Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander births

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.

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.

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.