Do You Need a Death Certificate for Cremation?

Unfortunately, there is no escaping the paperwork when a loved one dies. When it comes to death, a few of the documents needed include:

• Birth certificate
• Recent photograph
• List of the names of surviving relatives
• Life or funeral policies
• Military discharge papers
• Funeral pre-need plan papers
• Marriage certificate, if applicable

In the case of cremation or a funeral, you will need a death certificate, an HIPAA release, a Healthcare Power of Attorney document, and a will if relevant.

Can You Legally Bury Someone Without a Death Certificate?

It is required by law that every death be reported. The general law in most countries is that no burial may occur unless there is a death certificate. However, your loved one can be buried with an interim death certificate while you wait for the official certificate.

If the cause of death is clear, the doctor signs a medical certificate, and the medical certificate is taken to the registrar to register the death. Then the coroner issues a certificate to the registrar stating that a post-mortem is not needed. You can then receive the interim certificate so that you can proceed with the funeral arrangements.

How Long It Takes to Get a Death Certificate

Depending on the state where the death occurred, it can take between two to four weeks to get a certified death certificate. Before a death certificate can be issued, the family must prepare and provide the department with the appropriate documents.