If you believe there's an error on a death certificate, you can apply to have it corrected.
What we need from you
We'll ask you for the following information during the application process:
1. Details of the person on the certificate
As a minimum, we ask for:
- Given name and family name
- Date and place of death.
2. The original death certificate
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 need to provide a Statutory Declaration (External link) explaining why you cannot surrender the original certificate. Learn more about how to digitise and upload documents.
You'll need to apply for a new death certificate once we've corrected the death record.
If the original death certificate is returned, we issue a replacement certificate free of charge. If the original isn't returned, there is a fee for the new certificate.
3. Evidence to support the correction
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.
4. Proof of your identity
Acceptable documents
One of the easiest ways to prove your identity is by presenting your driver licence (if it confirms your residential address) and your Passport.
Alternatively, you can provide your driver licence, medicare card and bank card.
Alternatively, there are other ways to prove your identity.
Evidence required
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). |
| Relationship status |
One of the following:
|
| Add name of domestic partner (for deaths since 1 July 2016) | Documents in both names, such as:
|
| Remove name of domestic partner (for deaths since 1 July 2016) | Statutory declaration stating you weren't in a domestic relationship with the deceased. |
| Previous children (names or ages) |
One of the following:
|
Processing and delivery
How long will it take for a corrected certificate to be issued?
| Processing start date | Processing time | Pick up/delivery |
|---|---|---|
|
Date received
Full application |
20 working days |
Pickup 595 Collins Street Melbourne or 6 days |
Track the progress of your corrected certificate (External link)
Fees and payment
| If the original death certificate is returned | If the original death certificate IS NOT returned |
|---|---|
| No fee |
$33.80
The price of a standard death certificate applies |
Postage fees
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 |
|
|
Registered post (recommended) |
$7.60 |
| Standard post/Handling | $1.00 |
|
Express post Note: This is not a priority service fee - standard Turnaround times still apply. |
$8.00 |
Outside Australia |
|
| Airmail (Standard post) | $3.80 |
| Express Courier International | $54.10 |
Check the Payment methods we accept