Death FAQ

Applying for a death certificate

If the death occurred outside of Western Australia can I apply for the death certificate at the Perth Registry Office?

No, you must contact the Registry Office in the state, territory or country in which the death occurred. See BDM Interstate Locations for other Australian Registry Offices. See BDM Overseas Locations for some overseas contacts.

Am I eligible to apply for a death certificate?

Please see the Registry's Death Certificate Access Policy for your eligibility. If you are not an eligible applicant you must provide the written consent or authority from an authorised person. You must also provide identification for yourself and the person for whom you are acting.

There is unrestricted access and no identification requirements are needed for deaths that occurred more than 25 years ago.

How do I apply for a death certificate?

If the death occurred in WA, you must provide the Registry with the following:

a completed application form
suitable identification
the fee for a certificate.

For full details, see Death Certificate.

Do I need to provide identification when I apply for a death certificate?

Yes, unless the death occurred more than 25 years ago. See identification requirements.

Registering a death

What is the timeframe for registering a death?

It is compulsory for a person, usually a funeral director, to notify the details of a death to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days from the date of death.

General

Are deaths recorded at the Registry Office confidential?

Yes. Information in Registry records is private and confidential and will only be issued to eligible applicants in accordance with the Death Certificate Access Policy and identification requirements.

If you are not an eligible applicant you must provide the written authority of a person who is eligible for the certificate together with your own and the authorised person's identification.

There is unrestricted access and no identification requirements are needed for deaths that occurred more than 25 years ago.

Where do I get a copy of a will?

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages does not register or issue copies of wills.

If probate has been granted you may obtain a copy of the will from:

Probate Office
Level 14, 111 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9421 5152

Where is the Perth Registry Office located and what is your postal address?

Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
Department of the Attorney General
Level 10, 141 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Phone: 1300 305 021
Fax: (08) 9264 1599

PO Box 7720
Cloisters Square
PERTH WA 6850

What are the Perth Registry Office’s hours of business?

8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Can I apply for a Western Australian death certificate at a Court?

Yes, refer to BDM Other Locations for contact details.

Last Updated: 23-Sep-2009

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