How to Get a Death Certificate in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have a question about this? Ask the Guide → the chat widget at the bottom-right of this page can answer it. Reading time: 6 minutes | The Executor’s Guide — Plain English. Step by step. Written for the person who just found out.

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The death certificate is the single most important document in estate administration. Without it, most banks, government agencies and institutions will be unable to process requests related to the estate. Getting enough certified copies early is one of the most practical things you can do in the first week.

Two Types of Death Documents — Know the Difference

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death is issued by the treating doctor or hospital immediately after death. It is an internal document used to register the death. The funeral director typically handles it — you won’t use it directly as executor.

The Death Certificate is the official government-issued document you will need as executor. It is issued by the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry in the state or territory where the person died, after the death has been registered. This is what you order and use.

Who Registers the Death?

The funeral director usually registers the death with the relevant BDM registry on behalf of the family. Death registration timeframes vary by state and territory — typically within 5 to 7 days of burial or cremation. The funeral director usually handles this on the family’s behalf. You do not need to register it yourself if a funeral director is involved. Once registered, you can apply for the certificate.

How Many Certificates Do You Need?

The number of copies you need depends on your estate. A useful starting point: count one copy per institution on the list below, then add two or three spares. Most estates need somewhere between 5 and 15 copies. You will need them for:

• Each bank or financial institution (they typically keep a copy)
• The Land Titles Office (for property transfers)
• Share registries
• Superannuation funds
• Insurance companies
• Centrelink / Services Australia
• The ATO
• The Supreme Court probate application
• Future use (cheaper to order now than reorder later)

Most executors under-order and have to reorder mid-administration, which causes delays. Order more than you think you need.

How to Apply — By State and Territory

New South Wales

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages NSW
Apply online at bdm.nsw.gov.au or by post.
Processing: approximately 5 business days standard; 2–3 days priority.
Phone: 13 77 88

Victoria

Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
Apply online at bdm.vic.gov.au or in person at Service Victoria centres.
Processing: standard 10 business days; priority 1–2 business days.
Phone: 03 5561 9000

Queensland

Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Apply online at qld.gov.au
Processing: 10–15 business days standard; express available.
Phone: 1300 366 430

Western Australia

Births, Deaths and Marriages WA
Apply online at bdm.wa.gov.au or in person.
Processing: standard 10 business days; priority available.
Phone: 1300 305 021

South Australia

Births, Deaths and Marriages SA
Apply online at bdm.sa.gov.au or in person at Service SA centres.
Processing: approximately 10 business days.
Phone: 131 882

Tasmania

Births, Deaths and Marriages Tasmania
Apply online at justice.tas.gov.au/bdm or in person at Service Tasmania.
Processing: approximately 10 business days.
Phone: 1300 135 513

ACT

ACT Births, Deaths and Marriages
Apply online at accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Processing: approximately 10 business days.
Phone: 13 22 81

Northern Territory

NT Births, Deaths and Marriages
Apply online at nt.gov.au/law/bdm or in person.
Processing: approximately 10 business days.
Phone: 08 8999 6119

Who Can Apply?

You are an eligible applicant as executor. You will need to provide your full name, your relationship to the deceased, and in some cases a copy of the will showing your appointment. Immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling) can also apply.

What to Do While You Wait

Processing takes 5–15 business days depending on the state and service level. While you wait:

• Ask the funeral director for a proof of death letter — most will provide one, and many institutions accept this to begin the notification process
• Notify Centrelink early — Services Australia can begin the process with basic information
• Locate and read the will
• Make a list of all assets and institutions you will need to notify

Do not wait for the death certificates before starting tasks where a formal certificate is not yet required.

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The Executor’s Guide provides general information about estate administration in Australia. It is not legal advice. Processing times and fees change — always check current requirements at the relevant BDM registry website before applying.

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Related guides

• What to Do When Someone Dies in Australia
• What Is an Executor?
• Executor Duties in Australia: The Complete Legal Guide
• Do I Need Probate? A Plain-English Guide