A death certificate is the official document that proves a person has died. You will need more than one copy. Here is how many to order and what each one is used for.
What are the two types of death documents?
There are two separate documents involved when someone dies, and they are often confused.
The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is completed by the treating doctor at the time of death. It records the cause of death and is used internally by the funeral home and the Births, Deaths and Marriages registry to process the registration. You do not receive a copy of this document and do not need to do anything with it.
The Death Certificate (sometimes called a certified extract) is the official government-issued document that comes after the death is registered. This is the document you will need for banks, super funds, insurance companies, Centrelink, the ATO, and most other organisations.
How many copies of the death certificate should I order?
Order six to ten certified copies of the death certificate. This feels like a lot, but it is a realistic number for an estate with even modest complexity.
Many organisations require an original certified copy, not a photocopy, and will not return the document once submitted. This means each original you send is permanently used up. Having enough copies prevents you from waiting weeks for more at the exact moment you are trying to move forward.
If the estate is straightforward, six copies is usually sufficient. If the person had multiple accounts, property, superannuation with more than one fund, life insurance, or if family members are located in different states, order ten.
Which organisations need an original death certificate?
The following organisations typically require an original certified copy of the death certificate: banks and credit unions, superannuation funds, life insurance companies, the ATO, Centrelink, Medicare, the executor of the estate for probate purposes, the land titles office for any property transfers, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs if applicable.
Some organisations, including some government agencies, will now accept a certified photocopy, meaning a photocopy that has been certified as a true copy by a justice of the peace or solicitor. It is worth asking before sending an original. But do not assume this will be accepted.
How do I order death certificates?
Death certificates are issued by the Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry in the state or territory where the death occurred, not where the person lived.
The funeral home handles the registration of the death as part of their service. Once the death is registered, you can ask the funeral home to order certified copies on your behalf, or you can order them directly from the relevant BDM registry.
Most registries offer online ordering. You will need to provide the registration number, which the funeral home can give you. Copies can be ordered at any time after registration, with no deadline.
What does a death certificate cost in each state?
The cost of each certified copy varies by state and territory. As a rough guide, expect to pay between $55 and $90 per copy. Fees change periodically, so check the relevant registry website for current prices.
New South Wales (nsw.gov.au/bdm), Victoria (bdm.vic.gov.au), Queensland (qld.gov.au/law/births-deaths-marriages-and-divorces), Western Australia (wa.gov.au/bdm), South Australia (sa.gov.au/bdm), Tasmania (bdm.tas.gov.au), Australian Capital Territory (accesscanberra.act.gov.au), and Northern Territory (nt.gov.au/bdm) each have their own online ordering systems.
The cost of ordering multiple copies upfront is much lower than the cost of delays caused by running out. Treat it as a necessary administrative expense.
How long does it take to receive death certificates?
Processing times vary by state and current demand. Online orders typically take five to ten business days. Urgent processing is available in most states for an additional fee and can reduce this to one to three business days.
If you need copies quickly to cover funeral costs through the bank or superannuation fund, ask the funeral home whether they can expedite. Some funeral homes include a set number of copies in their standard service.
What if I run out of copies?
If you run out of copies weeks or months after the death, you can order more at any time. You will need the registration number, which should be on any copy you already have. There is no time limit on ordering additional copies.
Keep a list of which organisations you have sent originals to, and the date. This helps you track what has been done and flag if any organisation has not acknowledged receipt.
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Pierre started 18December after his partner Mark was given a terminal diagnosis, when they mapped out everything that needed to happen at the kitchen table. He reviews the guides to keep them honest, plain, and genuinely useful. About 18December
Published 12 June 2026
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