How to register a death in Western Australia
In Western Australia, the funeral director almost always handles death registration for you. WA does have one rule that differs from the rest of the country: metropolitan Perth cemeteries require a licensed funeral director or a Single Funeral Permit.
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 WA BDM before ordering.
Who lodges and when
The funeral director lodges the death registration with WA Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days of the funeral service, as required by the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1998 (WA).
The medical certificate of cause of death is issued by the doctor within 48 hours of the death; this is the document that allows the funeral director to proceed and the registry to record the death.
WA offers online lodgement through the WA BDM Online portal. The funeral director normally handles this. The senior next of kin can also lodge directly.
| Step | Who does it | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Medical certificate of cause of death | Doctor or coroner | Within 48 hours of the death |
| Lodge the registration | Funeral director (or next of kin) | Within 14 days of the funeral service |
| Order certified copies | Funeral director or family | After registration is lodged |
| Certificate issued | WA BDM | Broadly 2 to 3 weeks |
The WA exception
Australian law generally does not require a licensed funeral director, but WA is the exception. The operative legislation is the Cemeteries Act 1986 (WA) (current version 04-a0-00, in force from 14 June 2024). Section 14(1) provides that a person must not conduct a funeral at a cemetery unless that person holds either a funeral director's licence issued under the Act for that cemetery by the relevant Board, or a permit issued under the Act for a particular funeral at that cemetery. This applies to all cemetery sites including those operated by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board. The MCB's own guidance confirms Single Funeral Permits are issued under the Cemeteries Act 1986.
- In metropolitan Perth, the sites operated by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board require either a licensed funeral director or a Single Funeral Permit issued by the MCB.
- Regional WA cemeteries each have their own boards and rules. Check with the local cemetery.
If you wish to arrange a DIY funeral in WA, contact the local cemetery operator first. The MCB issues Single Funeral Permits for both burial and cremation in metropolitan Perth.
What documents are needed
To register a death in WA the registry needs:
- The medical certificate of cause of death (issued within 48 hours by the doctor, or by the coroner if the death was reportable)
- Proof of identity for the deceased
- Personal and family history details
The funeral director collects these at the first arrangements meeting.
Death certificate cost in WA
Standard certified copy: $60 (current as at 1 July 2026). Priority service: additional $44.
Most families need 5 to 8 certified copies to settle bank accounts, super, insurance, property and government notifications.
State fees are reviewed periodically. Confirm the current fee on the WA BDM page before ordering.
How long it takes
WA does not publish a fixed processing timeframe. Standard processing is broadly 2 to 3 weeks from registration. Priority service shortens this; the funeral director or WA BDM can advise on current turnaround.
What happens while you wait
Most major Australian banks 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, which most institutions still require.
Late registration
A late registration can still be processed by WA BDM. Speak with the registry as soon as you realise. A penalty may apply for very late registrations.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to register a death in WA?
How much does a WA death certificate cost?
Can I register a death online in WA?
Do I need a funeral director to register a death in WA?
What documents are needed?
What if my loved one passed away in WA 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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