Change of sex

For births registered in NSW

If you have had a sex affirmation procedure you can apply to have your new sex recorded on your birth certificate. The new birth certificate will not disclose that a change of sex has taken place.

If you have changed your name since your birth was first registered, an endorsement will appear on the new certificate stating your birth was 'Previously registered in another name'.

Your birth will be registered in the current year showing the new sex. Access to your original birth record is restricted by legislation, but can be accessed under certain circumstances. 

For births registered outside Australia

If you have had a sex affirmation procedure you can apply to register a change of sex.

Once a change of sex is registered a recognised details certificate can be issued. The recognised details certificate will record your new sex and current name. 

You can apply to record a change of sex if:

• you are aged 18 years or older or are the parent/s or guardian of a child, and
• you or your child has had a sex affirmation procedure.

In addition:

• you or your child was born in NSW, or
• if born outside Australia, you or your child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident and has lived in NSW for at least one year.

Download and complete a Record a change of sex application (PDF 1.26MB)

Download and complete a Recognised details certificate application (PDF 1.38MB)

If a formal change of name is required, view Change of name.

You must lodge the following documents with your application:

• two supporting statutory declarations signed by two 2 medical practitioners verifying the sex affirmation procedure.
• at least three 3 forms of proof of identity.

Apply by post

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

• Justice of the Peace
• notary public
• practising solicitor/lawyer
• a person authorised to administer an oath under Section 26 of the Oaths Act 1900.

Apply in person

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

For births registered in NSW

You must provide at least three 3 forms of ID current identification (one of each from Categories 1, 2 and 3 or 4).

• If you cannot provide identification from Categories 1 and 2, you must still provide at least three forms of identification. At least two of these must be from Category 3.
• One form of identification must show your current residential address.

For births registered outside Australia

You must provide at least four forms of current identification from the list below with your application.

• At least one form of identification must be provided from each category.
• If your Category 1 document does not include your place of birth, you must also provide a passport or full birth certificate containing this information.
• At least one form of identification must contain your current residential address.
• Your Category 4 document must show that you have lived in NSW for the past 12 months.

Your new birth certificate can be used in Australia. Other countries may not legally recognise a change of sex. If you are concerned about the local laws at your destination check the advice at the Australian government's Smartraveller website.