Laws for Transporting the Deceased

Everyone needs to be transported to their final resting place. There are laws for transporting the deceased whether they pass away in their own bed or overseas. There is paperwork to gather, methods of transport to decide on and costs to consider.

Necessary Permits for Transport

A burial transit permit is necessary if you are transporting the deceased on your own. The death certificate is also required.

Moving the Deceased to Another Location

Commercial shipping companies and airlines will transport the deceased.

Transporting the Deceased Out of the Country

The U.S. Consulate can help with details such as transportation for the deceased, document gathering and complying with local laws.

Transporting the Deceased in a Funeral Procession

Funeral homes will usually take care of the details.
If you are not using a funeral home, check with the individual state or county health department to conform to local laws.

Preparing the Deceased for Transport

If the deceased body is overseas, it will be embalmed or placed in an airtight container before transport.
If you are transporting the deceased on your own, after 24 hours the body needs to be embalmed.

The Least Expensive Option

Cremating the deceased body and transporting the ashes by urn is the easiest and least expensive option.