The administrative tasks after a death can feel overwhelming, especially while you're grieving. Take it one step at a time. Most organisations are used to helping families through this process — you don't need to have everything ready before you make the first call.
You'll need certified copies of the death certificate for most of these notifications. Your funeral director lodges the death registration with BDM Victoria — once registered, order several certified copies through the BDM website, as banks and government agencies each require their own original.
1. Register the death — Births Deaths & Marriages Victoria
Births Deaths & Marriages Victoria (BDM Victoria)
In Victoria, all deaths must be registered with BDM Victoria. Your funeral director handles the registration — you don't need to do this yourself. Once registered, you can order a death certificate online or by post. Order at least 3–5 certified copies upfront.
bdm.vic.gov.au/deaths · 03 9603 5966
2. Federal government agencies
Services Australia (Centrelink & Medicare)
Notify Services Australia to cancel any Centrelink payments to the deceased and to ask about the Centrelink Bereavement Payment. Medicare records also need to be updated. You can call, visit a service centre, or notify through myGov.
servicesaustralia.gov.au · 132 300 (Centrelink) · 132 011 (Medicare)
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Notify the ATO to update the deceased person's records and to finalise any outstanding tax matters. A date-of-death tax return may be required. Notify via myGov or by calling the ATO.
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 provides passport services.
3. Victorian state agencies
VicRoads / Service Victoria (driver licence & vehicle registration)
Cancel the deceased person's Victorian driver licence and transfer or cancel vehicle registration. This is handled through VicRoads, which can be accessed via Service Victoria. You'll need the death certificate and may need to visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre for vehicle transfer.
vicroads.vic.gov.au · 13 11 71
Land Use Victoria (property)
If the deceased owned property in Victoria, the land title needs to be updated or transferred through Land Use Victoria. This is typically handled by a solicitor or conveyancer as part of estate administration.
State Trustees Victoria
If the deceased had no will, or the executor needs help, State Trustees Victoria can assist with estate administration, probate, and managing assets.
statetrustees.com.au · 1300 138 672
4. Financial and superannuation
Banks and financial institutions
Notify all banks where the deceased held accounts. They'll freeze accounts pending estate administration. Ask to be connected to the bank's bereavement team — they're experienced in helping families navigate this process.
Superannuation funds
Super doesn't automatically form part of the estate — it's distributed at the trustee's discretion based on nominations. Notify each fund, provide the death certificate, and request information about the binding or non-binding nominations on file. The ATO can help locate any lost super.
Life insurance and income protection
Check any life insurance policies — individually held or through super. Contact the insurer to make a claim. You'll need the death certificate and policy details.
Shares and investments
Notify share registries (Computershare, Link Market Services) and investment platforms of the death. The executor will need to transfer or liquidate 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. Most providers have a bereavement process — call their main line and ask to be connected to it.
Private health insurance
Notify the 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 recurring subscriptions. For social media and email accounts, most platforms have a memorialisation or removal process.
Australia Post mail redirection
Arrange mail redirection for the deceased so important correspondence reaches the estate administrator.
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