Register a death
Part of the Deaths topic
Find out how to register a death in Queensland with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
On this page
In short
Use this service to:
- register a death that occurred in Queensland
- order a death certificate at the same time.
You must submit your completed application by post or in person.
See How to apply to register a death for the full application process.
What you should know
Usually, the funeral director will register the death on behalf of the family.
The death needs to be registered within 14 days.
If you are not using a funeral director or they are not registering the death, you must register the death yourself. You need to apply to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
There are 2 types of official certificates you can order:
- Death certificate shows the cause of death
- Limited death certificate does not show cause of death. This may not be accepted by some organisations.
Who can use this service
You can apply to register a death if:
- a funeral director was not involved or has not registered the death
- you are the person’s spouse, partner, relative or friend
- you are another person who:
- is in charge of the place where the death occurred
- found the body
- arranged the disposal of the body.
Don't use this service if:
- you are the funeral director acting on behalf of the family
Instead, submit the death registration using the Service Provider Portal. - the person died outside of Queensland
Instead, apply in that state, territory or country where they died.
How to apply to register a death
Choose how to submit and follow the steps.
Step 1: Choose the application form
PDF form – death registration
Download, print and complete the application form by hand.
PDF form – death certificate
To order a death certificate at the same time, download and print the death certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include the payment method on the form.
Step 2: Submit your application
Post to
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
CITY EAST QLD 4002
Include your:
- completed application form/s
- payment method on the PDF form when ordering a certificate.
Step 3: Get confirmation that the death has been registered
Your application will be reviewed and, if approved, the new record will be registered. You won't get a confirmation notice.
If you ordered a death certificate at the same time, we will post it to you after the registration is finalised.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don't meet the rules
- have not included the right documents.
You will not receive a refund when you order a certificate if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.
You can submit your application at any Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Step 1: Choose the application form
PDF form - death registration
Download, print and complete the application form by hand.
PDF form - death certificate
To order a death certificate at the same time, download and print the death certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include the payment method on the form.
Step 2: Submit your application
Submit your application in person at a Queensland Magistrates Court or QGAP office (except at the Brisbane Magistrates Court).
Bring with you:
- completed application form/s
- payment method on the PDF form when ordering a certificate.
Step 3: Get confirmation that the death has been registered
Your application will be reviewed and, if approved, the death will be registered. You won't get a confirmation notice.
If you ordered a death certificate at the same time, we will post it to you after the registration is finalised.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don't meet the rules
- have not included the right documents.
You will not receive a refund when you order a certificate if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.
Step 1: Choose the application form
PDF form
Download, print and complete the application form by hand.
PDF form
To order a death certificate at the same time, download and print the death certificate application form and fill in by hand. Include the payment method on the form.
Step 2: Submit your application
Submit your application in person at:
Brisbane registry customer service centre
Level 32, 180 Ann Street, Brisbane
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.
Closed public holidays.
Bring with you:
- completed application form/s
- payment method on the PDF form when ordering a certificate.
Step 3: Get confirmation that the death has been registered
Your application will be reviewed and, if approved, the death will be registered. You won't get a confirmation notice.
If you ordered a death certificate at the same time, we will post it to you after the registration is finalised.
Your application may not be approved if you:
- don't meet the rules
- have not included the right documents.
You will not receive a refund when you order a certificate if:
- your application is refused
- you cancel the application after we have reviewed it.
How long it takes
Processing times start when an application with all required documents have been received.
Standard application: up to 10 business days
Urgent application: within 2 business days (extra fee applies)
Applications missing any required information or documents will take longer.
Allow extra time for public holidays and postage.
How much it costs
- Registering a death: Free
The fee you pay is for you to submit your application and for the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to review it.
- death certificate: $58.10
- limited death certificate: $58.10
- death certificate package —includes 1 death certificate and 1 limited death certificate: $116.20
Regular postage is free.
You can choose other delivery types:
- Registered post (recommended): $8.10
- Express post: $8.55
- International registered mail: $21.55