Births, Deaths and Marriages: What They Handle After a Death

Every Australian state and territory has a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), which records major life events. After a death, BDM offices handle the legal registration and issue of the death certificate.

What BDM Registries Do Post-Death

• Register the death based on information from the funeral director or family

• Issue official death certificates

• Allow authorised individuals to apply for and receive death records

• Record amendments or corrections to death records if needed

  
  

When You Might Need to Contact BDM Directly

• If you’re not using a funeral director

• If there is an error in the death certificate

• To request additional certified copies

• To access historical records for genealogical research

  
  

Contacting Your Local BDM

Each registry has its own website, forms, and fees:

• VIC

• NSW

• QLD

• SA

• WA

• TAS

• ACT

• NT