Eligibility - certificates

Check to see if you are eligible to apply for the death certificate. Deaths registered over 30 years ago do not have any restrictions and can be ordered through our online family history research service .

For more information about eligibility, read our certificate access policy.

You will need to tell us the reason you need the certificate and how you will use it.

If you don’t send us all the documents we need with your application, we will email you asking for more evidence. Once we contact you, we won’t refund your application fee and will cancel your application if you don’t send us the documents within 12 months.

Please read our refund policy.

Relationship to the person whose death certificate you are applying for

I’m their spouse (includes by marriage, de facto or civil partnership)

You need to provide your proof of ID documents

If you are not shown on the death certificate, you must also provide evidence of your relationship to the person whose death certificate you are applying for.

I’m their parent

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

If you are not shown on the certificate, you must also provide evidence showing you are a parent of the person whose death certificate you are applying for.

I’m their child

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

If you are not shown on the certificate, you must also provide evidence showing you are a child of the person whose death certificate you are applying for.

I’m their sister or brother

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• evidence proving your relationship with the person whose death certificate you are applying for.

I’m the informant that provided the information and signed the death registration

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

I’m the funeral director

Application is to be made on behalf of a person entitled to the death certificate (spouse, parent, child or the informant) at the time you submit the death registration, or within 3 months of registration.

I’m their guardian or carer

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• a document showing you had parental care of the child
• legal guardianship or parental responsibility orders
• government recognition of a primary care relationship (shared Medicare or Centrelink registration)

or

• community proof of your relationship, like school letters or letters from service providers – these might be needed to support the government recognition.

This includes Aboriginal kinship and Ailan Kastom child rearing practices.

I’m their grandparent

If you were not your grandchild’s guardian or carer, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• written authority and proof of ID from your grandchild’s spouse, child or parent, or the informant for the death registration

and

• state an adequate reason  for access and how you will use it.

I’m their grandchild

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• written authority and proof of ID from your grandparent’s spouse, child or parent, or the informant for the death registration

and

• state an adequate reason for access  and how you will use it.

I’m a family member not stated above (e.g. aunt, uncle)

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• written authority and proof of ID from the person’s spouse, child or parent, or the informant for the death registration

and

• state an adequate reason for access  and how you will use it.

I’m an employee of the Public Trustee

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• the name of the deceased
• evidence of executor or administrator status (e.g. certified copy of the will)

and

• state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it (e.g. for administration of an estate).

I’m acting on behalf of a financial institution

You need to provide:

• a signed letter on your office letterhead stating the reason for access and how you will use it

and

• proof of employment with your financial institution.

I’m the executor or administrator of their estate

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• evidence of executor or administrator status (such as a letter of administration from the court, or court order granting probate)

and

• state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it.

I’m their solicitor

You need to provide:

• a signed letter on company letter head clearly stating the reason for access including
  • details of the identity of your client
  • the legal matter your client is involved in
  • why the certificate is required

and

• a certified copy of your practising certificate or law society card.

Delivery agents acting for a solicitor will also need to provide:

• a letter of authority on company letterhead naming the agent and confirming they act on your behalf

and

• proof of ID documents of the agent.

I’m acting on behalf of an eligible person

If you are submitting an application for someone else, you need to provide:

• proof of your ID documents
• a completed and signed application form by the person you’re acting for—they must be eligible
• any supporting documents the eligible person would need to submit with the application (including proof of their ID)

and

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible person, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf.

If you are collecting a certificate, information, or source document, you need to provide:

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible person, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf
• proof of their ID documents

and

• proof of your ID documents.

Another relationship

The registrar can make decisions on any unusual cases that may not be detailed above or in the certificate access policy.

Check to see if you are eligible to apply for the marriage certificate. Marriages registered over 75 years ago do not have any restrictions and can be ordered through our online family history research service.

For more information about eligibility, read our certificate access policy.

You will need to tell us the reason you need the certificate, and how you intend to use it.

If you don’t send us all the documents we need with your application, we will email you asking for more evidence. Once we contact you, we won’t refund your application fee and will cancel your application if you don’t send us the documents within 12 months.

