Changing a record of sex
From 1 July 2025, a medical procedure is no longer required to apply for a change of sex in NSW.
Applying for a change of sex alters the record of sex on your NSW birth certificate. If you identify as a different sex to what is recorded, you can apply to have this changed.
If you were born overseas, you can apply to have the sex you identify as acknowledged in NSW with a recognised details certificate.
Parents and guardians must apply on behalf of a child (under 18). If the child is in the care of the Minister, a Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworker can apply.
In NSW, a person can choose from the following sex descriptors:
- female
- male
- non-binary
- non-specified.
Your new sex descriptor will be legally recorded and recognised across Australia.
Check if you are able to apply with our online eligibility checker.
Who is eligible and what you need to apply
To check your eligibility for a change of sex, select the option below that matches your circumstances.
Note: if you were born outside of NSW but within Australia, you will need to apply to the Registry office in that state or territory. Contact details for interstate registries can be found on our Contact the Registry page.
Adults (18 years or older) born or adopted in NSW
You can apply to change your sex if you are 18 years or older and were born or adopted in NSW. You can order a NSW birth certificate with your new sex descriptor.
You must have all the following documents when you submit your application:
- three valid identity documents - learn more about accepted identity documents below
- completed statutory declaration (PDF 102.8KB) by you and certified by an authorised witness
- statement of support (PDF 187.27KB) from another adult who has known you for at least 12 months who believes you are making this application in good faith.
Note: if you are a restricted person, you must obtain written approval from your relevant supervising authority and submit this with your application. LawAccess NSW can provide legal advice and assistance in navigating this process.
Adults (18 years or older) born overseas
You can apply to change your sex if you are 18 years or older and were born outside of Australia. You can order a recognised details certificate with your new sex descriptor.
You must have all the following documents when you submit your application:
- proof of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- proof of your current and continuous residency in NSW for at least 12 months
- three valid identity documents - learn more about accepted identity documents below
- completed statutory declaration (PDF 102.8KB) by you and certified by an authorised witness
- statement of support (PDF 187.27KB) from another adult who has known you for at least 12 months who believes you are making this application in good faith.
Note: If you are a restricted person, you must obtain written approval from your relevant supervising authority and submit this with your application. LawAccess NSW can provide legal advice and assistance in navigating this process.
Child (under 18) born or adopted in NSW
Parents and guardians must apply on behalf of a child under 18. If the child is in the care of the Minister, a Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworker can apply.
You can order a NSW birth certificate with the child’s new sex descriptor.
You must have all of the following documents when you submit an application:
- three valid identity documents each for the child and the parents or guardians - learn more aboutaccepted identity documents below
- a statutory declaration (PDF 102.8KB) completed by the child, if they can do so, or a statement of support (PDF 187.27KB) from each parent or guardian confirming they believe the alteration of the record of sex is in the best interests of the child
- statement of support (PDF 187.27KB) from a qualified counsellor who has provided counselling to the child.
If you are applying as the sole parent or guardian of the child, you must also provide one of the following documents:
- a copy of the child's birth certificate or guardianship order showing you are the only parent or guardian for the child, or
- a copy of the deceased parent’s or guardian's death certificate, if the death occurred outside of NSW, when the applicant is the child’s only surviving parent or guardian, or
- a copy of a District Court order approving the child's alteration of record of sex.
If you are a Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworker for the child, you must also provide all of the following documents:
- a District Court order authorising the alteration of the child’s record of sex
- the order issued by the Children’s Court of NSW allocating sole parental responsibility to the Minister, and
- a letter on DCJ letterhead requesting the change.
Child (under 18) born overseas
Parents and guardians must apply on behalf of a child under 18 years of age. If the child is in the care of the Minister, a Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworker can apply.
You can order a recognised details certificate with your child’s new sex descriptor.
You must have all of the following documents when you submit a change of sex application:
- proof of the child’s Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- proof of the child’s current and continuous residency in NSW for at least 12 months.
