What to do after a death in Washington

Quick facts

• Good to know: Families can care for their own deceased without a funeral director.

• Tip: Some counties require local cremation permits. Check with your county health department.

Getting started in Washington

• Washington law allows families to handle their own funeral arrangements without a licensed funeral director.

• You have the right to control the disposition of your own remains, which can be documented in a written directive.

• The Washington State Department of Licensing oversees funeral and cemetery regulations.

Good to know: You can spend meaningful time with your loved one. There’s no immediate rush to make arrangements.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Contact the attending physician or hospice if one was involved in care.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. They’ll guide you through next steps.

• There’s no immediate rush to move your loved one.

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 you through home funeral options.

• Take the time you need before your loved one is moved.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 if the death was unexpected. This is required for unattended deaths.

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

• Once death is pronounced, you can proceed with your chosen funeral 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.

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

Cremation in Washington

• Washington requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can occur.

• A burial-transit permit must be obtained before cremation can proceed.

• Written authorization from the legal next of kin or designated agent is required.

• Some counties require additional local cremation permits. Check with your county.

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

• Unembalmed remains must be refrigerated at 48 degrees or below.

Burial in Washington

• Under current law, burial on private property is restricted. Burials must generally occur in licensed cemeteries.

• Legislation has been proposed to allow family burial grounds on private property, but hasn’t yet passed.

• Scattering cremated remains on private property is permitted with landowner consent.

• Scattering at sea is allowed with proper permits.

• No casket is required by state law for burial.

Paperwork in Washington

• The death certificate must be filed within 5 days of death, before burial or cremation.

• The physician has 2 days to complete the medical certification section.

• Certified copies cost $25 each, plus $15 identity verification fee per order.

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

• Long-form certificates include cause of death; short-form certificates don’t.

Consumer rights in Washington

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

• Funeral homes must accept caskets and urns purchased elsewhere without extra fees.

• Embalming isn’t required by Washington state law.

• File complaints with the Washington Funeral and Cemetery Board via DOLBoards@dol.wa.gov.

• The Washington State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau also handles complaints.