Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander births

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Registering your baby is free

You don't have to pay to register your baby. You can choose to buy a birth certificate when you are completing the registration.

All babies must be registered

The nurse, midwife or doctor that delivered your baby will make a medical record of the birth. They do not register your bub for you or apply for a birth certificate.

Find out how to register your baby

You must register your baby within 60 days of the birth. The hospital does not do this for you.

Need help?

More information

If you would like your enquiry handled by an Indigenous staff member, let us know when you contact us.

If you need help with registering your bub’s birth, call us on 13 77 88.

You can also speak with:

staff in your local hospital or medical practice
your local Aboriginal liaison officer or an Aboriginal health practitioner
a local mums and bubs group
your local cultural centre.

You might also find these services helpful:

Why it's important

When you register your child's birth with us, you can apply for a birth certificate.

A birth certificate is a proof of age and makes it easier for your child to access services and take part in activities such as:

access to Medicare
starting school
registering for organised sport
opening a bank account
getting a driver's licence or passport or
receiving government benefits.

You also need to register your baby if you are applying for certain government benefits like parental leave.

Stolen generations

If you or your relatives were separated from family and culture through forced removal, being fostered, adopted or raised in an institution, it can be hard for you to get copies of the documents we need to process your application.

If you need help with proving your identity, contact Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation.
You can also ask us if you can complete your application without having to pay any fees.

Proof of Aboriginality

Some Indigenous-specific services, programs and grants will ask you for proof of heritage.

We do not provide certificates to confirm Aboriginality.

Visit the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) website to learn more.