What to do after a death in North Carolina

Quick facts

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

• Tip: Medical examiner authorization is required for cremation.

Getting started in North Carolina

• North Carolina doesn’t require a licensed funeral director. Families can make their own arrangements.

• The NC Board of Funeral Service regulates funeral homes and crematories and can help with complaints.

• Death certificates must be filed within 5 days of death.

Good to know: Take your time. North Carolina allows families to be as involved as they wish in caring for their loved one.

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. They’ll guide you through next steps.

• If not embalmed, the body must be refrigerated after 24 hours in a funeral home’s custody.

Hospice was involved

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

• Hospice can help coordinate with your chosen funeral home or guide a home funeral.

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

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death. The medical examiner may need to be involved.

• The medical examiner must authorize cremation or burial at sea unless death was from natural causes in a hospital.

• Once cleared, contact a funeral home or begin making your own arrangements.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

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

• The hospital will ask which funeral home you’d like to use. You don’t have to decide immediately.

Cremation in North Carolina

• North Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur.

• The medical examiner must authorize cremation before it can proceed.

• All direct legal next of kin must sign the NC Cremation Authorization form.

• Pacemakers and other medical devices must be removed before cremation.

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

Burial in North Carolina

• Home burial on private property is allowed. Check local zoning rules first.

• A burial-transit permit is only required if the death is under medical examiner jurisdiction or body is leaving the state.

• No law requires a casket for burial, though cemeteries may have their own rules.

• Embalming isn’t required by state law.

• If burying on private land, file a map with the property deed showing the burial location.

Paperwork in North Carolina

• The death certificate must be filed with the local registrar within 5 days of death.

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

• Certified copies cost $10 each at the county Register of Deeds.

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

• In-person service is fastest. Processing can take up to 2 days otherwise.

Consumer rights in North Carolina

• You have the right to an itemized price list before making any decisions.

• Funeral homes must display prices and describe included services for merchandise.

• Funeral homes can’t accept a body without asking about the family’s choice of provider.

• File complaints with the NC Board of Funeral Service consumer hotline: (919) 743-5646.

• The Board regulates preneed funeral contracts to protect prepaid funds.