If you believe there's an error on a death certificate, you can apply to have it corrected.
Recent deaths
If the death happened in 2017, let your funeral director know and they can arrange the correction with us. We'll then mail the corrected certificate to you directly.
Or, you can apply to make the correction yourself.
We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:
As a minimum, we ask for:
We ask that you return the original death certificate before we can issue a new corrected version.
If you don't have the original, you'll need to apply for a new death certificate once we've corrected the death record. A fee applies.
The evidence we ask for depends on the correction you want to make.
For documents in a language other than English, provide an English translation by a qualified translator. Approved translators can be found at naati.com.au (External link) or by contacting Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 1450.
In most cases, you can prove your identity with certified copies (External link) of your driver licence and Medicare card.
Alternatively, there are other ways to prove your identity.
If you're not the informant on the death certificate, you also need to provide proof of consent from the informant or a declaration explaining why their consent isn't possible.
The evidence listed below covers the most common correction requests. If you can't provide the evidence listed, send the best evidence you have available.
If we hold the evidence (e.g. a birth certificate) you don't need to provide a copy of it.
| Correction | Acceptable evidence |
|---|---|
|
Any name on the certificate |
Either a birth certificate, citizenship certificate or overseas passport relevant to the name being corrected. |
| Date, place or cause of death | Evidence of correct information, supported by an email (first preference) or letter of consent from the certifying Doctor, the Coroner or a Treating Consultant. |
| Date or place of marriage | Marriage certificate (interstate or overseas marriage). |
| Marital status |
One of the following:
|
| Previous children (names or ages) |
One of the following:
|
Additionally, for deaths since 1 July 2016
| Add name of domestic partner |
Documents in both names, such as:
|
|---|---|
| Remove name of domestic partner | Statutory declaration stating you weren't in a domestic relationship with the deceased. |
| Processing start date | Processing time | Pick up/delivery |
|---|---|---|
|
Date received
Full application |
20 working days |
Pickup 595 Collins Street Melbourne or 6 days |
| If the original death certificate is returned | If the original death certificate IS NOT returned |
|---|---|
| No fee |
$33.00
The price of a standard death certificate applies |
Shipping fees cannot be refunded if you decide to collect your certificate(s) in person.
| Postage - see Australia Post (External link) for product details | Price |
|---|---|
Australia |
|
| Standard post/Handling | $1.00 |
|
Registered post (Standard) Note: We do no send commemorative certificates by Registered post. |
$7.40 |
|
Express post Note:
|
$7.80 |
Outside Australia |
|
| Airmail (Standard post) | $3.70 |
| Express Courier International | $52.80 |