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This page provides information regarding recognition of early pregnancy loss, adoptions and the most popular baby names in Western Australia.
For all births occurring in Western Australia, the child's birth registration form must be lodged with the Registry within 60 days of the birth to enable your newborn to be officially recognised for a range of services.
Allow 15 business days for your child’s birth to be registered
The hospital or midwife will provide you with information on how to securely register your child’s birth. If you are no longer at the hospital, you can contact bdm@justice.wa.gov.au or call 1300 305 021 for assistance.
Home (free) birth
If the birth occurred at home or in a location other than a hospital and the child is taken to a hospital within 24 hours of the birth, the hospital will provide you with information on how to securely register your child’s birth.
If the birth occurred in a location other than a hospital without a registered doctor or midwife in attendance and the child was NOT taken to a hospital within 24 hours of the birth, you need to contact the Registry via email at bdm@justice.wa.gov.au or phone on 1300 305 021 within 60 days of your child’s birth.
Early pregnancy loss
Show moreA recognition certificate for early pregnancy loss is available to commemorate the loss of a child which occurred before 20 weeks gestation, or if gestation weeks are unknown, the baby weighed less than 400 grams.
Recognition certificates are only available to the parent/s of the child. If only one parent signs the application the other parent's name will not appear on the recognition certificate.
The certificate will be issued free of charge however there is a limit of three certificates per child. A recognition certificate cannot be used for official purposes.
Adoptions
Show moreIf you were legally adopted in Western Australia, a copy of your post-adoption birth certificate is available from the Registry.
If you are a party to an adoption or a relative of an adopted person and would like to know how to access other information relating to the adoption please contact the Department for Child protection - Post Adoption Services.
Popular baby names
Show moreOne of the biggest decisions for parents when having a baby is selecting the perfect name. Our list of popular baby names dating back to 1930 may help you to find your perfect name.
Apply for a birth certificate
Show moreYou can apply for a certified birth certificate if the birth was registered in WA. This certificate is for everyday use such as a passport application, opening a bank account and evidence-of-identity. If the event occurred in another State or Territory, contact the relevant Registry Office.
Commemorative Birth Certificates
These certificates are available for anyone born and registered in Western Australia and make the perfect gift to celebrate the birth of a newborn child or to preserve your family history. A certified birth certificate is issued with each commemorative birth certificate.
Note: Commemorative birth certificates cannot be used for official purposes.
capturing the sentiment of the bond
between parent and child.
stunning landscapes which highlight the rugged beauty of our vast State.
Who can apply for a birth certificate?
Show more- Written Authority from the person named on the certificate; or
- Evidence that the person is deceased; or
- Evidence that the certificate is required for some legal right or entitlement
Grandparent.
Other relative - see also 'Other Agent'.
- Written authority from the person or parent named in the certificate; or
- Evidence that the person is deceased and spouse/defacto is named on the death certificate; or
- Evidence that the certificate is required for some legal right or entitlement.
Public Trustee
For general medical research enquiries refer to Registrar for consideration.
- must be referred to Manager Registry Services and Policy to check if Power of Attorney extends beyond the person’s property and/or financial affairs.
- Before accepting payment Courthouses must forward certificate applications with a copy of the accompanying Power of Attorney evidence to the Manager Registry Services and Policy for consideration.
Current as at 24 January 2018 and subject to change without notice.
Forms and fees
Show moreForms
- Refer to Birth application forms.
Fees
The fees for applying for a birth certificate:
- $55 - Certified Birth Certificate
- $65 - Commemorative Birth Certificate
- $36 - Reduced Fee Birth Certificate (for a Birth or Marriage or Death that was registered 75 or more years ago)
- $20 - Uncertified Birth copy of a Registration (births +100 yrs.)
- $42 - Priority Service - processing the issue of a certificate in priority to other applicants (in addition to the certificate fee)
The following payment methods are accepted:
- Credit Card - MasterCard or Visa only
- EFTPOS Debit Card or Cash - When paying in person
- Cheque or money order - Payable to Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. When paying at a WA court payable to the Department of Justice
- Overseas applicants - $AUD via credit card (MasterCard or Visa only) or international money order or bank draft payable to Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Refund policy
- The Refund Policy (PDF 541.32KB) outlines the circumstances that are considered for refund of fees paid for goods or services provided by the Western Australian Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages.
Identification that you need
Show moreApplicants are required to provide at least three forms of evidence-of-identity documents before being eligible to receive certificates.
One from List 1, 2 and 3. At least one containing a photograph
or
One from List 1 and two from List 2. At least one containing a photograph
or
Two from List 2 and one from List 3. At least one containing a signature.
List 1 – Link between photo and signature
- Australian Driver’s Licence
- Australian Learner Driver’s permit card
- Australian Citizenship Certificate (with evidence of residential status)
- Australian Firearm Licence
- Australian Passport
- Defence Force/Police Id Card
- Western Australia Photo Card, Over 18 or Proof of Identity Card
List 2 – Evidence of Operating in the Community
- A financial institution Debit or Credit Card (not accepted for online applications)
- Australian Security or Crowd Control Licence
- Birth Certificates (birth extracts are not accepted)
- Centrelink/Veterans Affairs Entitlement Card
- Document of identity issued by the Passport Office
- Medicare Card
- Naturalisation, citizenship or immigration papers issued by the Department of Home Affairs
- Overseas passport
- Student Identity Document or Statement of Enrolment
- Working with Children Check card
List 3 – Proof of Residency
- Drivers licence renewal notice
- Financial institution statement less than 6 months old
- Motor vehicle registration
- Property Lease or Tenancy Agreement
- Shire/Water rates notice
- Student Report or Certificate less than 12 months old
- Utility Account less than 6 months old
For overseas applicants, the Registry will consider overseas equivalent evidence-of-identity documents.
Where to apply
Show moreCertificate applications can be submitted:
Online
Apply online at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Online
In person
At the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Perth or at any court location in Albany, Armadale, Broome, Bunbury, Busselton, Carnarvon, Collie, Derby, Esperance, Fremantle, Geraldton, Joondalup, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Katanning, Kununurra, Mandurah, Manjimup, Merredin, Midland, Moora, Narrogin, Northam, Rockingham and South Hedland.
By post
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 7720
Cloisters Square
PERTH WA 6850