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

Apply online. See the video for tips about online completion.

Apply by post or in person

Download an Application to register a relationship form (PDF, 748.71 KB).

• Print and complete the form.
• 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 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 certificate application form (PDF, 699.56 KB).

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 $41 if you require a letter of confirmation for lodgement of the application.

All prices include postage & handling. Add $9 for international post.

Processing begins when we have received your complete and correct application.

• Certificates are delivered by registered post and we have allowed a week for this in the times below. Estimated times may vary slightly.
• Australia Post advises customers to anticipate delays with International post.

Why not celebrate the registration of your relationship with a special ceremony at a Registry venue?

Ceremony fees

The $407 package fee includes the registration fee ($223 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, 483.56 KB).

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 $60 applies.

Relationship certificate application (PDF, 699.56 KB)

Revoke a registered relationship application (PDF, 419.84 KB)

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).