How to Report a Deceased Estate Online (DOJ Online System)
Quick Answer
You can report a deceased estate online to the Master of the High Court through the DOJ Deceased Estates Registration System — upload the death certificate and will, capture the details, and receive an estate number without visiting the Master’s office.
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor, via Wikimedia Commons
Why Report Online?
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development runs an online Deceased Estates Registration System where estates can be reported to the Master of the High Court electronically. It saves a trip to the Master’s office, creates the estate file faster and gives you a reference number for follow-ups — especially useful in busy offices like Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban.
What You Need Before You Start
- The death certificate from Home Affairs (or the notice of death reference).
- The deceased’s ID number, last address and marital status.
- The original will, if one exists.
- A list of assets and liabilities for the J243 inventory.
- Details of the nominated executor or the family member who will report the estate.
The Reporting Steps
- Open the DOJ online registration portal and start a new deceased estate application.
- Capture the deceased’s details exactly as they appear on the death certificate.
- Upload the death certificate, will and supporting documents.
- Submit and keep the reference number.
- Wait for the Master’s office to process the application and issue the estate number — you can track progress on the ICMS web portal.
After the Estate Number Arrives
The estate number unlocks everything else: the executor’s appointment, bank accounts being dealt with, and the advertising of the J193 notice to creditors. When your estate number is issued, send it to us and we will draft and place the notice for the next Friday Gazette — flat R400 per advert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the online system available in every province?
Yes — it is a national system used by the Master’s offices across South Africa.
Can I still report the estate in person?
Yes. Walk-in reporting at the Master’s office remains available; online reporting is the faster option where documents are ready.
Does online reporting replace the Gazette adverts?
No. Reporting the estate and advertising the notices are separate legal steps — the J193 and J187 adverts must still be published.
Request Your Estate Advert
Estate reported and estate number in hand? Send it below and we will place your J193 or J187 notice in the next Friday Gazette — flat R400 per advert.
Estate Number Issued? Advertise for R400
The J193 and J187 adverts must still follow the reporting. We draft, place and prove them for a flat R400 per advert.
nicolette@adminboss.co.za • 074 487 5082
A division of Admin Boss — small-business administration services, South Africa.
Official Resources
- DOJ Deceased Estates Online Registration System
- How to Report a Deceased Estate to the Master of the High Court
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development — Deceased Estates
- ICMS Web Portal — Track a Deceased Estate Online
Related Guides
- How to Track a Deceased Estate on the ICMS Portal
- Letters of Executorship (Form J190)
- J193 Notice to Creditors
- J294 Death Notice Form
Last updated: 4 October 2026 by Admin Boss – Estate Division, Pretoria. Questions? Call 074 487 5082 or email nicolette@adminboss.co.za. Admin Boss – Estate Division is a notice publication and administrative service, not a law firm; we do not give legal advice.
Related: The requirements to advertise an estate, as set out by the Master of the High Court | J193 and J187 forms in South Africa | Estate notice glossary and FAQs | Estate notice advertising — flat R400 per advert
Admin Boss – Estate Division is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, and assists clients remotely across South Africa — call 074 487 5082.