Births, Deaths and Marriages

SACAT can make some decisions under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996.

For some matters, you can come straight to SACAT. For others, you need to go to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. In some cases, SACAT can then review the Registrar's decision.

Please note, the below is not a comprehensive list. You should seek legal advice to determine whether you can make an application to SACAT.

You may also contact SACAT, but please be aware that we cannot provide legal advice.

SACAT can hear applications to:

  • Resolve a dispute between parents about a child's name
  • Approve an application by a parent to change a child's name
  • Approve an application by a child or their parent to register a change of the child's sex or gender identity
  • Approve an application by a child or their parent for an identity acknowledgement certificate
  • Review a decision of the Registrar to reject an application to register a change of sex or gender identity where the number of applications exceeds the limit published by the Registrar

Learn about making an application to SACAT

You can also apply to SACAT to review a decision of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages can help with:

  • Registering a death
  • Registering a birth in South Australia
  • Applying to register or change a child's sex or gender identity
  • Applying for an identity acknowledgement certificate
  • Application to change the name of a child where both parents consent or jointly apply

Visit Births, Deaths and Marriages (external site) (external site)