What to do after a death in West Virginia

Quick facts

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

• Tip: Descendants have legal right to access ancestral graves on private property.

Getting started in West Virginia

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

• The WV Board of Funeral Service Examiners regulates funeral homes and crematories.

• Death certificates must be filed within 5 days and before final disposition.

Good to know: Take your time. West Virginia allows families flexibility in how they care for their loved ones.

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.

• You’ll need written authorization from a physician or medical examiner before burial.

Hospice was involved

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

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

• Take the time you need with your loved one.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death.

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

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

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will guide you through immediate paperwork.

• The attending physician will complete medical certification within 24 hours.

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

Cremation in West Virginia

• West Virginia requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation.

• A permit from the Chief Medical Examiner or county coroner is required.

• Written consent from next of kin or legal representative is required.

• Alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) is also legal in West Virginia.

• A casket isn’t required. Federal law requires alternative containers to be offered.

Burial in West Virginia

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

• A burial-transit permit from the local registrar is required.

• Descendants have legal right to access and maintain graves on private property.

• Embalming isn’t required by state law.

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

Paperwork in West Virginia

• Death certificates must be filed within 5 days and before final disposition.

• The medical certification must be completed within 24 hours after the funeral director provides the certificate.

• Certified copies cost $12 each from the WV Vital Registration Office.

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

• Same-day walk-in service is available at the Charleston office.

Consumer rights in West Virginia

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

• Preneed funeral funds must be placed in trust accounts or used for insurance policies.

• Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without surcharge.

• File complaints with the WV Board of Funeral Service Examiners: (304) 558-0302.

• You can direct your own funeral arrangements through a preneed contract.