Countries
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New Zealand
Vital Records
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Description
Order a birth certificate
New Zealand birth certificates are a record of birth. You can order a birth certificate online, by phone, by post or in person. Prices start at $33 for a standard certificate.
If you're researching family history
For births that happened at least 100 years ago, use: Birth, Death and Marriage Historical Records
If you want a birth certificate for your new baby
To get a birth certificate for your new baby, you'll need to register their birth first. You can register your child and order a certificate at the same time. Register your baby If you've already registered the birth, you can order a birth certificate at any time.
Order a birth certificate
New Zealand birth certificates are a record of birth. You can order a birth certificate online, by phone, by post or in person. Prices start at $33 for a standard certificate.
Access to your birth, marriage and name change records
Birth, death, marriage, civil union and name change records are a public register — anyone can generally request copies of someone's information. You can see who's accessed your records since 2009 or block access to them if your safety is at risk.
Translating official documents
If you need a document translated into English or another language, you can organise the translation yourself or use the Department of Internal Affairs Translation Service.
Use your NZ documents overseas
When you need to use a New Zealand document in another country, you might be asked to get the document apostilled or authenticated. Some countries call this legalisation.
What is RealMe?
RealMe is the secure way to prove who you are online. You can use it in two ways: to prove who you are when you’re online, and to log into lots of NZ government sites and services.
Change your own name
You can change your own name in New Zealand if you're over 18 and a citizen or permanent resident.
Changing your child's name
Usually, both parents need to agree to change a child's name, even if they're not together. Once your child is 16, you can't change your child's name without their consent.
Changing your name on your passport
If you want to change the name in your passport, you'll need to apply for a new one. The name in your passport must be your officially registered name.
Change the gender on your birth certificate
You need to apply to the Family Court for a declaration before you can change the gender on your NZ birth certificate. If your application is successful, the Family Court will notify Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Choosing the gender on your citizenship record
You can ask for your citizenship certificate to show a different gender from your birth certificate.
Change your gender on your official ID
If you’ve changed your gender, or if your gender has been wrongly recorded, you can update your official identification. You can record your gender as M (male), F (female) or X (indeterminate/unspecified).
Get a death certificate
You might need a death certificate if you're administering someone's estate or applying for a funeral grant from Work and Income or ACC.
Probate and wills
After someone dies, you need to sort out any tax or financial issues before the will is executed.
What you need to do when someone dies
An overview of what you might need to do after the death of a loved one.
Registering a death
If you're using a funeral director, they'll register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you're organising the funeral yourself, or not holding one, you'll need to register the death.
Financial help if someone dies
If a loved one has died, you might be able to get help with the cost of the funeral, burial or cremation. In some circumstances, you might be entitled to help with living expenses or childcare.
When someone dies overseas
If you're travelling overseas and someone who's travelling with you dies, contact the nearest NZ Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade office.
What to organise before you die
Before you die you can make decisions about your funeral, who looks after your children and what happens to the things you own after you die. You can also organise your finances, including insurance and unpaid debt.
