Applying for a birth certificate

If you are over 18 years of age and were adopted by a relative or stepparent, you can apply directly to BDM for your original birth certificate.

Learn more about getting an adopted person’s original birth certificate from BDM

If you were adopted as an adult, you can apply directly to BDM for your original birth certificate.

Learn more about getting an adopted person’s original birth certificate from BDM

If you are over 18 years of age, and were adopted as a child by someone other than a relative or stepparent, you can only apply for your original birth certificate through Adoption Services Victoria.

Download the application form

If you are the parent of a child who was adopted, and you are named on their original birth certificate, you can apply directly to BDM Victoria for that original birth certificate.

Learn more about getting an adopted person’s original birth certificate from BDM

A parent of an adopted child or an adult adopted person who is aged 18 years or over can apply for a birth certificate.

No. Every parent or individual who wants a birth certificate must apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for a birth certificate to be issued. The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages charges a standard fee for this service.

Yes, but only upon request in writing to the State Central Authority, Adoption Victoria, Department of Justice and Community Safety by the adoptive parent(s) or by the child if the child is 18 years or over.

For all new adoptions from 1 July 2013, Adoption Victoria will send a Memorandum of Adoption to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages containing the details of the child set out in Form 17 of Schedule 1, Regulation 30(2), Adoption Regulations 2019. 

For eligible adoptions finalised before 1 July 2013, adoptive parents and adult adopted persons over the age of 18 years must complete a written application form available at the end of this Frequently Asked Questions document. 

Upon receipt of the application attached with proof of identity, Adoption Victoria will make arrangements to recall your file, verify the details, and send a memorandum to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. 

Adoption Victoria will also provide applicants with a copy of the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Birth Certificate Application Form together with advice on how to obtain a birth certificate

No, as the adoption was arranged overseas by the adoptive parents directly with the overseas country and without the State Central Authority’s involvement.

Expatriate adoption refers to a child who has been privately adopted outside Australia by an Australian citizen who is resident outside of Australia. The adoption arrangements are made without the involvement of the State Central Authority.

Contact the State Central Authority

Adoption Victoria 

Department of Justice and Community Safety 

Email: adoptionsvic@justice.vic.gov.au