The administrative process after a death can feel like a lot, especially when you're grieving. These tasks are finite and manageable — most organisations have experienced teams ready to help you. You don't need to do it all at once.
You'll need certified copies of the death certificate for most notifications. In WA, your funeral director lodges the death registration with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages — you don't need to do this yourself. Order at least 3–5 certified copies upfront, as banks, super funds, and government agencies each require their own original or certified copy.
1. Register the death — WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Your funeral director is legally responsible for registering the death with the WA Registry. Once registered, you can apply for a death certificate through the Department of Justice website. Order several certified copies — each organisation you notify will need their own.
wa.gov.au — BDM Registry · 1300 305 021
2. Federal government agencies
Services Australia (Centrelink & Medicare)
Notify Services Australia to stop any Centrelink payments to the deceased and to enquire about the Centrelink Bereavement Payment. Medicare records also need updating. You can call, visit a service centre, or use myGov.
servicesaustralia.gov.au · 132 300 (Centrelink) · 132 011 (Medicare)
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
The ATO needs to be told of the death so records are updated and tax matters can be finalised. A date-of-death tax return may be required. Notify via myGov or by phone.
ato.gov.au · 13 28 61
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
Remove the deceased from the electoral roll by notifying the AEC 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 that provides passport services.
3. WA state agencies
Department of Transport WA — driver licence & vehicle registration
Cancel the deceased person's WA driver licence and update or transfer vehicle registration through the Department of Transport. Visit a licensing centre or access services online. You'll need the death certificate and, for vehicle transfer, the relevant executor documentation.
transport.wa.gov.au · 13 11 56
Landgate (property)
If the deceased owned property in WA, the land title needs to be updated through Landgate. This is typically handled by a solicitor or settlement agent as part of estate administration.
landgate.wa.gov.au · 08 9273 7373
Public Trustee Western Australia
The Public Trustee of WA can assist with estate administration, applying for probate, and managing assets where there is no executor or the executor needs support.
wa.gov.au — Public Trustee · 1300 672 827
4. Financial and superannuation
Banks and financial institutions
Notify all banks where the deceased held accounts. Accounts will be frozen pending estate administration. Ask to speak with the bank's bereavement or deceased estate team — they can walk you through the next steps.
Superannuation funds
Super is not automatically part of the estate — it is distributed by the fund trustee based on nominations. Notify each fund, provide the death certificate, and ask what nominations are on file. The ATO can help find lost or unclaimed super.
Life insurance and income protection
Contact insurers to make a claim. Check for policies held individually and through super funds. You'll need the death certificate and policy numbers.
Shares and investments
Notify share registries (Computershare, Link Market Services) and investment platforms. 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. Call each provider and ask for their deceased estate or bereavement 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 you.
Digital accounts and subscriptions
Cancel streaming services, memberships, and recurring subscriptions. Social media and email platforms each have a removal or memorialisation process — search the platform's help centre for their current procedure.
Australia Post mail redirection
Arrange mail redirection so important correspondence reaches the estate administrator.
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