What to do after a death in Tennessee

Quick facts

• Good to know: A funeral director isn’t required. Families can prepare and bury their own without charge.

• Tip: Record family burials with the property deed to protect the gravesite.

Getting started in Tennessee

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

• State law explicitly protects families preparing and burying their own without charge.

• The TN Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers regulates funeral homes and can help with complaints.

Good to know: Tennessee gives families significant flexibility. Take the time you need to explore your options.

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.

• If not embalmed or refrigerated, disposition should occur within 48 hours.

Hospice was involved

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

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

• Take the time you need with your loved one.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

• The physician must supply date, time, and cause of death within 48 hours.

• Once death is certified, you can proceed with arrangements.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

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

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

Cremation in Tennessee

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

• A permit for cremation must be obtained before the body can be cremated.

• The next of kin must sign a cremation authorization form.

• A casket isn’t required. Federal law requires funeral homes to offer alternative containers.

• Embalming isn’t required by Tennessee law.

Burial in Tennessee

• Home burial on private property is allowed. No state laws prohibit it.

• Family burial grounds are protected if recorded with the property deed.

• Descendants have legal right to visit ancestral graves even on privately owned land.

• A burial-transit permit is required before burial can take place.

• A casket isn’t required by state law.

Paperwork in Tennessee

• Death certificates must be registered within 30 days of death.

• Certified copies cost $15 (includes one copy) from Tennessee Vital Records.

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

• The Vital Records Office maintains death records for 50 years.

• Older records are maintained by Tennessee Library and Archives.

Consumer rights in Tennessee

• You have the right to an itemized price list and can choose only the services you want.

• Funeral homes must comply with FTC Funeral Rule requirements.

• File complaints with the TN Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers: 615-741-5062.

• The Board can’t order refunds, but can investigate and revoke licenses.

• For monetary disputes, you may need to pursue civil action or contact the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Tennessee.