How to get a death certificate (and how many copies you will need)
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. This guide covers how to get one, how many copies to order, and what to expect to pay in each state.
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; ordering more later is fine but slower and more expensive than ordering them up front.
Typical uses:
- One copy per bank where the deceased held accounts (often 2 to 3 banks)
- One copy for the super fund (or one per fund if multiple)
- One copy for life insurance
- One copy for the estate solicitor
- One copy for property transfers (Land Titles Office)
- One or two extra for utilities, share registries, and government departments
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 $52 to $69.50 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 |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $68 (includes $11 postage) | $101 priority service |
| VIC | $57.50 (effective 1 July 2025) | No standalone priority service; express post available |
| QLD | $56.20 | $33.30 urgent fee (2 business days) |
| WA | $58 | $44 priority add-on |
| SA | $69.50 (with cause of death) | $48.50 priority add-on (1 business day) |
| TAS | $59.21 | $42.02 priority add-on (24 hours) |
| ACT | $52 (2025-26) | No priority service published; standard processing up to 15 business days |
| NT | $56 | $56 priority fee (in addition to certificate fee) |
Fees current as at May 2026. States update fees periodically; confirm the current fee on the 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?
No. The medical certificate is issued by the doctor or coroner straight after the death. The death certificate is the formal government record issued by the state registry, usually 2 to 3 weeks later.
How many copies of a death certificate will I need?
Most families need 5 to 8 certified copies. Order more than you think you need.
How much does a death certificate cost in Australia?
Standard copies range from $52 to $69.50 per copy depending on the state. NSW is $68, VIC is $57.50 (effective 1 July 2025), QLD is $56.20, WA is $58, SA is $69.50, TAS is $59.21, ACT is $52, NT is $56. Priority and urgent services carry an additional fee that varies by state.
Can I get a death certificate without using a funeral director?
Yes. You can lodge the registration directly with the state registry and order copies. The funeral director normally handles this as part of the funeral package.
How long does it take to receive a death certificate?
Generally 2 to 3 weeks from registration, with variation by state. QLD processes within 10 business days; NSW within about 3 weeks online. Priority or urgent services where available shorten this to between 1 and 5 business days for an additional fee.
What if I run out of copies later?
You can order more copies from the registry at any time, for years afterwards. Each copy carries the standard fee.
Can I use a photocopy or digital scan?
Some institutions accept a certified copy of a copy (lodged through a Justice of the Peace). Banks, super funds and the Land Titles Office almost always require an original certified copy.
Does the Australian Death Notification Service replace the death certificate?
No. The Australian Death Notification Service is a free federal one-stop notifier for banks, insurers, super and utilities. It does not replace the certified death certificate.
Next steps
This guide is general information to help Australian families plan, compiled and editorially reviewed by the Funerals Direct team from publicly available sources. It is not professional, legal, or financial advice. Funeral prices change and vary by provider, region, and circumstances - always request an itemised written quote. For prepaid funerals, funeral bonds, or funeral insurance, speak with an independent financial adviser or a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007.
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