Death Registries in Australia: How to Register a Death in Your State or Territory
When someone passes away in Australia, it is a legal requirement that the death be registered with the State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). This step is essential to obtain the official death certificate, which is required for handling legal, financial, and estate matters.
At eziFunerals, we guide families through every step of the funeral and legal process — including how to register a death and obtain a death certificate in your state.
Who Is Responsible for Registering a Death?
In most cases, the funeral director you choose will handle the death registration as part of their service. They’ll collect the necessary information from the family and submit the documentation to the relevant registry.
If you’re not using a funeral director, you may need to register the death yourself with your state’s Births, Deaths and Marriages office.
What Is Needed to Register a Death?
To register a death in Australia, you’ll typically need:
- Details of the deceased (full name, date of birth, place of birth)
- Date and place of death
- Occupation and marital status
- Names of parents, spouse/partner, and children (if applicable)
- Medical certificate of cause of death (issued by a doctor or coroner)
Once registered, the official death certificate is issued — usually within 2 to 4 weeks.
Australian Death Registries – Contact by State
Each state and territory in Australia has its own Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry. Here’s how to contact the registry in your area:
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 13 77 88
Victoria (VIC)
Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
Phone: 1300 369 367
Queensland (QLD)
QLD Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
South Australia (SA)
SA Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 131 882
Western Australia (WA)
WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 1300 305 021
Tasmania (TAS)
TAS Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 1300 135 513
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
ACT Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 13 22 81
Northern Territory (NT)
NT Births, Deaths and Marriages
Phone: 08 8999 6119
Why You Need the Death Certificate
The official death certificate is required for important tasks such as:
- Finalising the estate or will
- Accessing bank accounts and superannuation
- Claiming life insurance
- Cancelling passports, licences, and government services
- Arranging funeral payments or funeral insurance claims
Multiple certified copies are often needed — your funeral director or the registry can help with this.
How eziFunerals Can Help
At eziFunerals, we simplify the process of:
- Finding and comparing funeral directors
- Understanding your legal responsibilities
- Applying for the death certificate
- Planning ahead to reduce stress on your family
We provide independent support — we don’t work for funeral homes, and we don’t take commissions.
Let Us Help You Navigate the Next Steps
If you need help registering a death or obtaining a death certificate, eziFunerals can connect you with trusted professionals and walk you through every step.
Visit: www.ezifunerals.com.au
Call: 1300 236 402
Email: support@ezifunerals.com.au
