What to do after a death in Utah

Quick facts

• Good to know: A funeral director isn’t required. Families can act as their own dispositioner.

• Tip: Map the burial location and file it with your property deed.

Getting started in Utah

• Utah allows families to care for their own dead without a licensed funeral director.

• The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) regulates funeral services and handles complaints.

• Death certificates must be filed within 5 days and before burial, cremation, or transport.

Good to know: Utah law supports families who want to be directly involved 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.

• If not embalmed, cremation, burial, or refrigeration must begin within 24 hours.

Hospice was involved

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

• They can coordinate with a funeral home or support your home funeral plans.

• Take the time you need before any decisions.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

• The medical examiner may need to be involved depending on circumstances.

• Once cleared, 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 your time deciding on funeral arrangements.

Cremation in Utah

• Utah doesn’t have a mandatory waiting period for cremation.

• The medical examiner must review the death record and approve the cremation.

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

• In practice, completing paperwork usually takes at least 24 hours.

• Alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) has been legal in Utah since 2018.

Burial in Utah

• Home burial on private property is allowed. No state law forbids it.

• Check local zoning ordinances. Some cities like Holladay prohibit home burials.

• Rural areas are more likely to permit family cemeteries.

• Draw a map of the burial location and file it with your property deed.

• Record the burial with the county recorder’s office.

Paperwork in Utah

• The death certificate must be filed within 5 days and before disposition.

• The health care professional has 72 hours to complete the medical section.

• Certified copies cost $30 for the first, $10 for additional copies.

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

• Records are available from the Office of Vital Records and Statistics.

Consumer rights in Utah

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

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere. You may also build your own.

• Embalming isn’t required by state law.

• File complaints with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) at (801) 530-6628.

• The Funeral Consumers Alliance of Utah offers free guidance.