to:
- register a parentage order on the child’s birth record
- register a discharge order on a child’s birth record.
You must submit your completed application form, ID and supporting documents by post or in person.
What you should know
There are rules for surrogacy arrangements and parentage orders that you must follow when registering or discharging a parentage order.
You need to provide an official copy of a court order to update the parental information on a child’s birth record.
The fee to register or discharge a parentage order does not include an updated birth certificate.
Who can use this service
| You can apply to register a parentage order service if: |
|---|
| Correct. you are the intended parents of a child born in Queensland. |
| You can apply to register a discharge order service if: |
|---|
| Correct. you have an official discharge order for a child born in Queensland. |
| Don’t use this service if: |
|---|
| Incorrect. the child was born outside of Queensland Instead, apply in that state, territory or country. |
Incorrect. you don’t have a parentage court order for a child born in Queensland |
How to apply to register a parentage or discharge order
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 for each parent.
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: Fill in the application form
PDF form - register or discharge a parentage order
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 your signatures witnessed
An adult (18 or older) must witness both intended parents 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 a notification
We will email you to let you know:
- if we need you to do anything to complete the registration process
- the parentage or discharge order has been registered
- the birth certificate is being posted, if ordered at the same time.
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 it 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 for each parent.
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: Fill in the application form
PDF form - register or discharge a parentage order
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 your signatures witnessed
An adult (18 or older) must witness both intended parents 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 a notification
We will email you to let you know:
- if we need you to do anything to complete the registration process
- the parentage or discharge order has been registered
- the birth certificate is being posted, if ordered at the same time.
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 it 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.
- Register a parentage order or discharge order: $130.40
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
Find more in the Help centre
Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages