Handling the administrative side of someone's death takes time and energy you may not feel you have. Work through this list at a pace that's manageable for you — most things don't need to happen on day one. What matters most in the early days is looking after yourself and the people around you.
You'll need certified copies of the death certificate for most of these notifications. In SA, the funeral director registers the death with the SA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages on your behalf. Once registered, you can order certified copies online or in person. Order at least 3–5 copies upfront — each organisation will need their own.
1. Register the death — SA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
SA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Your funeral director handles the registration of the death in South Australia — you don't need to do this yourself. Once registered, you can apply for a death certificate through the SA Government's online portal or in person at a Service SA centre. Order several certified copies upfront.
sa.gov.au — deaths · 13 23 24 (Service SA)
2. Federal government agencies
Services Australia (Centrelink & Medicare)
Notify Services Australia to stop Centrelink payments to the deceased and ask about the Centrelink Bereavement Payment. Medicare also needs to be updated. Contact by phone, at a service centre, or through myGov.
servicesaustralia.gov.au · 132 300 (Centrelink) · 132 011 (Medicare)
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Notify the ATO so the deceased person's tax records are updated and any outstanding tax matters can be finalised. A date-of-death tax return may be required. Contact via myGov or by phone.
ato.gov.au · 13 28 61
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
Remove the deceased from the electoral roll. This can be done online or by post using the AEC's notification form.
aec.gov.au · 13 23 26
Department of Home Affairs (passport)
Cancel an Australian passport by surrendering it at an Australia Post outlet that offers passport services.
3. SA state agencies
Service SA — driver licence & vehicle registration
Cancel the deceased person's SA driver licence and update or transfer vehicle registration through Service SA. You can visit a Service SA customer service centre or use their online services. You'll need the death certificate and executor details for any vehicle transfers.
sa.gov.au — driving & transport · 13 10 84
SA Land Titles Office (property)
If the deceased owned property in South Australia, the land title needs to be updated through the SA Land Titles Office. This is typically handled by a solicitor or conveyancer as part of estate administration.
Public Trustee SA
If there is no executor, or the executor needs assistance with probate and estate administration, the Public Trustee of South Australia can help.
publictrustee.sa.gov.au · 08 8226 9200
4. Financial and superannuation
Banks and financial institutions
Notify all banks where the deceased held accounts. They will freeze accounts pending estate administration. Ask for the bank's bereavement team — they are experienced at walking families through this process.
Superannuation funds
Super is not automatically part of the estate. It is paid by the fund trustee based on binding or non-binding nominations. Notify each fund, provide the death certificate, and ask what nominations are on file. The ATO can help locate unclaimed or lost super.
Life insurance and income protection
Contact any life insurance providers — held individually or through super — to make a claim. You'll need the death certificate and policy details.
Shares and investments
Notify share registries (Computershare, 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, and phone plans. Call each provider and ask for their bereavement or deceased estate process.
Private health insurance
Notify the insurer to cancel or update the policy. If you're on a joint policy, confirm what changes need to be made for your cover.
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 — search the platform's help centre.
Australia Post mail redirection
Arrange mail redirection so important correspondence reaches the estate administrator.
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