What to do after a death in Kansas

Quick facts

• Good to know: No funeral director required except for communicable disease cases.

• Tip: File death certificates within 3 days and before removing the body from the state.

Getting started in Kansas

• Kansas doesn’t require a funeral director except for deaths from certain communicable diseases.

• The Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts regulates funeral establishments and crematories.

• A death certificate must be filed within 3 days of death.

Good to know: Kansas gives families flexibility in funeral planning. Take time to explore what’s right for your situation.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

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

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. The county coroner should be notified.

• You can keep the body at home for up to 24 hours without embalming.

Hospice was involved

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

• Hospice can coordinate with your chosen funeral home if desired.

• Take the time you need with your loved one.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

• The coroner may need to determine cause of death.

• 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.

• Take time to decide on funeral arrangements. There’s no pressure to choose immediately.

Cremation in Kansas

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

• A Coroner’s Cremation Authorization is required before cremation can proceed.

• The local coroner must issue a permit before moving the body to the crematory.

• File the permit with the Office of Vital Statistics immediately after cremation.

• Religious exemptions allow a reasonable delay beyond 24 hours for Sabbath or holy days.

Burial in Kansas

• Home burial on private property isn’t prohibited by state law.

• Check local zoning laws. Urban areas like Wichita typically prohibit backyard burials.

• Rural counties may allow private family cemeteries with proper permits.

• Record all burials with local authorities and note the location on your property deed.

• Ensure burial plots meet local requirements for distance from water sources and property lines.

Paperwork in Kansas

• The death certificate must be filed within 3 days of death and before removing the body from the state.

• Death certificates are filed electronically through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

• Certified copies cost $20 each (includes a 5-year search).

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

• Contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (785) 296-1400 for assistance.

Consumer rights in Kansas

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

• File complaints with the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts at (785) 296-3980.

• The Board can revoke, suspend, or censor licenses for violations.

• For overcharging or cemetery issues, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (785) 296-3751.

• Preneed funeral plan complaints go to the Kansas Insurance Department at (785) 296-2283.