Births, relationships and deaths related forms and fees
Access Canberra will process your request within 15 business days of receiving all required documents. This timeframe does not include Australia Post delivery times.
Call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 if you don’t receive your certificate within this timeframe.
Removing fees for changing registered sex and other gender affirmation details
From 1 July 2026, the ACT Government will remove fees for people seeking to update their registered sex including sex assigned at birth, making it easier to access identity documents that reflect who they are. Fees will also be waived for people who change their name or other recognised details for the purposes of gender affirmation, including the reissue of certificates.
The ACT Government has introduced these changes to reduce the financial barriers trans and gender diverse people can face when accessing identity documents that affirm who they are. Evidence shows that having identity documents that align with a person’s gender supports mental health, wellbeing and safety, and reduces exposure to stigma and discrimination. Removing the cost of legal recognition is an important step towards inclusion and equality.
For more information, see Recording or recognising a change of sex or call Births, Deaths and Marriages on 6207 6444.
Fees which have been removed or waived
Type of process | Fee as at | Removed or waived |
Application to alter register to record change of sex | $52.00 | Removed |
Application for change of recognised details (birth is registered interstate) | $52.00 | Removed |
Application to register a change of name | $152.00 | Waived* |
Fees for reissuing certificates | $53.00 plus postage | Waived* |
*when completed for gender affirmation purposes
It is an offence under the Criminal Code 2002 (ACT) to knowingly provide false or misleading information.
Forms and fees
Fees are correct as at 1 July 2025.
Other service or processing fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Registered Post | $13.00 |
| Express Post | $10.00 |
| International Post | $53.00 |
| Dishonoured cheque fee | $58.00 |
Financial hardship fee waiver
You can apply for a fee waiver if you are experiencing financial hardship and you require a birth, relationship or death certificate to access immediate services. Your application must include evidence of your financial hardship and immediate need for a certificate.
Fee waivers will be assessed against the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Financial Hardship Fee Waiver Policy (PDF 459.9 KB).
To apply:
- Complete the Application for financial hardship fee waiver (DOC 91.7 KB) or (PDF 366.6 KB)
- Provide three forms of proof of identity and supporting evidence
- Submit it by:
- email to bdm@act.gov.au
- visiting an Access Canberra Service Centre
- post to GPO Box 158, Canberra City ACT 2601.