Please read our refund policy.

Relationship to the person whose marriage certificate you are applying for

I am either the bride, groom or partner

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

I’m their child

If your parent is still living, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from your parent whose certificate you are applying for

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your parent, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m their parent

If one of the persons whose certificate you want is still alive, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from one of the persons named on the certificate

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your child, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m their grandchild

If at least one of your grandparents is still living, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from your grandparent

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your grandparent, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m a family member not stated above (e.g. sister, uncle)

If at least one of the persons whose certificate you want is still living, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from one of the persons named on the certificate

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your grandparent, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m the celebrant for the marriage

Application is to be made on behalf of the couple at the time you submit the marriage registration, or within 3 months of registration.

I’m the executor or administrator of their estate

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• evidence of executor or administrator status (such as letters of administration from the court, or court order granting probate)

and

• state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it.

I’m their solicitor

You need to provide:

• a signed letter on company letter head clearly stating the reason for access including
  • details of the identity of your client
  • the legal matter your client is involved in
  • why the certificate is required

and

• a certified copy of your practising certificate or law society card.

Delivery agents acting for a solicitor will also need to provide:

• a letter of authority on company letterhead naming the agent and confirming they act on your behalf

and

• proof of ID documents of the agent.

I’m acting on behalf of an eligible person

If you are submitting an application for someone else, you need to provide:

• proof of your ID documents
• a completed and signed application form by the person you’re acting for—they must be eligible
• any supporting documents the eligible person would need to submit with the application (including proof of their ID)

and

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible person, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf.

If you are collecting a certificates, information, or source documents, you need to provide:

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible applicant, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf
• proof of their ID documents

and

• proof of your ID documents.

Another relationship

The registrar can make decisions on any unusual cases that may not be detailed above or in the certificate access policy

Check to see if you are eligible to apply for the change of name certificate.

For more information about eligibility, read our certificate access policyy.

You will need to tell us the reason you need the certificate, and how you will use it.

If you don’t send us all the documents we need with your application, we will email you asking for more evidence. Once we contact you, we won’t refund your application fee and will cancel your application if you don’t send us the documents within 12 months.

Please read our refund policy

Relationship to the person whose change of name certificate you are applying for

I am the person

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

I’m their parent

If your child is:

• under 18 and you were
  • the parent who applied to change their name, you need to provide your proof of ID documents
  • not the parent who applied to change to change their name—read the certificate access policy
• over 18 there are extra requirements, read the certificate access policy.

I’m their guardian or carer

If the child is:

• under 18 and you were
  • the person who applied to change their name, you need to provide your proof of ID documents
  • not the person who applied to change their name, read the certificate access policy
• over 18 there are extra requirements—read the certificate access policy.

I’m the executor or administrator of an estate

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• evidence of executor or administrator status (such as letters of administration from the court, or court order granting probate)

and

• state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it.

I’m their solicitor

You need to provide:

• a signed letter on company letter head clearly stating the reason for access including
  • details of the identity of your client
  • the legal matter your client is involved in
  • why the certificate is required

and

• a certified copy of your practising certificate or law society card.

Delivery agents acting for a solicitor will also need to provide:

• a letter of authority on company letterhead naming the agent and confirming they act on your behalf

and

• proof of ID documents of the agent.

I’m acting on behalf of an eligible applicant

If you are submitting an application for someone else, you need to provide:

• proof of your ID documents
• a completed and signed application form by the person you’re acting for—they must be eligible
• any supporting documents the eligible person would need to submit with the application (including proof of ID)

and

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible person, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf.

If you are collecting a certificate, information, or source document, you need to provide:

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible person, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf
• proof of their ID documents

and

• proof of your ID.

Another relationship

The registrar can make decisions on any unusual cases that may not be detailed above or in the certificate access policy

Check to see if you are eligible to apply for the civil partnership certificate.

For more information about eligibility, read our certificate access policy.

You will need to tell us the reason you need the certificate and how you will use it.

If you don’t send us all the documents we need with your application, we will email you asking for more evidence. Once we contact you, we won’t refund your application fee and will cancel your application if you don’t send us the documents within 12 months.

