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Access to adoption records

Part of the Adoption records topic

Find out how to apply to access information on adoption records in Queensland.

On this page

In short

You can use this service to apply for:

  • a pre-adoption entry in the birth record
  • a post-adoption certificate
  • a birth parent's birth certificate
  • information about birth parents' marriage or death.

You must submit your completed application form, ID and supporting documents by post or in person.

Download the PDF form

What you should know

You need authorisation from the agency that handled the adoption.

Contact Adoption Services about Queensland adoptions. For other adoptions, contact that state, territory or country where it was processed.

The authorisation document will tell the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages what adoption information can be provided.  We will let you know what other information or certificates you may be able to apply for.

Certificates ordered through this service are not for identification purposes. They are stamped ‘Not to be used for official purpose’.

You may also ask for approval to search for other information on the birth parents.

Who can use this service

You can apply for this service if:
Correct.you are the adopted person
Correct.you are the birth parent
Correct.you are an eligible relative, and
Correct.you have authorisation from the agency that handled the adoption.
Don’t use this service if:
Incorrect. you were adopted and need your birth certificate for official purposes
Instead, get a birth certificate.
Incorrect. the adoption took place outside of Australia
Instead, contact the registry office in that country.

How to apply for adoption entry information

Choose how to submit and follow the steps.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.

See Proof of identity documents.

Supporting documents

You need to provide an authorisation document from the agency that handled the adoption.

Translating documents

If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.

See Translating documents.

Step 2: Certify copies of your documents

You must get copies of your ID documents and supporting documents certified by an authorised person.

See Getting documents certified.

Step 3: Fill in the application form

PDF form

Print and complete the form by hand.

Download the PDF form

Step 4: Submit your application

Post to

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST  QLD  4002

Include your:

  • completed application form
  • certified copies of ID and supporting documents.

Step 5: Get confirmation you have access

Your application will be reviewed and if approved, we will advise you of the total amount of your order and how to pay.

Your application may not be approved if:

  • you don’t meet the rules
  • you do not include the right documents.

Step 6: Pay the fee

You will need to pay the fee when we contact you.

See Payment options.

You will not receive a refund if:

  • your application is refused
  • you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.

Step 7: Receive your certificate or letter

We will post out the certificate(s) and/or search results to you.

You can submit your application at any Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).

Step 1: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.

See Proof of identity documents.

Supporting documents

You need to provide an authorisation document from the agency that handled the adoption.

Translating documents

If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.

See Translating documents.

You can bring your original documents with your when submitting in person.

Step 2: Fill in the application form

PDF form

Print and complete the form by hand.

Download the PDF form

Step 3: Submit your application

Submit your application in person at a Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).

Bring with you:

  • completed application form
  • original ID and supporting documents.

Step 4: Get confirmation you have access

Your application will be reviewed and if approved, we will advise you of the total amount of your order and how to pay.

Your application may not be approved if:

  • you don’t meet the rules
  • you do not include the right documents.

Step 5: Pay the fee

You will need to pay the fee when we contact you.

See Payment options.

You will not receive a refund if:

  • your application is refused
  • you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.

Step 6: Receive your certificate or letter

We will post out the certificate(s) and/or search results to you.

Step 1: Gather your documents

Proof of identity

You need to gather 3 forms of proof of identification (ID) documents including proof of home address.

See Proof of identity documents.

Supporting documents

You need to provide an authorisation document from the agency that handled the adoption.

Translating documents

If your documents are not in English, you need to get them translated.

See Translating documents.

You can bring your original documents with your when submitting in person.

Step 2: Fill in the application form

PDF form

Print and complete the form by hand.

Download the PDF form

Step 3: Submit your application

Submit your application in person at:

Brisbane registry customer service centre
Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane

Closed public holidays.

Bring with you:

  • completed application form
  • original ID and supporting documents.

Step 4: Get confirmation you have access

Your application will be reviewed and if approved, we will advise you of the total amount of your order and how to pay.

Your application may not be approved if:

  • you don’t meet the rules
  • you do not include the right documents.

Step 5: Pay the fee

You will need to pay the fee when we contact you.

See Payment options.

You will not receive a refund if:

  • your application is refused
  • you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.

Step 6: Receive your certificate or letter

We will post out the certificate(s) and/or search results to you.

How long it takes

Processing times start from the date we receive your application.

We will contact you: within 15 business days

Applications missing any required information or documents will take longer.

Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.

How much it costs

The fee you pay is for you to submit your application and for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to review it.

  • Pre-adoption birth certificate—original birth record before adoption: $56.20
  • Post-adoption birth certificate—current birth records: $56.20
  • Search fee (under 1 name for each event): $28.00
  • Each additional name searched (for each event): $28.00

Regular postage is free.

You can choose other delivery types:

  • Registered post (recommended): $8.10
  • Express post: $8.55
  • International registered mail: $18.55

From the Help centre

Find answers to frequently asked questions about services, including:

Payments, refunds and financial hardship

Getting help in other languages

Proof of identity documents

Find more in the Help centre

Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Last updated:
10 February 2026