Registering for a Birth Certificate

When a child is born the birth must be registered. Parents usually receive a Birth Registration Statement from the Hospital or Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The birth must be registered within 60 days.

Where possible, both parents need to sign the Birth Registration Statement. The signatures need to be witnessed by a person over 18 years of age. A parent will not be added to the Birth Certificate unless they agree to sign it.

A father’s details can be added to a Birth Certificate at a later date. Marriage details can also be added to a child’s Birth Certificate, an application form is available from the Registry.

In Tasmania, if only one parent has signed the Birth Registration Statement, they need to attach a letter to the Registrar explaining why the other parent has not signed. The letter should contain details of the other parent’s identity and last known address.

You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or Service Tasmania to receive a copy of the Birth Registration Statement or to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.