Please read our refund policy.

Relationship to the person whose civil partnership certificate you are applying for

I am one of the persons

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

I’m their child

If the parent is still living, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from your parent whose certificate you are applying for

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your parent, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m their parent

If one of the persons whose certificate you want is still living, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from one of the persons named on the certificate

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your child, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m their grandchild

If at least one of your grandparents is still living, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from your grandparent

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your grandparent, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m a family member not stated above (e.g. sister, uncle)

If at least one of the persons whose certificate you want is still living, you need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents

and

• written authority and proof of ID from one of the persons named on the certificate

or

• a legal document showing you can make decisions for your grandparent, such as a power of attorney.

Check the certificate access policy if you can’t provide the above.

I’m the executor or administrator of their estate

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• evidence of executor or administrator status (such as letters of administration from the court, or court order granting probate)

and

• state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it.

I’m their solicitor

You need to provide:

• a signed letter on company letter head clearly stating the reason for access including
  • details of the identity of your client
  • the legal matter your client is involved in
  • why the certificate is required

and

• a certified copy of your practising certificate or law society card

Delivery agents acting for a solicitor will also need to provide:

• a letter of authority on company letterhead naming the agent and confirming they act on your behalf

and

• proof of ID documents of the agent.

I’m acting on behalf of an eligible person

If you are submitting an application for someone else, you need to provide:

• proof of your ID documents
• a completed and signed application form by the person you’re acting for—they must be eligible
• any supporting documents the eligible person would need to submit with the application (including proof of their ID)

and

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible person, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf.

If you are collecting a certificate, information, or source documents, you need to provide:

• a letter of authority, dated and signed by the eligible person, naming you and stating that you are acting of their behalf
• proof of their ID documents

and

• proof of your ID documents.

Another relationship

The registrar can make decisions on any unusual cases that may not be detailed above or in the certificate access policy.

Check to see if you are eligible to apply for a birth certificate displaying a person’s previous sex.

For more information about eligibility, read our certificate access policy.

You will need to tell us the reason you need the certificate, and how you will use it.

If you don’t send us all the documents we need with your application, we will write to you asking for more evidence. Once we contact you, we won’t refund your application fee and will cancel your application if you don’t send us the documents within 12 months—see our refund policy.

Relationship to the person whose birth certificate showing previous sex you are applying for

I am the person

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

I’m their parent

If your child is:

• under 16, you need to provide
  • your proof of ID documents, including evidence that you are the child’s parent (such as a birth certificate)
  • state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it

• 16 or 17 there are additional requirements—read the certificate access policy
• over 18 you are not eligible.

I’m their guardian or carer

If the child is:

• under 16, you need to provide
  • your proof of ID documents
  • a document showing you have legal parental responsibility for the child (such as a court order)
  • state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it

• 16 or 17 there are additional requirements—read the certificate access policy.
• over 18 you are not eligible.

I’m their child

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• a copy of your birth certificate showing the person is your parent

and

• state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it.

I’m the executor or administrator of their estate

You need to provide:

• your proof of ID documents
• evidence of executor or administrator status (such as letters of administration from the court, or court order granting probate)

and

• state an adequate reason for access and how you will use it.

Check to see if you are eligible to apply for recognised details certificate.

For more information about eligibility, read our certificate access policy.

You will need to tell us the reason you need the certificate and how you will use it.

If you don’t send us all the documents we need with your application, we will email you asking for more evidence. Once we contact you, we won’t refund your application fee and will cancel your application if you don’t send us the documents within 12 months.

Please read our refund policy.

Relationship to the person whose recognised details certificate you are applying for

I am the person

You need to provide your proof of ID documents.

I’m their parent

If your child is:

• under 16, and you were the person who originally applied for a recognised details certificate on their behalf, you need to provide your proof of ID documents
• over 16 you are not eligible.

I’m their guardian or carer

If the child is:

• under 16 and you were the person who originally applied for a recognised details certificate on their behalf, you need to provide your proof of ID documents
• over 16 you are not eligible.