How to apply
Read the information below before you register a relationship.
Important: Do not laminate your certificates. Identity documents must be kept in their original state to be accepted by Government agencies.
Why register your relationship
- Registered relationships are recognised as 'de facto' in NSW. Couples in registered relationships are subject to certain obligations and/or restrictions under NSW law.
- Registered relationship certificates are used to access entitlements, services and records under legislation.
- In situations outside of legislation, service providers may choose to accept registration of a relationship as proof of legitimacy of that relationship.
Adults who are in a relationship as a couple can apply for registration of their relationship provided at least one of them lives in NSW.
A couple does not have to live together to be eligible to register their relationship.
To apply to register your relationship in NSW both partners must be:
- over 18 years of age
- not married to each other or anyone else
- not already in a registered relationship under this Act or in another state or territory in Australia
- not in a relationship with another person
- not related by family
You can apply online.
Apply by post or in person
Download an Application to register a relationship form (PDF 732.08KB).
- Print and complete the form
- Post your completed certificate application (see form for address) and proof of identity to the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.
- You can order a commemorative certificate design along with the standard relationship certificate.
Replacement certificate
If you have registered your relationship and need a replacement certificate and/or a commemorative certificate, download the Relationship replacement certificate application form.
Then post your completed form (see form for address) and proof of identity to the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.
You must provide 3 forms of identification, one of each from Categories 1, 2 and 3.
- If you cannot provide proof of identity from Category 1, you must still provide at least 3 forms of identification. At least one of these must be from Category 2, and two from Category 3.
- If you cannot meet these requirements, please contact us for further advice.
Category | Documents |
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
|
4 |
|
Type | $AUD |
Relationship registration (includes 1 standard certificate)* | $253 |
Revocation of relationship (if required) | $93 |
Standard (relationship or revocation) certificate | $67 |
Commemorative package (1 standard and 1 commemorative certificate) | $97 |
Commemorative certificate on its own | $44 |
Relationship ceremony package fee (includes registration, certificate and ceremony) | $479 |
*Add $45 if you require a letter of confirmation for lodgement of the application.
All prices include $11 for certificate postage and handling. Add a further $9 for international post.
Why not celebrate the registration of your relationship with a special ceremony at a Registry venue?
Ceremony fees
The $479 package fee includes the registration fee ($253 including standard certificate), ceremony and issue of a ceremonial certificate on the day ($184).
Ceremony venues
Venue | Number of guests | Availability | Total fee |
---|---|---|---|
Pyrmont Registry Office | Up to 30 | Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm | $479 |
There is no fee for withdrawing:
- a relationship registration, within the 28-day cooling-off period
- a relationship revocation, within the 90-day cooling-off period.
The fee for the application to register a relationship is non-refundable.
Withdraw an application to revoke a registered relationship. (PDF 471.92KB)
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.
- A fee applies to revoke a registered relationship. Either or both persons can apply.
- If only one person revokes a registration, they must provide proof they've served notice on the other. The Registrar has the discretion to dispense the notice requirement if the person cannot serve notice.
- A cooling-off period of 90 days applies before the registration is revoked by the Registrar.
- If either person requires a copy of the relationship certificate showing the revocation details, a standard certificate fee of $67 applies.
Relationship certificate application
Revoke a registered relationship application (PDF 522.8KB)
Post your completed form (see form for address) and proof of identity to the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.
Registrations revoked by law and void registrations
Registration of a relationship may also be revoked by law on the death or marriage of a person in the relationship.
A registration is considered void if:
- the agreement of one or both persons in the relationship was obtained by fraud, duress or other improper means
- the relationship was registered when either person was mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of registration
- the relationship was prohibited (i.e. one of the persons was married).
If you have registered your relationship and need a replacement certificate and/or a commemorative certificate, download the Replacement relationship certificate application form (PDF 699.56KB).
Then post your completed form (see form for address) and proof of identity to the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.