Dealing with the administrative side of a death is one of the harder parts of bereavement — it asks you to be organised at a moment when you're least able to be. The good news is that this list is finite. Work through it at your own pace, and don't feel like it all has to happen at once.
You'll need the original death certificate (or certified copies) for most of these. The NSW Registry issues the certificate after the death is registered — your funeral director usually handles the registration. Order several certified copies upfront, as many organisations won't accept photocopies.
1. Register the death — NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
In NSW, all deaths must be registered with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Your funeral director is legally required to lodge the registration on your behalf — you don't need to do this yourself.
Once registered, you can order a death certificate online. Order at least 3–5 certified copies, as banks, super funds, and government agencies each require an original or certified copy.
nsw.gov.au/births-deaths-marriages/deaths · 13 77 88
2. Federal government agencies
Services Australia (Centrelink & Medicare)
Notify Services Australia as soon as possible — they manage Centrelink payments, Medicare, and the Centrelink Bereavement Payment. Payments to the deceased person need to stop, and you may be entitled to bereavement support.
You can notify them by phone, in person at a service centre, or through a nominee's myGov account.
servicesaustralia.gov.au · 132 300 (Centrelink) · 132 011 (Medicare)
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
The ATO needs to be notified of the death so they can update their records. If the deceased had a tax file number or was lodging tax returns, these need to be finalised. You may need to lodge a date-of-death tax return.
Notify via myGov (if you have access to their account) or by calling the ATO directly.
ato.gov.au · 13 28 61
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
Remove the deceased person from the electoral roll by notifying the AEC. This can be done online or by post.
aec.gov.au · 13 23 26
Department of Home Affairs (passport)
If the deceased had an Australian passport, it should be cancelled. You can surrender it at an Australia Post outlet that provides passport services.
3. NSW state agencies
Transport for NSW (driver licence & vehicle registration)
Cancel the deceased person's NSW driver licence and update or transfer vehicle registration. This can be done at a Service NSW centre or by post. You'll need the death certificate and, for vehicle transfer, the relevant paperwork for the executor.
service.nsw.gov.au · 13 77 88
NSW Land Registry Services (property)
If the deceased owned property in NSW, the title needs to be updated through NSW Land Registry Services. This is typically handled by a solicitor or conveyancer as part of administering the estate.
NSW Trustee & Guardian
If the deceased had a will, probate may need to be granted through the NSW Supreme Court. NSW Trustee & Guardian can help with estate administration if there is no executor or if the executor needs assistance.
tag.nsw.gov.au · 1300 364 103
4. Financial and superannuation
Banks and financial institutions
Notify all banks where the deceased held accounts. They will freeze accounts pending estate administration and guide you through the process for accessing funds. You'll need the death certificate and, for joint accounts, to arrange a transfer to the surviving account holder.
Most major banks have a dedicated bereavement team — ask to be put through to them.
Superannuation funds
Super doesn't automatically form part of the estate — it's paid at the trustee's discretion to dependants or the estate. Notify the fund as soon as possible, provide the death certificate, and ask about the nominations on file. Unclaimed super can also be found through the ATO.
Life insurance and income protection
Check any life insurance policies held individually or through super. Contact the insurer directly to make a claim — you'll need the death certificate and policy details.
Shares and investments
If the deceased held shares or managed funds, notify the relevant share registry (such as Computershare or Link Market Services) and any investment platforms. The executor will need to transfer or sell holdings as part of estate administration.
5. Utilities, subscriptions, and other accounts
Utilities and home services
Cancel or transfer electricity, gas, water, internet, phone plans, and any home monitoring or alarm services. Most providers have a bereavement process — call their main number and ask.
Health and private health insurance
Notify the deceased person's private health insurer. If you're on a joint policy, confirm what changes need to be made to your cover.
Digital accounts and subscriptions
Cancel streaming services, memberships, and any recurring subscriptions. For email and social media accounts, most platforms have a memorialisation or removal process — search for "[platform name] deceased account" for their current process.
Australia Post mail redirection
You can arrange mail redirection for the deceased person so that important correspondence reaches the estate administrator. This can be set up online or at any Australia Post outlet.
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