Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) Registry: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to obtain official identity documents through the BDM Registry to prove your birth, death, or marriage status.
The Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) Registry is the official system used to record and register significant life events and provide legal proof of these occurrences. These records are issued by State and Territory registries and are recognized at a federal level.
Who it's for
This registry is available to anyone who was born in Australia. It is the primary way to register and verify the legal status of births, deaths, and marriages within the country.
What you get
By using this service, you can obtain an official proof of identity document. This often includes obtaining a certified copy of a certificate, which serves as legal evidence of your birth, marriage, or death.
What it costs you
There is an application fee required for every certificate request you make. The specific cost depends on the type of document you are requesting, so you should check the current rates with your local registry before starting your application.
The catch to know
It is important to distinguish between the types of documents you can order. Commemorative certificates are decorative and intended for keepsakes; they are not valid for legal identification. If you need to prove your identity for official purposes, you must ensure you are requesting a standard legal document rather than a commemorative version.
How to apply
- Identify the specific life event you need to document (such as a birth or marriage).
- Contact the relevant State or Territory registry responsible for your region.
- Complete the necessary application forms required for your specific request.
- Pay the application fee associated with your certificate request.