Help to find housing
If you have a criminal record
Help is available if you have a criminal record and are having problems getting housing.
- Community housing is provided by community organisations and local governments to eligible people.
- Housing Service Centres.
If you are leaving jail
If you are about to leave jail, organise a place to live before you are released so you have somewhere to go once released.
Emergency help
- Emergency accommodation
- Crisis payment for released prisoners
- Information about help in crisis including what payments and services are available to prisoners, offenders and their families.
Have no proof of identification?
If you are homeless and need personal identification such as a birth certificate to get government services like housing or rental support, we suggest you follow the steps below.
Get your personal information
Gather any information about yourself that you can for proof of ID. This can be:
- a temporary Medicare card
- a letter from a government department such as Centrelink
- a letter from a temporary residence like a hostel (if that’s where you are staying)
- any other official papers that say who you are.
Apply for a birth certificate application form
Collect an application form from any of the following:
- The Brisbane registry customer service centre at Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane
- One of their agents at a Queensland Magistrates Court or Queensland Government Program (QGAP) office (except the Brisbane Magistrates Court)
- Online—applying for a birth certificate .
It costs $51.30 to process the application for a certified copy of your birth certificate—see the latest scheduled fees .
If you don’t have any money, find what financial help is available or alternatively:
- contact a community organisation like the Salvation Army who may be able to help
- check if you are eligible to access a certificate in a hardship situation.
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages also attend a number of Queensland Homeless Connect events during the year.
Complete the application form
You must have a contact address, even if it is temporary, to get a reply. This can be a ‘care of’ your temporary accommodation like a hostel or a Housing Service Centre address.
If you need help with the application, Café One can help you.
If you (or the person helping you) have any questions about the form:
- Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68) (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm)
- Email: bdm-mail@justice.qld.gov.au
Lodge the application form
Send your application form to:
Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Or in person at:
- The Brisbane registry customer service centre at Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane
- One of their agents at a Queensland Magistrates Court or Queensland Government Program (QGAP) office (except the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Applications can’t be faxed or emailed.
How long will it take?
Processing timeframes for correctly filled out applications that are submitted with proof of ID and supporting documents (if needed) are:
- 5 business days for non-urgent certificate applications
- 2 business days for urgent certificate applications. Read about priority processing. (additional fee of $30.40)
If you submit the application at the Brisbane registry customer service centre, you will receive your certificate immediately, unless the birth was registered before 1941.
If the birth was registered before 1941, the certificate will be ready after 2.30pm the next business day.
Helpful links
- Australian Prison Foundation has a list of prisoner support organisations.
- Prison Ministry of the Uniting Church supports prisoners and their families in Queensland.
- Prisoners' Legal Service is a community legal centre offering free legal advice to imprisoned people and their families. View what other free legal help is available.
- Brisbane Common Ground—housing for people who have experienced chronic homelessness and low-income earners.
- Families and Prisoners Support Inc offers services to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families in Far North Queensland.