Stillbirth Registration (All States and Territories)

Issuing authority

State and Territory Births, Deaths and Marriages Registries (all states/territories) — hospital typically initiates process

Official source

How to apply

1. After the birth, your midwife or hospital social worker will provide a Birth Registration Form (or stillbirth registration paperwork) before you leave hospital — ask for this if it is not offered.
2. The baby meets the registration threshold if the pregnancy was 20 weeks or more, or the baby weighed more than 400 grams at birth.
3. Complete the Birth Registration Form with the baby's details (name if chosen, parents' details, date and place of birth) — registration shows the baby as 'stillborn' and a separate death registration is not required.
4. Lodge the form with your state or territory BDM registry within 60 days of the birth — most states accept online registration (ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC); WA requires hospital or mail lodgement.
5. Registration is free — there is no charge in any state or territory.
6. Once registered, optionally apply to BDM for a Certificate of Stillbirth or a commemorative birth certificate (fees and availability vary by state — e.g. VIC issues a birth certificate marked 'stillborn').
7. Contact the hospital social worker or bereavement midwife if you need support completing the registration — many hospitals have dedicated bereavement teams.
8. Contact the relevant BDM if you require a certificate for insurance, superannuation, paid parental leave (Services Australia), or other administrative purposes.

Related topics

Related forms

• New Adult Passport ApplicationPC1
• Passport RenewalPC2
• Child Passport ApplicationPC3
• Birth Certificate (Copy)
• Birth Registration (New Baby)