<P> The state or territory issued birth certificate is a secure A4 paper document, generally listing: Full name at birth, sex at birth, parents and occupation, older siblings, addresses, date and place of birth, name of the registrar, date of registration, date of issue of certificate, a registration number, with the signature of the registrar and seal of the registry printed and or embossed . Most states allow for still births to be issued a birth certificate . Some states issue early pregnancy loss certificates (without legal significance if before 20 weeks). Depending on the state, amendments are allowed to correct the certificate, add parents, recognising same sex relationships, changing the sex of the holder is also permitted in some states . </P> <P> The full birth certificate in Australia is an officially recognised identity document generally in the highest category . The birth certificate assists in establishing citizenship . Shorter and / or commemorative birth certificates are available, however are not generally acceptable for identification purposes . </P> <P> Birth certificates in Australia can be verified online by approved agencies through the Attorney - General's Department Document Verification Service and can be used to validate identity digitally, e.g. online . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> Australian Identity Documents </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Federal Government </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Passport </Li> <Li> Citizenship certificate </Li> <Li> Certificate of Identity </Li> <Li> Document of Identity </Li> <Li> Convention Travel Document </Li> <Li> Medicare card </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> State and Territory Governments </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Birth certificate </Li> <Li> AusPost Keypass ID </Li> <Li> Seniors card </Li> <Li> Photo card </Li> <Li> Drivers licence </Li> <Li> Marriage certificate </Li> <Li> Change of name certificate </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> International </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Passport </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Indigenous (not recognized) </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Aboriginal passport </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Non physical / digital </Th> <Td> <Ul> <Li> Digital identity in Australia </Li> <Li> Tax File Number </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Who is the issuing authority of a birth certificate