What to do after a death in Minnesota

Quick facts

• Good to know: A funeral director isn’t required. Families can handle arrangements directly.

• Tip: Death must be registered within 5 days and before final disposition.

Getting started in Minnesota

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

• The Minnesota Department of Health’s Mortuary Science Section regulates funeral services.

• Strong consumer protections exist for both at-need and preneed funeral services.

Good to know: Minnesota gives families flexibility. You can be as involved as you wish in caring for your loved one.

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.

• You have 72 hours before embalming or refrigeration is required.

Hospice was involved

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

• Hospice can help coordinate next steps with a funeral provider if you choose.

• You can spend time with your loved one at home.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected.

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

• Once death is pronounced, you can contact a funeral home or handle arrangements yourself.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate steps.

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

• You don’t have to decide on a funeral home immediately.

Cremation in Minnesota

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

• The coroner or medical examiner must grant permission before cremation.

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

• A body can’t be held in refrigeration longer than 6 days, or packed in dry ice longer than 4 days.

• Embalming is required if final disposition won’t occur within 72 hours and the body isn’t cooled.

Burial in Minnesota

• Home burial may be possible by establishing a private cemetery on your property.

• Minnesota requires burial to be in a legally registered cemetery.

• To create a private cemetery, have the land surveyed and the plat recorded with the county recorder.

• Check local zoning rules before establishing a private cemetery.

• A casket isn’t required by state law, though cemeteries may have their own rules.

Paperwork in Minnesota

• The death certificate must be filed with the state registrar within 5 days and before final disposition.

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

• Certified copies cost $13 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies of the same record.

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

• For fastest service, request records in person at a county vital records office.

Consumer rights in Minnesota

• You must receive a General Price List and detailed itemization of services.

• Funeral providers can’t require you to purchase a casket for cremation.

• Preneed funds must be placed in a trust account, and you can get a full refund anytime before services.

• File complaints with the Minnesota Department of Health, Mortuary Science Section at (651) 201-3829.

• It’s illegal for a funeral director to tell you embalming is required when it isn’t.