Births, Deaths and Marriages

SACAT can make decisions under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 and review decisions of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Types of applications that can be made by SACAT

• resolve a dispute between parents about a child’s name
• approve an application by a parent to change a child’s name
• order the registration of a death
• correct registration of a death
• approve an application by a child or their parent to register a change of the child’s sex or gender identity
• approve an application by a child or their parent for an identity acknowledgement certificate.

*Please note that if both parents agree to a proposed change of name for a child, you do not need approval from SACAT. Please contact the Office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages on 131 882 for more information.

Please refer to the "Change of a child's name, sex and/or gender identity" tab of the Fact sheets and guides webpage for further information about the types of applications SACAT can receive, information in relation to applying to change the name of a child and applying for a change of sex or gender identity.

Applying to SACAT

What you'll need

If you are applying to resolve a dispute between parents about a child’s name, or to propose a change of the name of a child you should submit a copy of the child’s birth certificate or if they were born overseas a copy of their passport with your application.

If you are applying for approval to register a change of a child’s sex or gender identity, you should submit a statement by a medical practitioner or psychologist certifying that the child has undertaken a sufficient amount of appropriate clinical treatment and a copy of the form you submitted to Consumer and Business Services.

You must also ensure you are ready to pay the required fee for making an application.

How to apply

1. Start an online application.
2. In the keyword field type the word ‘births’ as shown below.
3. Scroll down to select the correct application type as per step 3. If you are not sure you have selected the correct application type, you can hover over the ‘question mark’ on the right-hand side to see a brief description.

Fees

There is a filing fee applicable for this type of application.

Payment can be made online by credit card at the time of completing the online form, or by using one of the other options outlined in the payment section of the application form.

I need more help

If you have questions relating to a Births, Deaths and Marriages application, call 131 882.

If you have further questions about lodging an application, contact SACAT here.

A staff member from SACAT can also help you complete your application over the phone.