Register a birth
It is compulsory to register the birth of a child in Queensland, whether born alive or stillborn, within 60 days.
We also register births which occur on an aircraft or ship travelling to Queensland.
The child’s parents are jointly responsible for registering the child’s birth, and must both sign the birth registration application regardless of whether they are married or not.
Once the birth has been registered, you can apply for a birth certificate.
To register a birth, you must complete the Birth registration application (PDF File, 811.2 KB) form.
Birth registration is free if the form is lodged within 60 days of the birth.
You will normally be provided with a birth registration pack by the hospital. Look for a green and white envelope with the Queensland Government logo on it. Once you’ve completed the forms, you can place them back in the envelope and post it.
In the case of multiple births, you must fill in a separate form for each child.
If you gave birth to your child at home, the midwife who attended the birth must provide written advice of the event for you to lodge with the birth registration form. If a midwife was not present at the birth, then the health professional who was consulted after the birth must provide written advice of the event. Also, anyone present at the home birth should submit a signed declaration stating that they were present.
Lodging your form
You can lodge your form with us by post, or in person at our Brisbane Registry.
Applications can not be faxed or emailed.
Priority processing
Birth registrations will only be processed urgently to meet passport or visa requirements. In these cases, evidence of travel, such as a travel itinerary or photocopies of fully paid airline tickets, must be submitted with your completed birth registration application.
Stillbirths
The birth and death of stillborn children must be registered.
The term 'stillborn child' is defined as a child who:
- has been carried in the womb for 20 weeks or more, or
- weighs 400 grams or more.