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
| Who registers the death | Usually the funeral director, within 7 days of the burial or cremation |
|---|---|
| Registry | Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM) |
| Death certificate | $59.10 (from 1 July 2026) |
| How long it takes | Up to 7 days with the registration, for a death in the last 3 months |
| Is it reportable? | Call Coronial Admissions and Enquiries on 1300 309 519, 24 hours |
| Probate | Supreme Court, online. Advertise, then wait at least 15 days |
| Centrelink and Medicare | Tell Services Australia within 28 days if they got a payment |
The first hours
An expected death at home is not an emergency. You don't need police or an ambulance. When you're ready, contact the palliative care service or a doctor, or go straight to a funeral director. Better Health Channel
In hospital or aged care, staff guide you through the steps.
A doctor certifies the cause of death within 48 hours. Any doctor who knows the person's medical history and is willing to certify can do it. Better Health Channel If no doctor can, the death is reported to the coroner. Coroners Court of Victoria
If the death was unexpected, report it to police straight away. Better Health Channel You can also call Coronial Admissions and Enquiries on 1300 309 519 at any hour, including just to ask whether a death is reportable. Coroners Court of Victoria
Tell the closest people first. Our guide to telling people has wording you can copy.
If the death is reportable
Reportable deaths include violent, unnatural or unexpected deaths, deaths from an accident or injury (even long after it happened), deaths where the cause can't be certified, unexpected deaths during or after a medical procedure, and deaths in care or custody. Coroners Court of Victoria
- The person is usually taken to the coronial services building in Southbank, and the court calls to work out who the senior next of kin is.
- You can contact a funeral director straight away. Release usually happens within five to seven days.
- Tell the court if you object to certain procedures for religious or cultural reasons. Coroners Court of Victoria
- A death certificate can still be issued, but the cause of death certificate waits until the coroner decides the cause. BDM Victoria
Registering the death
The funeral director usually registers the death with BDM Victoria as part of their service, within 7 days of the burial or cremation. If no funeral director is involved, contact BDM for help. BDM Victoria · BDM Victoria
The death certificates
Victoria has two versions: one with the cause of death and one without. Super funds and insurers usually need the cause of death version, which every organisation accepts. BDM Victoria
| Certificate | Fee (from 1 July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Cause of death certificate | $59.10 |
| Death certificate without the cause of death | $59.10 |
| Express post in Australia | $10.60 |
The funeral director usually orders them for you. For a death registered in the last 3 months, a registration and certificate takes up to 7 days, and a certificate on its own up to 14 days, counted from when BDM has every document. Applicants must show they are next of kin, such as a partner, child or parent. Ask about a fee waiver if money is tight. BDM Victoria · BDM fees
Help with funeral costs
- Bereavement Assistance is a not-for-profit funeral director offering low-cost funerals for Victorians with little or no money. Phone (03) 9564 7778, answered 24 hours. Victorian Government
- Banks may pay funeral costs from the person's account. Super can sometimes be released early on compassionate grounds. Check for a prepaid funeral too. Better Health Channel
- Compare prices: Victorian funeral providers must show a price list on their website and at their premises. Consumer Affairs Victoria
- No-interest loans, DVA funeral benefits and free financial counselling (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) can also help. Coroners Court of Victoria
The will and probate
There's no automatic requirement to apply for probate. It depends on what the person owned in their sole name and what the bank or other institution asks for. The Probate Office keeps an index of wills deposited with it. Supreme Court of Victoria
To apply, the executor publishes an online advertisement, waits at least 15 days, then applies online through RedCrest. Processing can take some time, so start early if the bank needs the grant. Supreme Court of Victoria
If there's no will and no family available, State Trustees acts. Phone 1300 138 672. State Trustees
Who to tell
- Services Australia (Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support): return the Advice of death form (SA116) within 28 days if they were getting a payment. Services Australia
- Banks, telcos and utilities: the free Australian Death Notification Service contacts several organisations at once. Services Australia
- The ATO: online form plus an interview at Australia Post, or the paper form. A phone call only pauses letters. You'll need the death certificate, the grant or a certified will. ATO
- VicRoads: hand in the licence at a customer service centre. A transfer to a spouse or partner needs no roadworthy certificate and no fee. VicRoads
- The Australian Electoral Commission is on BDM's list of organisations to contact. BDM Victoria
BDM Victoria also lists grief support services.
In another state? NSW · QLD · WA · SA · TAS · ACT · NT · or the Australia-wide checklist you can tick off as you go.
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