Victoria has introduced a change that will make it easier for trans and gender diverse people to update their gender on their birth certificate, with the Allan Labor Government removing all associated fees. The update to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act (Fees) Regulations 2019 means the process, which previously cost more than $140 for Victorians and $122 for people born interstate, is now free.
Minister for Government Services Natalie Hutchins said the adjustment aims to remove a barrier that has long affected a community already navigating complex administrative systems. The shift also brings Victoria closer to lived equality, as identity documents are often essential for everyday tasks such as enrolling in education, opening a bank account, applying for a drivers licence or passport, and accessing government support.
Only around one third of trans and gender diverse Victorians currently hold identity documents that reflect their gender. Community advocates have often pointed to cost as one of the reasons people postpone or avoid the process, especially for those dealing with broader social or financial pressures.
In addition to removing fees for updating a record of sex, the Government has confirmed that people changing their name at the same time will not be charged, and postage for certificates sent within Australia will be free. The move follows existing policy that waives fees in certain circumstances where multiple updates are made together.
Victoria updated its laws in 2020 to ensure trans and gender diverse people no longer need to undergo surgery to change the sex recorded on their birth certificate, a requirement that was widely viewed as outdated and restrictive. The latest decision builds on that framework, supporting easier access to legal documents that match a person’s identity.
The announcement comes shortly after Trans Awareness Week and Trans Day of Remembrance, which highlight both progress and ongoing challenges for trans and gender diverse people across Australia. Many community organisations have welcomed the shift, noting that legal recognition remains a key factor in improving safety, wellbeing and participation in public life.
Minister Hutchins described the update as a practical measure aimed at fairness, saying the Government wants to ensure cost never stands in the way of someone having accurate identification. Minister for Equality Vicki Ward added that the change gives trans and gender diverse people clearer access to documents that reflect their lived identity, helping reduce administrative hurdles that can cause stress or delay.
While many see this as a positive move, broader national conversations continue around the consistency of gender recognition laws across Australia. Some states still have higher administrative requirements or ongoing fees, leading advocates to call for a more uniform approach. For now, Victoria’s reform places it at the forefront of removing financial barriers in this space.
Information on how to update a record of sex is available through Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, which encourages people to review the process online and gather any required documentation before applying.
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