Guide to NSW Form 70: Fee Waiver Application Process

Understanding the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages Form 70: Application for Fee Waiver

If you are applying for a birth, death, marriage, or change of name certificate or registration in New South Wales (NSW), you might be eligible for a fee waiver under certain circumstances. The official Form 70 is used to request this waiver. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the form’s purpose, how to prepare your application, submission options, and what to expect during the process.

What is the purpose of Form 70?

Form 70, titled Application for Fee Waiver, is an official document issued by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM). Its primary goal is to allow eligible individuals to request a waiver of fees associated with obtaining certificates or registering vital events. This can include birth, death, marriage, or change of name registrations.

The fee waiver aims to support individuals facing financial hardship or specific circumstances that make paying the fee difficult. If your application is approved, you will not be required to pay the associated fee, making vital registration and certification more accessible.

Preparing your application: what documents and information are needed?

Before submitting Form 70, ensure you gather all necessary supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility. The form requires you to select the category that best describes your circumstances and to provide evidence accordingly. The categories include:

• Legal reasons: such as a court order or tribunal finding.
• Recent incarceration: including a prison release form or a letter from a Youth Justice case manager.
• Impact from government policies: supported by a letter from an Australian government agency or community service provider.
• Natural disaster, war, or terrorism: with relevant support letters or proof of residence in affected areas.
• Financial hardship or other personal difficulties: such as domestic violence, homelessness, medical conditions, property loss, identity crime, or evidence of financial hardship like healthcare or pension cards.

For each category, you must tick the box confirming your eligibility and submit the corresponding supporting documentation. This evidence helps the Registry assess your application fairly and efficiently.

How to submit your application: online or in person?

You can submit your completed Form 70 either by post or in person:

1. By post: Send the completed form along with all supporting documents to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. The mailing address can be found on the official website.
2. In person: Visit a Service NSW centre with your application and supporting documents. Staff there can assist you with the submission process.

When submitting, ensure that all sections of the form are completed accurately, especially your personal details and the category of eligibility. Incomplete applications may delay processing or result in rejection.

What happens after your application is submitted?

The Registry will review your application based on the evidence provided. They may contact you if additional information is needed. If your fee waiver is approved, you will receive confirmation, and you will not need to pay any fees for the requested services.

If your application is declined, you will be notified via email with the reasons for the decision. You will also receive a secure link to pay the fee if you still wish to proceed with your registration or certification.

Important considerations during the process

It’s important to note that:

• Your application will not be eligible for priority processing, meaning it may take longer than standard applications.
• Fee waivers do not apply to services not listed in the Fee Waiver Policy or to international postage costs.
• You can submit multiple services in one application, such as a change of name and a birth certificate, provided they are eligible for waivers.
• The Registry generally will not grant a fee waiver for services that were previously provided free of charge.

Additional tips for a successful application

To avoid delays, double-check that:

• All sections of the form are filled out correctly.
• You have included all necessary supporting documents relevant to your eligibility category.
• Your personal details are accurate and match your identification documents.

For further information, you can visit the official NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages website, where the Fee Waiver Policy is published. This resource provides detailed guidance on eligibility criteria and the types of supporting evidence required.

Conclusion

Applying for a fee waiver using Form 70 can significantly reduce the cost of vital registration services in NSW, especially for those experiencing hardship. Proper preparation, understanding the eligibility categories, and submitting complete documentation are key to a smooth application process. Whether submitting online or in person, ensure your application is accurate and well-supported to increase your chances of approval.