Stillbirth Registration — BDM (All States and Territories)

Issuing authority

State and Territory Births, Deaths and Marriages Registries

Official source

How to apply

1. Confirm eligibility: registration is required (and a birth certificate available) where the baby was born at 20 or more completed weeks of gestation or weighed 400 grams or more at birth.
2. Receive the Birth Registration Form from the hospital or midwife before leaving the hospital — the medical team prepares a Birth Registration Statement (or equivalent) signed by an authorised health professional.
3. Complete the personal details section of the Birth Registration Form (parents' names, address, baby's name if chosen, gestation period) — the hospital social worker or midwife can assist.
4. The hospital forwards the Birth Registration Statement to the relevant state or territory BDM registry on your behalf; in some states (e.g. WA) you may need to return the completed physical form carefully per the instructions provided.
5. Lodge (or confirm lodgement) within 60 days of the birth — contact your state BDM if you are approaching this deadline without confirmation.
6. Note: you do not need to register a death separately for a stillborn baby — the stillbirth registration covers the event and records the baby as stillborn.
7. Once registered, apply to your state BDM for a birth certificate (free or at a small fee depending on state) — most states also offer a commemorative or decorative certificate option.
8. Seek support from the hospital social worker, Stillbirth Foundation Australia (stillbirthfoundation.org.au), or SANDS Australia if you need assistance navigating the registration process during this difficult time.

Related topics

Related forms

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