Relationship register

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 386.86KB).

• 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 (PDF 391.17KB).

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.

*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

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 (PDF 391.17KB)

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) (PDF 391.17KB).

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.