How do you get a death certificate in Australia?
The death certificate is the official government record of a death. You will need it to close bank accounts, claim super and insurance, transfer property, and settle the estate. How you get one, how many copies to order, and what you pay all vary by state.
The practical order
Start with the authority that applies to the death: the doctor, hospital, aged care home, police, coroner, funeral director or births, deaths and marriages registry. The right order matters because one missing certificate or permit can delay the funeral, the cremation or the release of the death certificate.
If you are unsure who has the body, who has the paperwork, or who is allowed to sign, ask the funeral director or the relevant state registry before making bookings.
A death certificate is not the medical certificate
These two documents are often confused, and they are not the same thing.
The medical certificate of cause of death is issued by the doctor or hospital straight after the death (usually within 48 hours). It records the cause of death and is what allows the funeral director to proceed and the registry to record the death.
The death certificate is the official government record issued by the state Births, Deaths and Marriages registry, usually 2 to 3 weeks after registration. It is the document banks, super funds, insurers and the Land Titles Office want to see.
You will not be able to settle the estate without certified copies of the death certificate.
How to get one
In almost every case, the funeral director orders the certificates as part of the funeral arrangements. They will ask you how many copies you want.
If you are arranging a DIY funeral or registering the death yourself, you order the certificates directly from the state registry once the registration is lodged. See our register a death by state guide for the lodgement step that comes first.
For the federal context on what the certificate is needed for, see ASIC MoneySmart's guide on losing your partner and the ATO's deceased estates page.
How many copies you actually need
Most families need 5 to 8 certified copies. The rule of thumb is to order more than you think you need; you can order more later, but it is slower than ordering them up front.
Typical uses:
| Use | Copies |
|---|---|
| Each bank where the deceased held accounts | 1 per bank (often 2 to 3 banks) |
| Super fund | 1 (or 1 per fund if multiple) |
| Life insurance | 1 |
| Estate solicitor | 1 |
| Property transfers (Land Titles Office) | 1 |
| Utilities, share registries, government departments | 1 to 2 extra |
The free Australian Death Notification Service lets you notify many of these institutions through a single online form, but most of them will still ask for a certified copy of the death certificate before they release funds or close the account.
Before placing the order, sit down for ten minutes with a list of every account, fund, and service in your loved one's name. That will give you the right number.
Costs by state
Standard certified copies range from $56 to $74 per copy. Each state's registry sets its own fee, and they do not offer bulk discounts. Priority and express service options exist in most states for an additional fee.
| State / Territory | Standard copy fee | Priority / express | Registry |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $68 (includes $11 postage) | $101 priority service | NSW BDM fees |
| VIC | $59.10 (effective 1 July 2026) | No standalone priority service; express post available | VIC BDM fees |
| QLD | $58.10 | $34.45 urgent fee (2 business days) | QLD death certificate |
| WA | $60 | $44 priority add-on | WA death registration and certificates |
| SA | $72.00 (with cause of death) | $50.00 priority add-on (1 business day) | SA death certificates |
| TAS | $60.76 | $43.12 priority add-on (24 hours) | TAS BDM fees |
| ACT | $74.00 | No priority service published; standard processing up to 15 business days | ACT BDM forms and fees |
| NT | $56 | $56 priority fee (in addition to certificate fee) | NT BDM fees |
Fees current as at July 2026 (1 July 2026 schedules). States update fees periodically. Confirm the current fee directly on each state registry website before ordering.
Timeline
Standard certificate processing is generally 2 to 3 weeks from registration, with variation by state. QLD processes within 10 business days, NSW within about 3 weeks for online applications, and NT applications take at least 3 business days plus postage once the registry has them. Priority or urgent services where available shorten this materially: SA priority is 1 business day, TAS priority is 24 hours, QLD urgent is 2 business days, and NSW priority is up to 2 weeks.
If a deadline matters (probate timing, an estate property settlement, an overseas family member returning home), order express. The extra fee is small compared to the cost of a delayed estate settlement.
What to do while you wait
Most major Australian banks (CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ) will release funds for the funeral invoice from the deceased's account against the funeral director's itemised invoice and the medical certificate or interim death certificate, even before the formal death certificate arrives. See our guide on frozen bank accounts and paying for the funeral before probate.
Centrelink notifications can also be lodged with the medical certificate of cause of death if the formal certificate is not yet ready. See Services Australia's bereavement page for the federal payments available to surviving partners and carers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a death certificate the same as a medical certificate of cause of death?
How many copies of a death certificate will I need?
How much does a death certificate cost in Australia?
Can I get a death certificate without using a funeral director?
How long does it take to receive a death certificate?
What if I run out of copies later?
Can I use a photocopy or digital scan?
Does the Australian Death Notification Service replace the death certificate?
When you are ready
This guide is general information to help Australian families, editorially reviewed by the Funerals Direct team from publicly available sources. It is not legal or financial advice. Funeral prices change and vary by provider and region, so always ask for an itemised written quote. For prepaid funerals, bonds, or insurance, consider speaking with an independent financial adviser or a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007.
Ready to find a funeral director?
Compare directors who list the right experience, read reviews from other families, and request a quote. Always free for families.
Find a funeral directorWas this guide helpful?
