What to do after a death in Indiana

Quick facts

• Good to know: Home burial on private property isn’t allowed. Burial must be in established cemeteries.

• Tip: Death certificates are among the most affordable at $8 for the first copy.

Getting started in Indiana

• Indiana requires a licensed funeral director to oversee final disposition.

• All burials must be in established cemeteries. Home burial isn’t permitted.

• The State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service oversees regulations and consumer protections.

Good to know: While Indiana has specific requirements, funeral directors are there to help guide you through the process.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

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

• If the death was unexpected, call 911.

• Contact a funeral home. They’ll guide you through required steps.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will 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.

• The coroner may be involved depending on circumstances.

• Contact a funeral home once death is pronounced.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through initial steps.

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

• The hospital will ask which funeral home to contact. Take time to decide.

Cremation in Indiana

• Indiana requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• The waiting period can be waived by the local health officer.

• You must arrange cremation through a licensed funeral director.

• A signed death certificate showing cause of death is required before cremation.

• Written authorization from the person with legal authority over remains is required.

Burial in Indiana

• Home burial on private property isn’t allowed in Indiana.

• All remains must be deposited in an established cemetery, mausoleum, garden crypt, or columbarium.

• Establishing a new private cemetery requires a $100,000 perpetuity fund for maintenance.

• A licensed funeral director must witness the burial and sign the death certificate.

• Cremated remains may be scattered on private property with the owner’s consent.

Paperwork in Indiana

• Deaths must be registered via death certificate within 3 days.

• The death certificate is completed by the physician or coroner and the funeral director.

• Certified copies cost $8 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies.

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

• Copies can be ordered by mail, phone at (866) 601-0891, or through the local health department.

Consumer rights in Indiana

• The Preneed Consumer Protection Fund helps if a provider fails to deliver prepaid services.

• The Consumer Protection Fund for Cemetery Maintenance ensures cemetery upkeep.

• Preneed funeral contract standards are established by the State Board.

• File complaints with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at in.gov/pla.

• Federal FTC Funeral Rule protections also apply in Indiana.