Solicitors applying for certificates

Solicitors can apply for certificates online or by post on behalf of a client. The client must be entitled to apply for a certificate in line with our requirements for:

• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• death certificates
• searching for children of someone who has died (Section 50 search).

We may ask for additional documents to support the application such as a Will, court order or other documents to prove identity or entitlement.

Solicitor's authority and identification

As a solicitor applying for a certificate or requesting a search on behalf of a client you must provide:

• a letter on company letterhead stating:
  • the name of your client and the nature of your representation
  • the type of certificate or search requested and the reason it is required, such as probate or estate administration, conveyancing or immigration.
  • the link between the client represented and the person whose name appears on the required certificate and
  • for estate matters, the relevant provisions of the Succession Act 2006 relating to eligibility.
• completed application form with your name as the applicant and
• certified copy of the solicitor's Law Society ID Card or practising certificate and
• payment of the application fee.

Legal practitioners registered outside of Australia

Solicitors or legal practitioners registered outside of Australia must provide proof of identity for themselves, complying with the same requirements for applicants listed on the application.

Agent’s authority and identification

If a solicitor appoints a person (agent) to collect the certificate, the agent must provide:

• a letter from the solicitor on letterhead that names the person authorised to collect the certificate, and
• proof of identity as required by the specific application.