The Australian Death Notification Service, explained
What the free government Death Notification Service is, which organisations it can reach, what it can't do, and how to use it after someone dies.
After a death, notifying every bank, insurer and government agency separately is exhausting — and easy to get wrong when you're grieving. The Australian Death Notification Service exists to make that first round of admin far simpler. Here's what it is and how to use it.
The short answer
The Australian Death Notification Service (ADNS) is a free government service that lets you notify multiple organisations — banks, super funds, insurers and government agencies — through a single online form. It requires a registered death certificate and checks the details before passing your notification on (Australian Death Notification Service).
What it does
Instead of contacting each organisation one by one, you enter the details once and choose which participating organisations to inform. The service validates the death details, then notifies your selected organisations on your behalf (Australian Death Notification Service). Participating organisations include major banks — such as ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac — among others.
What you need to use it
- A registered death certificate — the service validates the details before proceeding (Australian Death Notification Service).
- The deceased's details and your contact information, so the organisations can get back to you.
Once notified, each organisation contacts you to continue its own process — for a bank, that means securing the accounts and discussing next steps.
What it can't do
The ADNS is a notification service, not a one-click estate settlement. Two limits to keep in mind:
- It only covers participating organisations. Any institution that isn't a participant must be contacted separately (Australian Death Notification Service).
- Some organisations still need their own forms. Notifying them through the service starts the conversation, but each runs its own deceased-estate process and document requirements.
So it's a powerful first step — not the only step. Keep a full list of every institution the person dealt with, including anything overseas, which the ADNS won't cover.
Where it fits in the bigger picture
Think of the ADNS as Step 2 in the wider process — after registering the death and getting certified copies, and before working through super, the ATO and each remaining institution. Our step-by-step guide to accessing a deceased person's accounts shows the full order, and our bank-by-bank guide covers what each of the big four asks for.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Australian Death Notification Service free? Yes. It's a free government service for notifying multiple organisations through one form (Australian Death Notification Service).
Which organisations does it cover? Many banks, super funds, insurers and government agencies participate, including major banks like ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac. Non-participating organisations must be contacted separately (Australian Death Notification Service).
Do I need a death certificate to use it? Yes — a registered death certificate, which the service validates before notifying organisations (Australian Death Notification Service).
Does it cover overseas accounts, like banks in India? No. The service is for participating Australian organisations; overseas institutions must be contacted directly.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Details are current as at June 2026; confirm at the official Australian Death Notification Service website.