How to Register Your Civil Partnership / Relationship in Queensland
This post reflects the legal landscape as of the date of publication. Laws may have changed since then. Please consult a legal professional for current information and personalised advice.
Queensland Civil Partnership Registration is done through Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Please note that registering a relationship with Births, Deaths and Marriages has a similar legal affect to marriage, and you should get independent legal advice about registering a relationship. A link to their website with further information can be found here.
The process of registering your civil partnership is free, however there is a cost for the issuance of a civil partnership certificate which is required by the department. The registry does not automatically issue a certificate, you must apply and pay for one separately (can be requested at the time of registration). Currently the fee for a Standard Civil Partnership Certificate is $54.40 (as of July ’24). There is also an urgent application fee of $32.20 which may be applicable in some cases.
You can apply for your Civil Partnership Certificate either by post or in person. If you need your certificate urgently it is best to apply in person to avoid delays.
The process for registering your civil partnership:
- Complete the online registration form here
- Choose how you want to pay for your certificate.
- Review your details on the application form once completed. You will then be sent an email with details on how to finalise your application.
- Download and print the form and collect copies of your proof of ID and supporting documents along with the originals ready to get them certified.
- Have all documents witness and certified by a JP
- Post in your application and proof of payment OR go in person to submit and pay for your certificate (see below for further details).
Registering in Person (Urgent Application):
- Your application can be lodged at the Brisbane registry customer service centre at Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane, you will need to use their self-serve kiosk. If you ordered and paid online bring your order receipt number. You will also need to show your original proof of ID and other supporting documents (if needed).
- If you live outside the Brisbane city area, bring your order receipt number (if you paid online) or a completed application form with your proof of ID and other supporting documents (if needed) to one of the agents at a Queensland Magistrates Court or Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office (except the Brisbane Magistrates Court). Best to phone ahead to ensure you do not need an appointment and double check you have all necessary paperwork prepared to bring with you.
- If only one of you can make it to the Magistrates Office, then you will need to take the forms, proof of ID and supporting documents (copies and originals) to a JP (Justice of the Peace) who can complete the necessary statutory declaration and witness all the documents with you both. Alternatively, if you can both make it to the office you can take the originals with you straight to the Magistrates Office without seeing a JP first.
- When presenting your paperwork to the attendant at the Magistrates Office, ensure that you request a Standard Partnership Certificate and pay the fee (currently $54.40) if you haven’t prepaid online.
- Once payment is made you should receive a receipt. You can use this receipt to submit with your application while you await the certificate to come in the mail.
Mailing your Application Form (Non-Urgent Application):
- Once you have all certified copies and witnessed paperwork together, visit the link here: certificate order form. Complete the order form (when it asks Is your civil partnership registered in Queensland? select YES) and make payment for the relationship certificate via the online payment portal.
- Print the proof of payment and attach to your application.
- Ensure you mail all required paperwork and proof of payment to:
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Turn around for mailing in your application can take over 1 month.