What to do after a death in Iowa

Quick facts

• Good to know: Families can bury their own dead without a funeral director.

• Tip: Death certificates must be filed within 3 days of death.

Getting started in Iowa

• Iowa allows families to handle their own arrangements without a funeral director for burials.

• For cremation, you must work with a licensed funeral director.

• The Iowa Board of Mortuary Science oversees all funeral establishments and can help with concerns.

Good to know: Iowa law gives you options. Take time to understand what matters most to you and your family.

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.

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

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and help with paperwork.

• Hospice can coordinate with your chosen funeral provider.

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

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected.

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

• Once death is pronounced, contact a funeral home or begin family-directed arrangements.

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. You can take time to decide.

Cremation in Iowa

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

• You must arrange cremation through a licensed funeral director. Crematories won’t accept directly from families.

• The medical examiner must issue a cremation permit.

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

• The body must be cremated or embalmed within 48 hours, or refrigerated to extend the timeline.

Burial in Iowa

• Home burial on private property is legal in Iowa at the state level.

• Check with your county or town clerk for local zoning rules before proceeding.

• You must obtain a burial-transit permit from a medical examiner, funeral director, or state registrar.

• Embalming isn’t required if burial occurs within 72 hours (or 6 days with refrigeration).

• A burial vault isn’t required by state law, though some cemeteries may require one.

Paperwork in Iowa

• The death certificate must be filed with the local registrar within 3 days and before final disposition.

• If not using a funeral director, you must complete and file the death certificate yourself.

• Certified copies cost $15 each.

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

• Copies are available from the county of residence or where the death occurred.

Consumer rights in Iowa

• You must receive a General Price List before making any decisions.

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

• You have 3 days to cancel a preneed contract without penalty.

• File complaints with the Iowa Insurance Division at (515) 654-6600.

• You can also file FTC complaints for Funeral Rule violations at www.ftc.gov.