The 'applicant' means the person applying to BDM, even if applying on behalf of someone else.
The 'registered person' means the person to whom the information or certificate relates. For example, the registered person is the deceased person on a death certificate.
What information BDM might provide to you
The table below sets out the requirements that different types of the applicants need to meet. However, access to information is still subject to the Registrar's discretion. For more information see how The Registrar makes a decision about access to information.
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM) can provide information relating to death in the following formats:
- Legal certificate
- Letter of verification
- Information only certificate (cannot be used as proof of identity)
- Data
- Historical certificate
Please refer to What information can be accessed for further information about these formats.
BDM will make every effort to assist you with your enquiry. If you are unable to meet all the requirements for a legal certificate, BDM might be able to provide you with a letter of verification.
Requirements for specific types of applicants
Type of access | Applicant | How to apply | Requirements | What BDM might provide you |
---|---|---|---|---|
Family access |
**Other family members may be entitled to the death certificate only if none of the family members listed above exist. |
Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
Proof of status examples include:
|
Legal death certificate |
Family access | Other relatives (not entitled persons) | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate |
Deceased estate matters | Public trustees and trustee companies | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Executors | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Legal practitioners applying on behalf of an executor | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Applicant named in Letters of Administration or Advertised Notice of Intention | Go to Get a death certificate | Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Legal practitioner applying on behalf of an applicant named in Letters of Administration | Go to Get a death certificate | Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Authorised third party delegate applying on behalf of the next of kin/family member of the deceased | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Authorised third party delegate applying on behalf of the executor or administrator | Go to Get a death certificate | Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Authorised third party delegate applying on behalf of a legal representative of the next of kin/family member of the deceased, executor or administrator | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Deceased estate matters | Authorised third party delegate applying on behalf of a legal representative acting on behalf of the deceased trying to locate next of kin | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Other agent | Financial institutions | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Letter of verification |
Administrative or research access | Government, not-for-profit, research (e.g. universities) or commercial organisations |
Go to Apply for registry data For more information, contact BDM using our contact us form and include 'data request' in your message. |
A written request using the online data request form setting out:
Pay the relevant fee. Note: There may be additional requirements, depending on the nature of the request. BDM will advise you if this is the case. |
Data |
Statutory or government access |
Any Australian government or statutory body requiring access. For example:
|
Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
|
Legal death certificate Letter of verification A certificate that cannot be used as proof of identity |
Statutory or government access | Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
Note: If a legal certificate from BDM is required, in addition to the requirements above, the application must:
|
A letter of verification Legal death certificate Information only certificate (cannot be used as proof of identity) |
Statutory or government access | Consulates (from the country the registered person was born in or where the parent/guardian of the registered person resides) | Go to Get a death certificate |
Apply for a certificate including:
Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Learn more about the requirements for translated documents. |
A letter of verification |
Historical | Anyone - for information about a person who died over 30 years ago. | Visit Search your family history | Visit Search your family history |
Uncertified historical image of certificate Historical certificate |
Not what you're looking for?
Refer also to:
- Applying for birth certificates or information
- Applying for integrated birth certificates
- Applying for marriage and registered relationship certificates or information