How to register a death in NSW
In New South Wales, the funeral director almost always handles death registration for you, lodging with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 7 days of the burial or cremation.
If you have just lost someone, see our first 24 hours guide first. The registration is not urgent.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; confirm with NSW BDM before ordering.
Who lodges and when
The funeral director lodges the death registration with NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 7 days of the burial or cremation. This obligation is set out in section 41 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 (NSW), which requires the funeral director or other person arranging disposal to give the Registrar notice within 7 days after disposal of the remains. They do this on the family's behalf, using the medical certificate of cause of death issued by the doctor.
If you have chosen not to use a funeral director, the senior next of kin can register the death directly with NSW BDM through Service NSW.
| Step | Who does it | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Medical certificate of cause of death | Doctor or coroner | Soon after the death |
| Lodge the registration | Funeral director (or next of kin) | Within 7 days of burial or cremation |
| Order certified copies | Funeral director or family | After registration is lodged |
| Certificate issued | NSW BDM | Up to 3 weeks online, 4 weeks by post |
What documents are needed
To register a death in NSW the registry needs:
- The medical certificate of cause of death (issued by the doctor or the coroner if the death was reportable)
- Proof of identity for the deceased (driver's licence, passport, Medicare card or equivalent)
- Personal and family history details (parents' names, marriage details, children, occupation)
The funeral director collects all of this from the family during the first arrangements meeting.
Death certificate cost in NSW
Standard certified copy: $68 per copy, which includes $11 postage (current as at July 2026). Priority service: $101 per copy (includes $11 postage; about 2-week processing).
Most families need 5 to 8 certified copies to settle bank accounts, super, insurance, property and government notifications. Order more than you think you need; ordering more later is fine but slower.
State fees are reviewed periodically. Confirm the current fee on the NSW BDM fees and processing times page before ordering.
How long it takes
Standard processing for a NSW death certificate is up to 3 weeks for online applications and up to 4 weeks for postal applications, from the date NSW BDM receives the application. Priority service shortens this to roughly 2 weeks.
If you need the certificate quickly (overseas family travel, an estate property settlement), choose priority. The extra fee is small compared to the cost of a delayed estate.
What happens while you wait
Most major Australian banks (CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ) will release funeral funds against the funeral director's itemised invoice and the medical certificate of cause of death, even before the formal death certificate arrives. See our guide on frozen bank accounts and paying for the funeral before probate.
The free Australian Death Notification Service lets you notify multiple institutions through a single online form once the death is registered. It does not replace certified copies of the death certificate, which most institutions still require to release funds or close accounts.
Late registration
A late registration can still be processed by NSW BDM. Speak with Service NSW as soon as you realise. A penalty may apply for very late registrations; the registry will guide you.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to register a death in NSW?
How much does a NSW death certificate cost?
How long does it take to receive a NSW death certificate?
Do I need a funeral director to register a death in NSW?
What documents are needed?
What if my loved one passed away in NSW but lived in another state?
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.
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