Dealing with the administrative side of a death is exhausting, particularly while you're still in the early stages of grief. Work through this list at your own pace. Most organisations have staff who are experienced at helping bereaved families — don't hesitate to tell them what you're going through.
You'll need certified copies of the death certificate for most notifications. In Queensland, your funeral director lodges the death registration with the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages — you don't need to do this yourself. Order several certified copies upfront, as banks and government agencies each require their own original.
1. Register the death — Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Your funeral director is responsible for registering the death in Queensland. Once registered, you can apply for a death certificate through the Queensland Government's online portal. Order at least 3–5 certified copies.
qld.gov.au — deaths · 13 74 68
2. Federal government agencies
Services Australia (Centrelink & Medicare)
Notify Services Australia to stop payments to the deceased and ask about the Centrelink Bereavement Payment. Medicare records also need to be updated. Contact by phone, visit a service centre, or use myGov.
servicesaustralia.gov.au · 132 300 (Centrelink) · 132 011 (Medicare)
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Notify the ATO to update records and finalise any tax matters. A date-of-death tax return may be required. Contact via myGov or phone.
ato.gov.au · 13 28 61
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
Notify the AEC to remove the deceased from the electoral roll. This can be done online or by post.
aec.gov.au · 13 23 26
Department of Home Affairs (passport)
Cancel an Australian passport by surrendering it at an Australia Post outlet offering passport services.
3. Queensland state agencies
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) — driver licence & vehicle registration
Cancel the deceased person's Queensland driver licence and update or transfer vehicle registration through Transport and Main Roads. Visit a Queensland Transport and Motoring Service Centre or use the Queensland Government's online services. You'll need the death certificate and, for vehicle transfer, the executor's details.
tmr.qld.gov.au · 13 23 80
Queensland Titles Registry (property)
If the deceased owned property in Queensland, the title needs to be updated through the Queensland Titles Registry. This is typically handled by a solicitor or conveyancer as part of estate administration.
Public Trustee of Queensland
If there is no executor or the executor needs assistance with estate administration, the Public Trustee of Queensland can help with probate, estate management, and distributing assets.
pt.qld.gov.au · 1300 360 044
4. Financial and superannuation
Banks and financial institutions
Notify all banks where the deceased held accounts. They will freeze accounts and guide you through the process for the executor or administrator. Ask to speak to the bank's bereavement support team.
Superannuation funds
Superannuation is paid at the trustee's discretion, not automatically into the estate. Notify each fund, provide the death certificate, and ask about the nominations on file. The ATO can help locate lost or multiple super accounts.
Life insurance and income protection
Contact any life insurance providers — individually held or through super — to make a claim. You'll need the death certificate and policy details.
Shares and investments
Notify share registries and 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, and phone plans. Call each provider's main line and ask for their bereavement team or deceased estate process.
Private health insurance
Notify the private health insurer to cancel the deceased person's cover. If you're on a joint policy, confirm what needs to change for you.
Digital accounts and subscriptions
Cancel streaming services, memberships, and recurring subscriptions. Most social media and email platforms have a deceased account removal or memorialisation process.
Australia Post mail redirection
Arrange mail redirection so important correspondence continues to reach the estate administrator.
Looking for another state?
Remember Well• helps you track every step
From the first calls to the final admin tasks — Remember Well• keeps everything in one place so nothing gets missed.
Start free →