- three valid identity documents each for the child and the parents or guardians - learn more about accepted identity documents below
- a statutory declaration (PDF 102.8KB) completed by the child, if they are able to do so, or a statement of support (PDF 187.27KB) from each parent or guardian confirming they believe the registration of acknowledgment of sex is in the best interests of the child
- statement of support (PDF 187.27KB) from a qualified counsellor who has provided counselling to the child.
If you are applying as the sole parent or guardian of the child, you must also provide one of the following:
- a copy of the child's birth certificate or guardianship order showing you are the only parent or guardian for the child, or
- a copy of the deceased parent’s or guardian's death certificate, if the death occurred outside of NSW, is required when the applicant is the child’s only surviving parent or guardian, or
- a copy of a District Court order approving the child's registration of acknowledgement of sex.
If you are the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworker for the child, you must also provide all the following documents:
- a District Court order authorising the child’s registration of acknowledgement of sex
- the order issued by the Children’s Court of NSW allocating sole parental responsibility to the Minister
- a letter on DCJ letterhead requesting the change.
Fees and processing times
| Application | Standard service | Priority service |
|---|---|---|
| Altering a person's record of sex (born in NSW) | Standard service $70 | Not available |
| Standard birth certificate ordered at the time of registration Fees include $11 postage and handling | Standard service $68 | Not available |
| Online application | Up to 4 weeks | Not available |
| Postal application | Up to 7 weeks | Not available |
| Via Service NSW | Up to 7 weeks | Not available |
| Registering an acknowledgment of sex (born outside of Australia) | Standard service $70 | Not available |
| Standard recognised details certificate ordered at the time of registration Fees include $11 postage and handling | Standard service $68 | Not available |
| Online application | Up to 4 weeks | Not available |
| Postal application | Up to 7 weeks | Not available |
| Via Service NSW | Up to 7 weeks | Not available |
| Standard recognised details certificate (replacement or not ordered at the time of registration) Fees include $11 postage and handling | Standard service $68 | Priority service $101 |
| Postal application | Up to 6 weeks | Up to 4 weeks |
| Via Service NSW | Up to 5 weeks | Up to 2 weeks |
If you are also applying for a change of name, check out our fees and processing times page for current fees and timeframes.
A new birth certificate or recognised details certificate is $57*.
*Certificate postage and handling is $11. Add a further $9 for international post.
Do I have to undergo a medical procedure before I can apply
No. As of 1 July 2025, it is no longer a requirement in NSW for applicants to undergo a medical procedure before applying to change their sex.
Will there be any indication that a change of sex has been registered on a new birth certificate or recognised details certificate.
NSW birth certificates and recognised details certificates will be issued with the new sex marker. There will be no indication that a change of sex has been registered.
If a person born in NSW has also registered a change of sex and a change of name, their former names will not appear on their new birth certificate.
Who is an authorised witness
In NSW, an authorised witness must be one of the following:
- Justice of the Peace
- notary public
- commissioner of the court for taking affidavits
- legal practitioner under: Part 3.3 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) as applied in a participating jurisdiction; or a law of a non-participating jurisdiction entitling the lawyer to engage in legal practice; or any person authorised to administer an oath.
Can I change my name and my sex at the same time
Yes, but please note that the eligibility requirements and application forms for change of name and change of sex are different.
If you plan to also change your name, the Registry recommends following these steps to coordinate your applications so that you only need to order one birth certificate or recognised details certificate:
- Apply for a change of name online first: submit your application and take note of the Online Reference Number (ORN) that is emailed to you. It’s recommended to order a change of name certificate to assist with updating your details across other organisations. Note: do not order a birth certificate or recognised details certificate at this stage.
- Apply for a change of sex online: please use the same email address. When prompted, enter the ORN from the change of name application.
- Order a certificate (optional): it's recommended to order a new birth certificate or recognised details certificate with your change of sex application to assist with updating your details with other organisations.
