Birth, death and marriage certificates are produced from information contained in the Births, Deaths and Marriages Register.
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) can update some information in the register if it's not accurate, but details such as address, age and occupation can't be updated to show recent information.
Correcting a certificate
How to apply
1. Application form
Fill out and sign the application form - Application to correct an entry (PDF).
Don't use this form to change a name or to add the father or co-parent's details to an existing birth certificate.
2. Supporting evidence
Attach a copy of the proof of identity and your supporting evidence to your application.
Evidence you'll need
The incorrect certificate will also need to be returned.
3. Lodgement
Post the form, supporting documents and payment to:Births, Deaths and Marriages
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1351
Adelaide SA 5001
Fee
A fee may be charged to fix an error if incorrect information was supplied to CBS.
Adding father or co-parent details to a birth certificate
The father's details can be added to a birth record if the child was conceived naturally.
The co-parent's or father's details can be added if the child was conceived with the help of a fertilisation procedure that the father or co-parent consented to, and at the time of conception of the child you were either:
- legally married
- in a registered relationship, or
- partners in a marriage-like relationship
How to apply
1. Application form
Complete the form - Add parent's details to a birth record (PDF 162KB).
Both parents need to sign the form and a Justice of the Peace (JP) or a solicitor must witness both signatures.
Find a Justice of the Peace
2. Supporting evidence
Attach copies of your supporting evidence:
- child's original birth certificate, not a photocopy
- two types of ID for each parent - photocopies must be certified by a JP or solicitor
3. Lodgement
Post your application to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1351
Adelaide SA 5001
A child's name isn't changed when their father's details are added to the certificate. See register a change of name to find out what's involved if a child wants to change their name.
Change of sex or gender identity
If you were born in South Australia or overseas, or your birth has subsequently been registered in this SA (eg if you are adopted in South Australia), you can apply to record a change of sex or gender identity. If you were born interstate you will need to apply in the state or territory of your birth.
You must show that you’ve had a clinical treatment provided by an Australian medical practitioner or psychologist.
You can change your sex or gender identity once in a 12 month period and three times in your lifetime.
How to apply
1. Application form
Fill out and sign the form:
Record a change of sex or gender identity - adult (PDF 600KB)
Record a change of sex or gender identity - child (PDF 550KB)
If you wish to register a change of name for a child at the same time, you will need to complete the register a change of name - child form.
2. Supporting evidence
Attach the supporting evidence requested on the application form.
3. Lodgement
If you have any questions prior to lodgement or want to make an appointment, email registrations.bdm@agd.sa.gov.au
Post your application to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1351
Adelaide SA 5001
Fees
Application fees apply:
- to register a change of sex or gender identity - this includes a new birth certificate or identity acknowledgement certificate - $115.00
- if you are lodging a change of name application at the same time, the total fee to record a change of sex or gender identity and register a change of name is $333.00.
Discharge of adoption
If the Youth Court of South Australia has issued a Notice of a Discharge of an Adoption Order, a copy of the order will be provided to Births, Deaths and Marriages which sets out changes to be made to an adopted person’s birth registration.
The adopted person may apply for a copy of their birth certificate at no cost.
A new birth certificate, together with the Court Order, may be used to update the person's details with other agencies.
Discharging adoption orders - Department of Child Protection
How to apply
1. Application form
Fill out and sign the form: Apply for a birth certificate (PDF 1.4MB)
2. Supporting evidence
Attach a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of the Youth Court order, and your previous birth certificate showing your adoptive parents’ details.
3. Lodgement
Post your application to:
Births, Deaths and Marriages
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1351
Adelaide SA 5001
Contact Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 131 882
International: +61 8 8204 8532
Post:
GPO Box 1351
Adelaide SA 5001
