Under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 (s. 41), all deaths that occurred in New South Wales must be registered within seven days of the burial or cremation.

It is common practice for a funeral director to complete the death registration process. However, it is also possible for a next of kin or relative of the deceased to register the death.

If you are a next of kin or relative of the deceased and wish to register the death, you must provide the following information about the deceased:

• Surname and first names
• Sex
• Date of death and date of birth
• Place of death
• Usual address of the deceased
• Usual occupation during working life
• Marriage particulars (place, age, full name of spouse)
• All children of the deceased (names and ages)
• Full name of both parents (including mother's maiden name)

You will also need to supply a Medical Certificate Cause of Death (issued by a doctor) stating cause of death. If the death was referred to a coroner, you must supply the order advising on disposal of the body.

If you are not a funeral director and wish to register a death, please telephone the Registry on 1300 655 236 for a Death Registration Form.

Please note there are penalties in place for giving false, misleading or incomplete information, so please ensure the accuracy of the information you provide.

The Registry will register a death within five working days of the information being lodged. Any applications for Death Certificates cannot be processed until after the death has been registered.

If a death, which occurred in NSW, has not been registered please contact the Registry on 1300 655 236.