- Processing: the Registry will process both applications together, so any ordered birth certificate or recognised details certificate includes both your updated sex and new name.
- Please note: the new birth certificate or recognised details certificate will be posted in your former name. Your new certificate is needed before you can update your other identity documents. As certificates are delivered via Registered Post, you will need an existing identity document in your former name to collect the mail.
More information on eligibility requirements can be found on our change of name and change of name policy pages.
What are the eligibility differences between a change of sex and change of name application
Requirements for change of name and change of sex are set out under different sections of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 (NSW).
The differences are outlined in the following table.
| Change of name | Change of sex | |
|---|---|---|
| Residency of overseas born | Continuous residency in NSW for at least 3 years immediately preceding the application. | Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in NSW who can provide proof of current and continuous residency in NSW for at least 12 months. |
| Number of changes | One change of name in a 12-month period and a maximum of 3 changes in a lifetime. Limited exceptions to this rule are considered on a case-by-case basis. | No limit |
| Disclosure of criminal convictions | Mandatory | Not required |
| Consent to a National Police Check | Mandatory | Not required |
| Sole parents | The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia orders a sole parent to make decisions on all major long-term issues. | A District Court order must specifically authorise a sole parent to apply to register an alteration of sex record for a child, or an acknowledgement of sex for an overseas born child. |
| Other restrictions | Registrar must be satisfied that the registration is not sought for fraud or another improper purpose. | N/A |
What will I receive if my application is approved
If born or adopted in NSW, you will receive:
- A previous NSW birth certificate (to help with updating personal details with other organisations). This certificate will have a watermark ‘This birth certificate was issued for linking purposes only.’ Please hold onto this as legislation restricts this certificate being reissued once your sex has been altered.
- Optional for additional fee: a new NSW birth certificate with the updated sex descriptor.
- A letter of verification from the Registrar confirming that a change of sex has been legally registered in NSW. This letter explains how the previous and new birth certificates are linked for administration purposes. This letter will be sent to the email address in your application.
If born overseas, you will receive:
- Optional for additional fee: a recognised details certificate including the new sex descriptor.
We send certificates in separate envelopes, and these may arrive at different times.
Do I need to notify other organisations after I have changed my sex
Yes. If your application is approved, you will need to update your details with other organisations to have your new sex descriptor included in your personal accounts and other identity documents.
To do this, you will require a new birth certificate or a recognised details certificate. If you have also changed your name, some organisations require a change of name certificate.
If you were born or adopted in NSW, we will also send you a copy of your previous birth certificate showing your prior record of sex. Please note that this certificate has been provided to you for administration purposes only. It can be used to help you formally link your previous and current records with other organisations. The letter of verification from the Registrar will also help you explain this.
Start by making a list of who to contact. Your list may include:
- Australian Passport Office
- Transport for NSW
- banks
- Australian Taxation Office
- Australian Electoral Commission
- NSW Electoral Commission
- Services Australia (Medicare and Centrelink)
- insurance companies
- doctors/dentist
- superannuation fund.
Note: while your new birth certificate or recognised details certificate can be used in Australia, other countries may not legally recognise a change of sex.
What if I cannot apply online
Applying online is the quickest and easiest way to submit your change of sex application. If you are changing your name as well, it will help the Registry process both applications together.
If you are having trouble with the online form, please visit our online form help page for support. If you wish to report a technical problem with the form, please email the Registry.
Alternatively, you can use the adult change of sex (PDF 362.8KB) or the child change of sex (PDF 264.96KB) paper application form. Please note that paper applications take longer to process due to data entry. The Registry may need to contact you if handwriting is difficult to read or information is missing.
Download and complete the form, and submit this with the required documents*, either:
- via post to:
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
GPO Box 30
Sydney NSW 2001
After reviewing your application, we will send a secure payment link to the email address provided in your application for payment processing. - in-person at your nearest Service NSW service centre
Paper forms are also available at your local Service NSW service centre, where you can lodge the completed form, required documentation and make payment in person.
