How to Register a Death in Australia

Registering a death in Australia is a legal requirement, and it ensures the deceased’s details are formally recorded with the government. The death must be registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in the state or territory where the death occurred.

Who Is Responsible for Registering the Death?In most cases, the funeral director will take care of registering the death on your behalf. They submit the necessary forms, including the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and a Death Registration Statement, completed by the family.

How to Register If you're handling the process yourself (for example, in a direct cremation without a funeral director), you'll need to:

1. Obtain the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from a doctor.

2. Complete a death registration form, which can be downloaded from your relevant state’s BDM website:
   

   • BDM Victoria

   • BDM New South Wales

   • BDM Queensland

   • BDM Northern Territory

   • BDM Tasmania

   • BDM Western Australia

   • BDM South Australia

   • BDM ACT
     

Information Required To register a death, you’ll need:

• The deceased’s full name and address

• Date and place of birth

• Occupation

• Details of marriage and children (if any)

• Parents’ names

• Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
  

What Happens Next? Once registered, the BDM will issue a Death Certificate, which is the official legal document used for closing accounts, finalising the estate, and claiming insurance or superannuation.

Cost The cost to register is usually free, but the certificate itself costs approximately $30–$60, depending on the state.

Why Registration Matters Without a registered death, you won’t be able to:

• Sell or transfer property

• Access the deceased’s bank accounts

• Claim insurance or super
  

Registering a death is one of the first formal steps in managing someone’s estate. It ensures the deceased’s affairs can be handled legally and with respect.