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Death Registration (Death Registration Statement) — All States & Territories

Time-sensitive

The Death Registration Statement (or equivalent) is the mandatory form lodged — almost always by the funeral director — with the state or territory BDM registry to formally register a death; it must be lodged before or at the time of burial or cremation and is the foundation for issuing a death certificate.

Issuing authority

Births, Deaths & Marriages Registries (state/territory — VIC: BDM Victoria; NSW: NSW Registry of BDM; QLD: Queensland Registry; SA: SA BDM; WA: WA Registry; TAS: TAS BDM; ACT: Access Canberra; NT: NT BDM)

Official source

bdm.vic.gov.au

Cost

Free (registration itself; death certificate copies are charged separately)

Deadline

Must be lodged before or at the time of disposal of the body (burial or cremation); timing varies by state but is typically within days of death.

How to apply

  1. A medical practitioner or coroner completes the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) and provides a printed copy to the funeral director.
  2. The family or next-of-kin provides the funeral director with the deceased's personal details (full name, date of birth, occupation, relationship status, children's details, disposal instructions).
  3. The funeral director completes the Death Registration Statement online via the relevant state BDM portal (e.g. Service Victoria account for VIC; NSW BDM online portal for NSW), entering personal and disposal details exactly as required for the certificate.
  4. Supporting documents (including the MCCD) are attached electronically and the form is submitted to the state BDM registry.
  5. The BDM registry processes the registration; in most states the funeral director cannot proceed with burial or cremation until registration is lodged and a disposal permit/authority is issued.
  6. Once registered, a death certificate can be ordered by eligible family members or executors through the same state BDM portal.
  7. If no funeral director is engaged, the next-of-kin or responsible person must contact the state BDM office directly to arrange registration.

Related topics

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