Correct an entry to a birth, death, marriage or change of name certificate
Apply to correct an error on your birth, death, marriage or change of name certificate.
Updating registry records
Registry records are historic documents and can usually only be amended to reflect information that was correct at the time of the event. Names or addresses of parents, their ages, occupations or places of birth or marriage will not be updated to reflect more recent circumstances.
Corrections can be made for administrative errors such as spelling mistakes.
Making a correction isn't the same as making a change to a certificate, such as:
How to apply
When you submit your application, you need to include proof of identity and supporting documents to confirm the correct information, such as:
- passports
- migration documents
- birth or marriage certificates of the parents
- other documentation confirming the spelling of names, and the correct date of events.
If you’re lodging your application by post, send clear photocopies of your supporting documents, not originals.
- All documents except foreign passports must be current.
- All certificates with incorrect information must be surrendered to the Registry.
- Foreign language documents must be translated into English by a National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator.
Complete the Correct an entry application (PDF 343.63KB).
Then post your completed form (see form for address) and proof of identity to Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.
Fees and processing times
Processing may be delayed if your application is incomplete, does not include valid identification, or you do not pay the fee.
Certificates are delivered by registered post. The processing time does not include delivery, please see Australia Post website for current delivery times within Australia or International.
Priority processing is not available for corrections.
| Type of error | Fee |
| Registry error If the Registry has made an error, a replacement certificate will be made in exchange for the incorrect certificate | No charge |
| Applicant error If incorrect or incomplete information was supplied at the time of registration, and a replacement certificate is required | Minimum fee of $70 (including $11 postage and handling) Add $10 for international post. |
| Certificate | Processing time |
Correction - Birth registration and change of name registration | 6 weeks |
Correction - Marriage registration | 6 weeks |
Correction – Death registration | 5 weeks |
Funeral Director corrections | 1 week |
| Marriage Celebrant corrections | 2 weeks |
The listed processing times do not include postage delivery times. Please allow 5 to 7 days for delivery of the certificate.
Corrections policy
Find out about the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages policy for correcting information.