How do I register a death in Queensland?

Your funeral director registers the death with BDM Queensland. You can order certificates at bdm.qld.gov.au or call 13 74 68. Each certificate costs $60.55.

How much does a death certificate cost in Queensland?

A certified copy of a death certificate from BDM Queensland costs $60.55 per copy. Order at least 8–10. Apply at bdm.qld.gov.au or call 13 74 68.

How do I apply for probate in Queensland?

File online via the Supreme Court of Queensland's eCourts portal. A probate notice must be published in a Queensland newspaper. Filing fees depend on estate value. Source: Supreme Court of Queensland.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Queensland?

The estate is distributed under the Succession Act 1981 (Qld). A family member applies for Letters of Administration at the Supreme Court of Queensland. Seek legal advice as intestacy rules may not reflect the deceased's wishes.

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

Queensland probate is filed via the eCourts portal and requires a newspaper notice. BDM Queensland is a separate process. This guide covers every step specific to Queensland.

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Sources

BDM Queensland · Supreme Court of Queensland · Succession Act 1981 (Qld) · Services Australia · ATO · Transport and Main Roads (TMR)

Step 1 — Register the death with BDM Queensland

1
Funeral director registers within 8 days
Queensland law requires registration within 8 days of the death. Your funeral director handles this with BDM Queensland. Ask them to confirm it's been lodged.
2
Order certified death certificates — $60.55 each
Apply at bdm.qld.gov.au or call 13 74 68. Cost is $60.55 per copy. Order at least 8–10. Standard processing is 5–10 business days. Priority service available for additional fees.

Step 2 — Government notifications

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Centrelink — 132 300 — notify within 14 days. Ask about the Bereavement Payment (14-week claim window). Source: Services Australia

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ATO — 13 28 61 — register the death, arrange the final tax return and any estate tax. Source: ATO

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Transport and Main Roads (TMR) — cancel QLD driver licence, notify re vehicle registration. Call 13 23 80 or visit tmr.qld.gov.au.

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AEC — remove from electoral roll at aec.gov.au

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Queensland Revenue Office — for land tax or stamp duty matters on estate property. Visit qro.qld.gov.au.

Step 3 — Probate in Queensland

1
Publish a probate notice in a Queensland newspaper
Queensland requires a Notice of Intention to Apply for Probate to be published in a newspaper circulating in Queensland (e.g., The Courier Mail or Queensland Times). Wait for any objections before filing. This is different from NSW (online notice) and VIC (LIV notice).
2
File via the Supreme Court eCourts portal
Queensland uses the eCourts Portal. Upload the will, death certificate, affidavit of executor, and notice evidence. Source: Supreme Court of Queensland
3
Receive the sealed grant — 4–8 weeks
The grant of probate gives you legal authority as executor to deal with Queensland-based assets. Present it to banks, the Titles Registry (for property), and super funds.

Agency	Contact	What for
BDM Queensland	bdm.qld.gov.au · 13 74 68	Death certificates ($60.55)
Supreme Court of QLD	courts.qld.gov.au	Probate applications via eCourts
Titles Registry QLD	titlesqld.com.au	Transfer property titles
Transport and Main Roads	tmr.qld.gov.au · 13 23 80	Driver licence, vehicles
Public Trustee QLD	pt.qld.gov.au · 1300 360 044	Professional executor services

Afterward

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Frequently asked questions

Queensland-specific questions

$60.55 per certified copy from BDM Queensland. Apply at bdm.qld.gov.au or call 13 74 68. Order at least 8–10.

First publish a probate notice in a Queensland newspaper, then file online via the Supreme Court's eCourts portal. Source: Supreme Court of Queensland.

The Succession Act 1981 (Qld) governs how estates are distributed in Queensland when someone dies without a valid will (intestacy), and sets out rules for challenging a will's validity.

What to do when someone dies in Queensland

Step 1 — Register the death with BDM Queensland

Step 2 — Government notifications

Step 3 — Probate in Queensland

Queensland-specific questions