Registering a death is a legal requirement in Australia. It must happen before a death certificate can be issued, and a death certificate is required for many of the practical steps that follow — closing accounts, managing an estate, dealing with superannuation, and more.
The good news is that in most cases, you do not need to do this yourself. Your funeral director handles it.
Who registers the death
In Australia, the funeral director is typically responsible for lodging the death registration with the relevant state or territory registry. They do this as part of their standard service. You do not need to attend a registry office or complete forms yourself.
To complete the registration, the funeral director needs two things:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death — completed by the treating doctor or hospital
- Personal details about the deceased — full name, date and place of birth, occupation, parents' names, and information about surviving family
The funeral director will ask you for the personal details, usually during the arrangement meeting. Having these details ready speeds the process considerably.
What information you will need to provide
Each state registry requires slightly different information, but the core details are consistent:
- Full name of the deceased (including any previous names)
- Date and place of birth
- Home address at time of death
- Occupation
- Names of parents (including mother's maiden name)
- Marital status and name of spouse or partner if applicable
- Names and ages of any children
- Details of the informant (the person providing the information — usually the next of kin)
Having a copy of the person's birth certificate, passport, or other identity documents on hand makes this step much easier. If these documents are not readily available, your funeral director can advise on what alternatives are acceptable.
Which state or territory registry
The death is registered in the state or territory where the person died — not where they lived. Each state and territory has its own registry:
| State / Territory | Registry |
|---|---|
| Victoria | Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria |
| New South Wales | NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages |
| Queensland | Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages |
| South Australia | SA Births, Deaths and Marriages |
| Western Australia | WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages |
| Tasmania | Births, Deaths and Marriages Tasmania |
| ACT | Access Canberra — Births, Deaths and Marriages |
| Northern Territory | NT Births, Deaths and Marriages |
How long does registration take
Registration typically takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster. Your funeral director will submit the paperwork and the registry will process it. You do not need to follow up unless there is an unusual delay.
The death certificate
Once the death is registered, you can apply for certified copies of the death certificate. This is a separate step from registration — you need to apply and pay a fee for each copy.
Most families need between three and six certified copies. Common uses include:
- Notifying the Australian Tax Office
- Closing bank accounts and financial accounts
- Claiming superannuation death benefits
- Applying for probate
- Transferring property
- Cancelling government entitlements
You can apply for death certificates through your state registry website. Some funeral directors will apply on your behalf as part of their service — ask whether this is included.
If the coroner is involved
When a death is referred to the coroner — because it was sudden, unexpected, or the cause is unknown — registration may be delayed until the coroner's investigation is complete. Your funeral director will advise on timing and can liaise with the coroner's office on your behalf.
Keep track of what needs to happen.
Remember Well•'s Beyond the Service checklist guides you through the admin that follows a death — including government notifications, accounts, and estate steps.
Start free →