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Do I have to register the birth of my child?

You are required by law to register the birth of your baby. If you do not register your child's birth, you cannot obtain a birth certificate for your child.

A birth certificate provides legal evidence of age, place of birth and parents’ particulars. You will need it to enrol your child at school and it is required to obtain a passport or driver’s licence and for employment and government benefits.

Which births must be registered?

A birth must be registered if the child is born in Queensland, whether born alive or stillborn. We may register a birth, which occurs on an aircraft or ship travelling to Queensland, or which occurs outside the Commonwealth in certain circumstances.

Who is responsible for registering a birth?

The child’s parents are both responsible for registering the child’s birth, and must both sign the birth registration application, whether they are married or not.

Accuracy of information

You must provide true and accurate details in your application and can be fined for giving false or misleading information.

Do I have to register the birth of my child?

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