We review your details before you request a death certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), so estate, insurance or legal matters aren't delayed by avoidable errors.
A New Zealand death certificate is the official record of a death registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). It is typically required to settle an estate, claim life insurance, close bank accounts, cancel official documents, or handle other legal matters following a death registered in New Zealand.
Tell us the full name, date and place of death as registered, and your relationship to the deceased.
We review the details and supporting information against BDM's requirements for the type of certificate needed.
We walk you through submitting your request directly to BDM, including delivery options.
BDM processes and posts the certificate directly to the address you provide.
Standard BDM processing takes up to 8 working days, plus postage (approx. 3 weeks within New Zealand, 4 weeks internationally). Government fees are set by BDM and may change without notice.
Typically next of kin, executors of the estate, or someone with a lawful interest in the matter. We'll confirm exactly what BDM requires for your situation.
No. Death certificates are issued exclusively by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). We only review and prepare your request; BDM processes and delivers the certificate.
BDM's standard processing is up to 8 working days, plus postage time. We'll let you know if your situation may take longer.
You can always request a death certificate directly from BDM for free. Here's what's different when you use our review service.
| Doing It Yourself | Using Our Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | You complete and submit the BDM request without a second check | We review your form before you submit it |
| Eligibility & requirements | You research BDM's exact requirements for next of kin or executors yourself | We confirm exactly what BDM needs for your situation |
| Common mistakes | Spelling, date or relationship errors often cause delays, which can be costly when settling an estate | We check these details before submission to avoid delays |
| Cost | BDM government fee only (NZD 35) | BDM fee (NZD 35) + our review fee (NZD 75) = NZD 110 |
| Support | No personal support if something goes wrong | Email support throughout your request |