Add the father or parent to your child's birth certificate

Generally, the parents of children born in Queensland register their child’s birth together—so the birth certificate will show both of the parents’ details.

If only one parent’s details are shown, you can apply to add your child’s other parent’s details at any time.

When you apply to add your child’s father or parent to their birth registration and certificate:

• your names will be shown on your child’s birth certificate
• your child’s family name will stay the same as registered and as shown on their birth certificate—see changing your child’s name before they turn 18 to change their family name.

Applications to add a father or parent are reviewed individually and, in certain circumstances, we may require a parentage order from the Supreme Court.

The application fee does not include a birth certificate. You will need to fill in a birth certificate application form and pay the fee.

If your child was born before 1 June 2010 and you would like to add a same-sex female parent, contact us.

How to apply

To add your child’s other parent, you need to:

1. Download, print and complete the application form signed by both parents.
2. Have your supporting documents certified by a Justice of the Peace or another authorised person.
3. Attach certified proof of ID documents for each parent.
4. Attach additional supporting documents, if required.
5. Have another adult (18 or older) witness your signatures on the declaration section.
6. Pay the fee.
7. Submit your application form and certified documents along with your payment to us by post or in person.

Download the add the father or parent to your child's birth certificate form

Submit by post

Post your completed application form along with your certified documents and payment to:

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST  QLD  4002

Submit in person

Visit the Brisbane registry customer service centre at Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane with your completed application form and your original proof of ID and supporting documents.