Direct Cremation

Yes, you can transport your loved one’s body to the crematory yourself in many jurisdictions, but some considerations must be taken regarding legal and logistical factors. Regulations vary by state; some states require that only licensed professionals can handle your loved one after death. However, some states allow the family to handle the transport if they have the death certificate, a burial transit permit, a compliant container, and a method for refrigeration or preservation. Additionally, you will need to have a vehicle that is suitable for securely transporting your loved one. 

While it is possible to transport your loved one to the crematory on your own, it is crucial to ensure you are adequately prepared and aware of all of the rules that must be adhered to within your state or across state lines. Funeral directors are also helpful in guiding cooling logistics, streamlining some of the more complex paperwork, and coordinating with the crematory. Additionally, most crematories need advance notice prior to the transport of your loved one to their facilities. Taking these factors into consideration, it is highly recommended to consult with the funeral home and funeral directors or other professional services to ensure regulatory compliance if you choose to transport your loved one’s body to the crematory. 

Sources

“Transporting a Deceased Loved One”. Bissler and Sons. https://www.bisslerandsons.com/blog-posts/9660/transporting-a-deceased-loved-one 

“Transporting a Body Over State Lines: Navigating After Death”. Earth. https://earthfuneral.com/resources/transporting-a-body-state-lines 

“Cremation Laws and How They Affect Arranging a Cremation”. US Funerals Online. https://www.us-funerals.com/understanding-cremation-laws-and-how-they-affect-arranging-a-cremation/ 

Yes, it is possible to make arrangements directly with the crematory if you choose direct cremation. Direct cremation bypasses traditional services such as visitations and viewings, which makes it possible to immediately enter into cremation arrangements with the crematory instead. While it is possible to work with a funeral home to arrange a direct cremation, crematories often offer the same services for a significantly lower price in comparison. 

Although the crematory is responsible for handling one very specific service, it is still important to choose a reputable and trustworthy provider. Conducting thorough research, checking ratings online with the Better Business Bureau, and verifying licenses or credentials are all important components of ensuring that a crematory will follow proper cremation procedures. If the direct cremation is being arranged ahead of time, it can be helpful to find a crematory that offers preplanning services to reduce unexpected costs. While most research can be done online or even over the phone, taking the time to visit potential crematories in person can also provide insight into the overall credibility of the facility. 

Working with the crematory to plan a direct cremation is an ideal way to simplify the arrangement process and is frequently more affordable. While there may be fewer plans that need to be made when taking this approach, it is still crucial to make an informed decision when selecting a provider to ensure that your loved one’s cremation is handled with professionalism, respect, and care.

Sources

“5 Things You Need To Know About Direct Cremation”. Everplans. https://www.everplans.com/articles/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-direct-cremation 

“Cremation Planning Resources”. Neptune Society. https://neptunesociety.com/resources/cremation-planning#does-the-cremation-provider-offer-preplanning 

Direct cremation is cremation that occurs without any formal viewing of the remains or any visitation or ceremony with the body present. In some cases, the person’s body may be taken directly to the crematory if it is attached to a funeral home with storage. Most states require a waiting period between death and cremation ranging from 24 to 48 hours for the purposes of paperwork such as the death certificate and cremation authorization, so the body may be stored at a funeral home in the interim. Direct cremation usually does not include embalming. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the cost of direct cremation is typically less than that of cremation with a funeral. However, if you work with a funeral home, you will be charged a basic services fee and a fee for transportation and care of the body and, where appropriate, storage fees. 

With that being said, you may be able to arrange direct cremation without involving a funeral home. However, you may need to hire a funeral director, either to file the death certificate or oversee the process of cremation and/or burial, if their involvement is mandated in your state. (As of this writing, states that require a funeral director’s involvement include Alabama, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, and New York.) To help you navigate the specific legal requirements in your area, check out Nolo’s Guide to Burial and Cremation Laws or contact your local chapter of the Funeral Consumer Alliance for advice.

To the extent allowed by state law, you can make arrangements with the crematorium directly and transport your loved one’s body yourself. (This is usually done using a van or SUV.)  However, not all crematories work directly with the public, so it may take some time to find one that will. You will also need to make sure that the appropriate documents are complete. Most importantly, you will need to file a death certificate, which can be difficult in some states due to restrictive state laws. You will also need to file a disposition permit and additional permits if you are crossing county lines. See our Comprehensive Step-by-Step Planning Guide: Choosing Funeral Arrangements and Disposition, for more information about documents you may need.

Since arranging transportation and completing documentation can be quite stressful and difficult, many families enlist the help of a home funeral guide to assist them at this time. These specially trained consultants can ease the process in many ways. For example, they can help you find providers and guide you in how to care for your loved one’s body after death. They are also knowledgeable about the law and can facilitate communication with a funeral director if that’s required. 

To find a home funeral guide in your area, visit our local venues and services section or consult the Home Funeral Alliance directory of providers, which lists home funeral guides across the United States. Alternatively, you may contact the Consumer Funeral Alliance with any questions you have. 

Sources

“NHFA Directory”. National Home Funeral Alliance. https://www.homefuneralalliance.org

Funeral Consumers Alliance. https://funerals.org/

“Burial and Cremation Laws”. NOLO. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/burial-cremation-laws 

“Types of Funerals”. Federal Trade Commission. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/types-funerals#cremation