What to do after a death in North Dakota

Quick facts

• Good to know: Home burial is allowed with proper permits and land survey requirements.

• Tip: The State Board of Funeral Service handles complaints and licensing.

Getting started in North Dakota

• North Dakota allows home funerals, though a funeral director is typically involved.

• The State Board of Funeral Service regulates funeral homes, crematoriums, and practitioners.

• Home burial on private property may be possible with proper permits and land survey.

Good to know: Take your time with decisions. The funeral home can help guide you through each step.

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 for guidance.

• If not embalmed, body must be refrigerated if disposition won’t occur within 48 hours.

Hospice was involved

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

• Hospice can 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 or medical examiner may need to be involved.

• Once death is pronounced, contact a funeral home to begin arrangements.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with immediate paperwork.

• You can spend time with your loved one.

• The hospital will ask about funeral arrangements. Take time to decide.

Cremation in North Dakota

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

• A licensed funeral director must be on staff at the crematory.

• Authorization from next of kin is required.

• No casket is required. An alternative container is acceptable.

• There are no state laws restricting where ashes may be kept or scattered.

Burial in North Dakota

• Home burial on private property may be possible with health department permission.

• If establishing a private cemetery, the land must be surveyed and the plat recorded with the deed.

• A final disposition-transit permit must be obtained before burial.

• Check with county or town clerk for any local zoning requirements.

• No casket is required by state law.

Paperwork in North Dakota

• The funeral director must file the facts of death with the state registrar within 3 days.

• A final disposition-transit permit must be obtained and filed with the county recorder.

• Certified copies cost $15 for the first copy, $10 for additional copies ordered at the same time.

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

• Records are available from 1881 to present; processing takes 3–5 business days.

Consumer rights in North Dakota

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

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

• Embalming isn’t required unless the body must travel more than 48 hours.

• File complaints with the North Dakota State Board of Funeral Service at 701-776-6222.

• The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division also handles complaints.