How do I register a death in NSW?

In most cases the funeral director registers the death with NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) within 7 days of the death. Confirm with your funeral director that this has been done. You can also register directly at bdm.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

How much does a death certificate cost in NSW?

A certified copy of a death certificate from NSW BDM costs $67 per copy. Order at least 8–10 — most financial institutions, the Supreme Court, and super funds each require an original.

How much does probate cost in NSW?

NSW probate filing fees are scaled by estate value: nil for estates under $100,000; $834 for $100,000–$250,000; $1,518 for $250,000–$500,000; $2,498 for $500,000–$1 million; $4,666 for $1–2 million. Additional solicitor fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 for a straightforward estate.

Do I need probate in NSW?

Probate is generally required in NSW when the estate includes real property (land) registered in the deceased's name, or when a financial institution requires it before releasing funds. Many NSW banks will release funds without probate for smaller estates — ask each institution.

What happens if someone dies without a will in NSW?

If someone dies without a valid will (intestate) in NSW, the estate is distributed according to the Succession Act 2006 (NSW). A family member must apply to the Supreme Court for Letters of Administration instead of probate. The intestacy rules prioritise spouse, then children, then other relatives.

What to Do When Someone Dies in NSW — Step-by-Step Guide

NSW has some of the most detailed probate requirements in Australia, and specific rules around death registration, certificate ordering, and estate administration. This guide covers everything specific to New South Wales.

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Sources used in this guide

NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages · Supreme Court of NSW · NSW Succession Act 2006 · Services Australia · Australian Taxation Office. All links open official government websites.

Step 1 — Register the death with NSW BDM

1
Your funeral director registers the death
In NSW, deaths must be registered within 7 days. Your funeral director handles this automatically — confirm with them that it has been lodged with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
2
Order certified death certificates — $67 each
Apply online at bdm.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88. Each certified copy costs $67. Order at least 8–10. You will need one per bank, super fund, court (for probate), insurer, and other institution. Allow 5–10 business days by post; same-day available in person at Haymarket.

Step 2 — Notify government agencies

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Centrelink — 132 300 — notify within 14 days to stop payments. Ask about the Bereavement Payment (must claim within 14 weeks). Source: Services Australia

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Medicare — 132 011 — cancel the deceased's Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

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ATO — 13 28 61 — notify of death, arrange final tax return. Source: ATO Deceased Estates

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Australian Electoral Commission — remove from electoral roll online at aec.gov.au

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Transport for NSW — 13 77 88 — cancel the deceased's NSW driver licence and vehicle registration. Source: Transport for NSW

Step 3 — Probate in NSW

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When do you need probate in NSW?

Probate is generally required when the estate includes real property registered in the deceased's name, or when any financial institution requires it before releasing funds. Banks typically require probate for accounts over $50,000–$100,000. Source: Supreme Court of NSW

1
Publish a probate notice — wait 14 days
Before filing, you must publish a Notice of Intention to Apply for Probate on the NSW Online Registry. Wait 14 days for any objections before lodging your application.
2
File at the Supreme Court of NSW
Lodge your application via the NSW Online Registry (preferred) or in person at the Supreme Court, Queens Square, Sydney. You will need: the original will, certified death certificate, affidavit of executor, and inventory of assets.
3
Pay the filing fee
NSW probate fees (source: Supreme Court of NSW):
• Under $100,000 — nil
• $100,000–$250,000 — $834
• $250,000–$500,000 — $1,518
• $500,000–$1,000,000 — $2,498
• $1,000,000–$2,000,000 — $4,666
4
Receive the grant — typically 4–6 weeks
Once processed, the court issues a sealed grant of probate. This is your legal authority to deal with estate assets. Present it to banks, the land registry (NSW Land Registry Services), and any other institution.

NSW-specific resources

Agency	Contact	What for
NSW BDM	bdm.nsw.gov.au · 13 77 88	Death registration, death certificates ($67)
Supreme Court of NSW	supremecourt.justice.nsw.gov.au	Probate applications
NSW Online Registry	onlineregistry.lawlink.nsw.gov.au	Probate notices and online filing
NSW Land Registry Services	nswlrs.com.au	Transfer property title
Transport for NSW	transport.nsw.gov.au · 13 77 88	Cancel driver licence, transfer vehicles
NSW Trustee & Guardian	tag.nsw.gov.au · 1300 364 103	Professional executor / will storage

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Frequently asked questions

NSW-specific questions

Your funeral director registers the death with NSW BDM within 7 days. Confirm with them. You can check or register directly at bdm.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

$67 per certified copy from NSW BDM. Order at least 8–10 — each institution (bank, super fund, court) needs an original. Apply at bdm.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

Court filing fees: nil (under $100k), $834 ($100k–$250k), $1,518 ($250k–$500k), $2,498 ($500k–$1M), $4,666 ($1M–$2M). Solicitor fees add $2,000–$5,000 typically. Source: Supreme Court of NSW.

The estate is distributed under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW). A family member applies for Letters of Administration at the Supreme Court. The order is: spouse/partner, then children, then other relatives. Seek legal advice — intestacy distributions can be surprising.

What to do when someone dies in NSW

Step 1 — Register the death with NSW BDM

Step 2 — Notify government agencies

Step 3 — Probate in NSW

NSW-specific resources

NSW-specific questions