National death data services
Part of the Data and statistics topic
Australian government agencies, organisations and researchers can use national death data services for specific activities.
On this page
In short
You can use these services to:
- access national death data
- match or cleanse datasets
- conduct research and analysis.
See How to request FOD or COD URF services and How to request ADC services for the full application processes.
What you should know
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Queensland (RBDM) are the official source for Australian death data. We provide eligible applicants access to:
- fact of death data (FOD)
- cause of death data (COD URF)
- Australian Death Check (ADC).
For more information on data services read the guide on national death data services.
Who can use this service
You can use the FOD service if you are:
- an Australian state, territory or federal government agency and
- cleansing your administrative databases.
You can use the COD URF service if you are:
- applying on behalf of an organisation or
- an institutional or educational researcher and
- using the data for eligible research purposes.
You can use the ADC if you are:
- applying on behalf of a commercial organisation or
- an Australian state, territory or federal government agency and
- using the data to verify and keep customer information up to date.
Don't use this service if you:
- are only looking for Queensland life event data
Instead, apply for Queensland data. - are looking for Queensland statistical life event information
Instead, get statistics on births, deaths and marriages in Queensland. - are looking for data from another state or territory
Instead, apply to that state or territory. - need to notify multiple organisations of a death within Australia
Instead, visit Australian Death Notification Service. - are researching a family tree and the event took place in Queensland
Instead, search our family history research service. - are looking for Australian causes of death statistics
Instead, visit Australian Bureau of Statistics.
How to request FOD or COD URF services
Fill in the online request form
Tell us what you need so we can assess which data services we can offer you.
RBDM will check if you are eligible to access national death data and contact you to discuss:
- if you are eligible to receive one of the datasets
- the options suitable for your needs
- the application process
- ethical approval if needed
- how much the service will cost.
How to request ADC services
Contact an approved Data Service Broker (DSB) to find out more about ADC.
The DSB will help you through the application process. They will send your completed application to us to check if you are eligible.
The DSB will let you know if you can use ADC services. If you are eligible, they will help you access them.
How long it takes
Processing times start from when we receive your request.
We will contact you: within 10 business days.
Allow extra time for public holidays.