Types of applications
There are three main types of native title determination applications:

1. Claimant applications are made by Indigenous people for a determination that native title exists in a particular area of land or waters.
2. Non-claimant applications are made by someone who does not claim to have native title to an area  but who seeks a determination that native title does or does not exist in the area.
3. Compensation applications are made by Indigenous Australians seeking compensation for loss or impairment of native title.

Making a native title application
To make a native title application, you or your representative will need to fill out an application form available from the Federal Court of Australia.

Once the form has been completed it needs to be lodged with the Federal Court. In South Australia the Supreme Court is also able to receive native title applications. This can be done in person by delivering it to the Court, or by post or fax, or by sending it via the internet. This is called ‘filing’.

Further information
Further information about the processes associated with native title applications is available via the Information material webpage.