Civil Records for Australia citizens in the United States — 2026

Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Australia authorities. Essential for citizens of Australia living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.

Australia consulates processing civil records

What can be registered?

• Birth registration: children of Australia parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Australia nationals
• Marriage registration: marriages of Australia citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
• Death registration: death of Australia nationals in the U.S.
• Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Australia

Required documents

• Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
• Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
• Certified translation to the official language of Australia
• Passport and ID of the Australia citizens involved
• Application form completed

How to register

Most Australia consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Australia civil registry office.

Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.

Costs and processing times

Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Australia can take additional months.