Add or remove a parent from a birth registration

You can apply to add or remove a parent’s details on a child’s birth registration that occurred in NSW.

These applications permanently change the records on the birth register. To be issued an updated birth certificate showing the new details, you must opt in for this and pay an additional fee.

Adding a parent

One or both parents can make an application to add the second parent to the birth registration  

A District Court may order the inclusion of a parent or make a finding of who a parent is.

The Registrar may make a presumption of parentage under the Status of Children Act 1996, or where parentage can be presumed under any law (including a law of another State or the Commonwealth). 

If the child was born as a result of a fertilisation procedure:

  • both parents must have been in a married or de facto relationship at the time of the procedure, and
  • the parent to be added to the register must have consented to the procedure.

When the application has been finalised, the birth register will be updated. If you have also chosen to order a birth certificate, you will be issued with an updated certificate.

 

Removing a parent

One parent may apply, to remove the second parent recorded. Supporting evidence will be required.  

A court may order the removal or make a finding about the identity of the parent.

After the parent is no longer listed, they will lose their rights to the certificate. Please be aware that any additional information on the child's birth certificate, including details about other children or marriage, will also be removed.

For further information on adding or removing parents from a birth registration please see section 2.4 and 2.5 of the Registry’s Correcting Information policy.  

How to apply

Download and complete the relevant form. After reviewing your application, we will send a secure payment link to the email address provided in your application for payment processing.

Add a parent

Complete the Add a parent to a birth application form.

You can select to order and pay for an updated birth certificate within this application.

Remove a parent

Complete the Removing a parent's details from a birth registration (PDF 174.84KB) form.

When the application has been finalised, the birth register will be updated. If you require an updated birth certificate, you will need to apply for a new birth certificate at Birth certificates.

Apply in person

Bring your original identity documents with you to a Service NSW service centre.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by a National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator.

Apply by post

If you are applying by post, you must enclose copies of your identity documents certified by a:

Proof of identity

You must provide a least 3 forms of current identification.

  • At least one must be provided from Category 1 and must contain your full name, date of birth and place of birth.
  • At least two must be from Category 2 and 3, or 3 and 4.
  • If you cannot meet these requirements, please contact us. 
CategoryDocuments
1

If born in Australia:

  • Australian birth certificate

Record of immigration status:

  • Citizenship certificate
  • New Zealand citizenship certificate together with passport
  • New Zealand birth certificate
2
  • Australian driver's licence
  • Australian passport
  • Firearms licence
  • Foreign passport
  • Proof of age card
3
  • Medicare card
  • Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs card
  • Security/Crowd control licence
  • Tertiary education institution ID card
4
  • Recent utility account with current residential address (issued within last 3 months)

 

Fees and processing times

Add a parent to a birth registration (without a birth certificate)Standard service $85
Add a parent to a birth registration (includes 1 birth certificate)
Fees include $11 postage and handling		Standard service $153
Remove a parent from a birth registration only (no certificate)Free
Remove a parent from a birth registration only (includes 1 birth certificate)
Fees include $11 postage and handling		$57
Postal applicationUp to 6 weeks
Via Service NSWUp to 6 weeks

The listed processing times do not include postage delivery times. Please allow 5 to 7 days for delivery of the certificate.  

Related information

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