General information from official government pages, checked 12 October 2026. Fees and rules change, usually each July. It isn't legal or financial advice: your funeral director, the registry or a lawyer can confirm what applies to you.
At a glance
| Unexpected death | Call 000 |
|---|---|
| Who registers the death | Usually the funeral director, through Access Canberra. Free |
| Death certificate | $53, or $91 with a commemorative certificate. Apply online |
| How long it takes | Processed within 15 business days |
| Coroner | Coroners Court (02) 6207 1290. Counselling 1300 364 277 |
| Funeral help | ACT Funeral Assistance: the family pays no more than $500 |
| Centrelink and Medicare | Tell Services Australia within 28 days |
The first hours
If the death was unexpected, call 000. If it was expected and at home, call their doctor or palliative care team. There's no rush: you can wait until morning, and a health professional completes the medical certificate of cause of death within 48 hours. Canberra Health Services
Then call a funeral director when you're ready. For family and friends, our guide to telling people has wording you can copy.
If the coroner is involved
Sudden, unexpected or violent deaths go to the coroner. The person is taken to the Forensic Medicine Centre, and is usually released about one business day after the post-mortem. ACT Courts
- Coroners Court: (02) 6207 1290.
- Free Coronial Counselling Service, run by Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277.
- If you object to a post-mortem, tell the investigating police officer as soon as you can.
Registering the death
Registration is free. The funeral director usually lodges it with Access Canberra, using details you give them. Access Canberra
The death certificate
Most people apply online. You'll need three forms of ID, and applications are processed within 15 business days of receiving all documents, plus postage. Access Canberra A standard certificate is $53, or $91 with a commemorative certificate. Access Canberra
Paying for the funeral
If the family can't afford a funeral, ACT Funeral Assistance covers a basic one. The family contributes up to $500, and you apply through one of the funeral directors on the scheme's list. ACT Revenue Office: (02) 6207 0028. ACT Revenue Office
Comparing prices? Our guide to planning a funeral covers quotes and who pays.
The will and probate
The Public Trustee and Guardian keeps a will register. Email PTG_Wills@act.gov.au to check whether they hold the will. Public Trustee and Guardian
Before applying for probate, the executor publishes a notice on the Supreme Court website at least 14 days, and no more than 3 months, before filing. ACT Courts There's no fee for estates under $50,000. It's $1,164 for $50,000 to under $250,000 (from 1 July 2026), and more above that. ACT Legislation Register
Who to tell
- Services Australia (Centrelink, Medicare): within 28 days. Services Australia
- The ATO: online form plus an interview at Australia Post, or the paper form. ATO
- Car registration: transferring a vehicle from a deceased estate is free and exempt from duty. Access Canberra
- Banks, telcos and utilities: the free Australian Death Notification Service tells several at once. Australian Death Notification Service
In another state? NSW · VIC · QLD · WA · SA · TAS · NT · or the Australia-wide checklist you can tick off as you go.
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