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Add a parent to a birth certificate

Part of the Births and registration topic

You can add a parent to a Queensland birth certificate. Apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and pay a fee.

On this page

In short

You can use this service to:

  • add a parent to a birth certificate
  • add other older children to a birth certificate.

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

Download the PDF form

What you should know

Applications to add a parent or child to a bith certificate are reviewed case-by-case.

Sometimes you may need a parentage order from the Supreme Court.

If your child was born before 1 June 2010 and you want to add a same-sex parent, contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The fee to add a parent does not include an updated birth certificate.

Who can use this service

You can apply to add a parent to a birth certificate if:
Correct.both parents apply together.
Don’t use this service if:
Incorrect. your child's birth isn't registered
Instead, use register a birth.
Incorrect. your child's birth is registered outside of Queensland
Instead, apply in that state, territory or country.

How to apply to add a parent to a birth certificate

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

Applications are reviewed individually and we may request additional documents to support your application.

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 form

PDF form - add a parent

Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form

PDF form - birth certificate

To order a birth certificate at the same time, download and print the birth certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include the payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form

Step 4: Get a witness signature

An adult (18 or older) must witness your signatures on the declaration section of the form.

Step 5: Submit your application

Post to

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

Include your:

  • completed application form
  • payment method on the PDF form
  • certified copies of ID and supporting documents.

Step 6: Receive the certificate

Once your application is approved, if you ordered a birth certificate we will post the certificate to you.

Your application may not be approved if you:

  • don’t meet the rules
  • have not provided the right documents.

You will not receive a refund if:

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

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

Applications are reviewed individually and we may request additional documents to support your application.

Translating documents

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

See Translating documents.

Step 2: Fill in the form

PDF form - add a parent

Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form

PDF form - birth certificate

To order a birth certificate at the same time, download and print the birth certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include the payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form

Step 3: Get a witness signature

An adult (18 or older) must witness your signatures on the declaration section of the form.

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit your application at any Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except for the Brisbane Magistrates Court).

Bring with you:

  • completed application form
  • payment method on the PDF form
  • original ID and supporting documents.

Step 5: Receive the certificate

Once your application is approved if you ordered a birth certificate, we will post it to you.

Your application may not be approved if you:

  • don’t meet the rules
  • have not provided the right documents.

You will not receive a refund if:

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

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

Applications are reviewed individually and we may request additional documents to support your application.

Translating documents

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

See Translating documents.

Step 2: Fill in the form

PDF form - add a parent

Download, print and complete the form by hand. Include payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form

PDF form - birth certificate

To order a birth certificate at the same time, download and print the birth certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include the payment method on the form.

Download the PDF form

Step 3: Get a witness signature

An adult (18 or older) must witness your signatures on the declaration section of the form.

Step 4: Submit your application

Submit your application in person at:

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

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.

Closed public holidays.

Bring with you:

  • completed application form
  • payment method on the PDF form
  • original ID and supporting documents.

Step 5: Receive the certificate

Once your application is approved if you ordered a birth certificate, we will post it to you.

Your application may not be approved if you:

  • don’t meet the rules
  • have not provided the right documents.

You will not receive a refund if:

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

How long it takes

Processing times start when an application with all required documents and payment has been received.

Standard application: up to 10 business days

Urgent application: not available

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.

  • Add a father or parent to a birth certificate: $43.90

You may also choose to order:

  • Official birth certificate—with or without sex shown: $56.20
  • Commemorative birth certificate package (includes 1 official birth certificate)—with or without sex shown: $73.10

Regular postage is free.

You can choose other delivery types:

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

From the Help centre

Find answers to frequently asked questions about services, including:

Find more in the Help centre

Managed by: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Last updated:
10 February 2026