What to do after a death in Alabama

Quick facts

• Good to know: A licensed funeral director must oversee final disposition.

• Tip: Death certificates can be obtained same-day at county health departments.

Getting started in Alabama

• Alabama requires a licensed funeral director to oversee final disposition, but families can still be closely involved in caring for their loved one.

• The Alabama Board of Funeral Service regulates all funeral homes and can help if issues arise.

• Most paperwork is handled electronically, which can speed up the process.

Good to know: Take your time with decisions. There’s no rush to finalize arrangements immediately.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Call the attending physician or hospice nurse if one was involved.

• If the death was unexpected, call 911. They’ll guide you through next steps.

• There’s no immediate rush to move your loved one.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will come to pronounce death and complete necessary paperwork.

• Hospice can help coordinate with your chosen funeral home.

• You can spend time with your loved one before they’re moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected. This is required for unattended deaths.

• The medical examiner or coroner may need to be involved depending on circumstances.

• Once death is pronounced, contact a funeral home of your choice.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

• You can usually spend time with your loved one before leaving.

• The hospital will ask which funeral home you’d like to use. You don’t have to decide immediately.

Cremation in Alabama

• Alabama requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur.

• The next of kin must sign a cremation authorization form.

• All cremations must be arranged through a licensed funeral establishment.

• A casket isn’t required for cremation. An alternative container is acceptable.

• The funeral home must accept a casket or urn you purchase elsewhere.

Burial in Alabama

• Home burial on private property is allowed in Alabama, but check local zoning rules first.

• You’ll need a burial permit from the local registrar before burial.

• Burial vaults aren’t required by state law, though many cemeteries require them.

• A casket isn’t required by state law.

• Rural areas are more likely to allow home burial than urban zones.

Paperwork in Alabama

• The death certificate is filed electronically by the funeral director.

• Certified copies cost $15 for the first copy, $6 for additional copies ordered at the same time.

• Plan to order 8–10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters.

• Death certificates are available same-day at county health departments once filed.

• Records are confidential for 25 years and only available to immediate family.

Consumer rights in Alabama

• You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making any decisions.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets and urns purchased elsewhere without extra fees.

• Embalming isn’t required by Alabama law.

• File complaints with the Alabama Board of Funeral Service at fsb.alabama.gov.

• You can also file complaints with the FTC for Funeral Rule violations.