*Note: never post original identity documents.
What is a qualified counsellor
A qualified counsellor must be one of the following:
- a medical practitioner
- a psychologist
- a nurse practitioner
- a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
- a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers.
Is there a limit on how many times I can change my sex
There is no limit to the number of times you can change your sex. However, if you also want to change your name, there is a limit to how many times you can do this in NSW.
A change of name can only be done once every 12 months, and three times in total. Any exceptions to this rule are considered on a case-by-case basis.
What does it mean to legally change my sex
If your change of sex application is approved, your new sex descriptor will be legally recorded and recognised in Australia.
If you were born or adopted in NSW, you are legally altering your record of sex on your birth certificate.
If you were born overseas, your updated sex is acknowledged in NSW.
To update your sex descriptor with other organisations, you will require a new birth certificate or recognised details certificate.
Note: other countries may not legally recognise a change of sex.
How can I prove citizenship and residency
If you were born overseas, you will need to provide proof of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency. This can be done with an Australian citizenship certificate, an Australian visa using your foreign passport, or an Australian passport.
You will also need to provide proof of your current and continuous residency in NSW for the past 12 months, immediately preceding the date of application. This should be done with one document issued at the start of the 12 months and one from the last 3 months. Each document should show the date of issue, your full name, and your NSW residential address.
Common examples include rental agreements, utility bills, evidence of enrolment at a school or university in NSW, employment records or other government correspondence.
Who is a restricted person
A restricted person requires written approval from the relevant supervising authority to apply to register a change of sex. This includes inmates, people on parole or remand, forensic and correctional patients, periodic detainees, and people on a reintegration home detention order. The full definition of ‘restricted person’ can be found in section 31B of the Births Deaths & Marriages Registration Act 1995.
In addition to meeting the standard application eligibility requirements, a restricted person must obtain approval from their relevant supervising authority. LawAccess NSW can provide legal advice and assistance in navigating this process.
Making an application without approval is an offence under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995.
What sex descriptors are on birth and marriage records
Regardless of their legal sex, people may choose to be described as:
- mother, father or parent when registering the birth of their child
- bride, groom or partner on a marriage registration.
How do I order a new or replacement birth or recognised details certificate
If you do not order a new NSW birth certificate or recognised details certificate with your change of sex application, or you need a replacement, here is how to apply for one.
If born or adopted in NSW, apply for a NSW birth certificate online here: order a birth certificate.
If born overseas, download and complete the recognised details certificate applicationform, and submit it with the required documents*, either:
- via post to:
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
GPO Box 30
Sydney NSW 2001
After reviewing your application, we will send a secure payment link to the email address provided in your application for payment processing. - in-person at your nearest Service NSW service centre
Paper forms are also available at your local Service NSW service centre, where you can lodge the completed form, required documentation and make payment in person.
*Note: never post original identity documents.
What do I do if I have lost my previous birth certificate (NSW born)
The Registry issues a previous birth certificate watermarked with ‘This birth certificate was issued for linking purposes only’ immediately prior to registering a change of sex. It is sent via Registered Post and provided to assist you with linking your previous and new sex when updating your personal details with other organisations after a change of sex.
If you have lost your previous birth certificate, please contact us and we will be able to provide you with a digital replacement copy only.
Legislation restricts a previous birth certificate being reissued on official paper after a change of sex has been registered.
What is on the NSW birth certificate or recognised details certificate
People born or adopted in NSW who meet the eligibility requirements can order a NSW birth certificate showing your current name and updated record of sex. If you are also changing your name, the birth certificate will reflect your new name.
People born overseas who meet the eligibility requirements can order a recognised details certificate. This certificate is printed on Registry security paper and has your name, updated sex, date of birth and place of birth. When a change of sex is registered in NSW for a person born overseas, their birth record is not changed because it was registered in another country.
The new certificates will not disclose that a change of sex has taken place.