Understanding the Western Australia Birth Certificate Application Form

Understanding the Birth Certificate Application Form (BDM1) in Western Australia

The Birth Certificate Application Form, identified by the code BDM1, is an official document used by individuals seeking to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate registered in Western Australia. This form is essential for those who need proof of birth for various legal, personal, or administrative purposes. It is issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages WA and is designed to ensure that only eligible applicants can access sensitive personal records.

Who Should Fill Out This Form?

This form can be completed by:

• The registered person named on the birth certificate who is 16 years or older.
• A parent or guardian named on the birth record.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their identity and their relationship to the individual named on the birth certificate. If you are not the registered person or a parent, you will need to provide written consent from an eligible person along with appropriate identification.

How to Complete the Application

The form requires detailed information about the birth and the applicant:

1. Birth Details: Surname, given names, date of birth, and place of birth.
2. Parent Details: Full names, maiden surname, and relationship to the person named on the certificate.
3. Applicant Details: Full name, postal address, contact number, email, and relationship to the individual.
4. Reason for Request: Such as passport application, legal proceedings, family history, or other specified reasons.

Additionally, applicants must complete the Consent to Verification section, authorizing the Registry to verify their identity through third-party systems. The form must be signed and dated before submission.

Required Supporting Documents

To process the application, applicants must provide identification documents, which can include:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Birth certificate from Australia
• Medicare card
• Centrelink card
• Bank statement, rates notice, or utility bill (for address verification)

In cases where the application is submitted by mail, copies of these documents must be certified as true copies by an authorized person. If submitted in person, original documents are required for verification.

Submission Methods and Processing Times

Applications can be submitted via:

• By post: Complete the form and mail it along with certified copies of identification to:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages PO Box 7720 Cloisters Square Perth WA 6850
• In person: Lodge the form with original ID and payment at:
Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages Level 10/141 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000

Note that faxed or emailed applications are not accepted. Processing times vary:

• Standard: Up to 2 working days plus postal delivery.
• Priority: Within 24 hours plus express post delivery within Australia.
• International: Up to 2 working days for processing, with delivery via airmail.

Fees and Payment Options

The current fee for a standard birth certificate is outlined on page 2 of the form, with additional charges for priority or express processing. Payment can be made by:

• MasterCard or Visa (online or in person)
• Money order payable to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Applicants submitting multiple certificates should complete payment details only once on a single form.

Important Considerations

Applicants must ensure all information provided is accurate and complete. Providing false or misleading information is an offence under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1998. The Registry maintains strict privacy policies; access to certificates more than 100 years old is unrestricted, but recent records are protected and only accessible to authorized individuals.

For further guidance, applicants can visit the official website or contact the Registry directly. It is recommended to carefully review the instructions to avoid delays or rejection of the application.