After the pilot digital birth certificate programme in 2024 for people born in New South Wales, Australia, which enabled more than 1,400 participants to trial a standalone app offering secure access to digital birth records, the New South Wales (NSW) government is now advancing its digital identity agenda with the introduction of digital birth certificates (DBC) for residents aged 16 to 21, beginning in March 2026. The project is led by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.

Users can choose how they prove their identity, opting for either a paper birth certificate or a digital version. The digital credential is designed to help users verify their identity more easily while safeguarding personal data through enhanced consent and privacy protections. Initially, the DBC will be accepted only for selected government transactions, and its adoption is expected to broaden over time, as policymakers work with businesses, schools, clubs and other organisations to expand acceptance of the digital document.

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