What to do after a death in Arkansas

Quick facts

• Good to know: Families can conduct home funerals without a funeral director.

• Tip: Register family graveyards with the county clerk before burial.

Getting started in Arkansas

• Arkansas doesn’t require a funeral director. Families can handle arrangements themselves.

• The State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services oversees the industry.

• A fact-of-death record must be filed within 3 days, and a complete death certificate within 10 days.

Good to know: Arkansas gives families flexibility in how they care for their loved ones. Take time to understand your options.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

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

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. The coroner may need to be notified.

• You can keep the body at home for up to 48 hours without embalming or refrigeration.

Hospice was involved

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

• Hospice can help coordinate with a funeral home of your choice.

• Take all the time you need. There’s no rush to make decisions.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

• You’ll need permission from a doctor, medical examiner, or county coroner to move the body.

• Once cleared, you can proceed with arrangements.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with immediate documentation.

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

• The hospital will ask about funeral arrangements. Take your time to decide.

Cremation in Arkansas

• Arkansas requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• The authorizing agent (typically next of kin) must sign a cremation authorization form.

• All cremations must be arranged through a licensed funeral director. Crematories can’t contract directly with families.

• Unembalmed remains must be cremated within 24 hours unless refrigerated.

• The coroner must authorize cremation before it can proceed.

Burial in Arkansas

• Home burial on private property is permitted by establishing a family graveyard.

• Family graveyards must be registered with the county clerk before burial.

• No more than 5 acres can be exempted for a family burial ground.

• Check local zoning laws. Rural areas are more likely to allow home burial.

• A casket isn’t required by state law. You may build your own container.

Paperwork in Arkansas

• A fact-of-death record must be filed within 3 days of death.

• The complete death certificate must be registered within 10 days.

• Certified copies cost $10 for the first copy, $8 for additional copies ordered together.

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

• Allow 7–14 days for mail orders; same-day service available at the Little Rock office.

Consumer rights in Arkansas

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

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without added fees.

• The Board has a consumer representative who serves as a voting member.

• File complaints with the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services at (501) 682-0574.

• The FTC Funeral Rule applies. You can report violations at ftc.gov.