What to do after a death in Wyoming

Quick facts

• Good to know: 24-hour waiting period before cremation (can be waived by coroner).

• Tip: Families can care for their own dead without a funeral director.

Getting started in Wyoming

• Wyoming doesn’t require you to use a funeral director. Families can handle arrangements themselves.

• The state has minimal regulations, reflecting its rural traditions including home burials.

• The Board of Funeral Service Practitioners oversees licensed funeral homes and can help with complaints.

Good to know: Wyoming’s laws give families significant flexibility in honoring their loved ones. Take the time you need.

First 24–72 hours

If the death occurred at home

• Call the attending physician or hospice if one was involved.

• For unexpected deaths, call 911. They’ll connect you with the county coroner.

• If burial or cremation won’t occur within 36 hours, the body must be embalmed or refrigerated.

Hospice was involved

• The hospice nurse will pronounce death and complete initial paperwork.

• Hospice can coordinate with a funeral home or help you plan a home-directed service.

• You can spend time with your loved one. There’s no immediate rush.

No hospice involvement

• Call 911 for any unexpected death. The county coroner will be notified.

• The coroner will determine if an investigation is needed.

• Once cleared, you can proceed with arrangements through a funeral home or on your own.

If the death occurred at a hospital

• Hospital staff will help with immediate paperwork.

• You can stay with your loved one and take your time.

• If handling arrangements without a funeral director, the hospital will need you to file the death certificate first.

Cremation in Wyoming

• Wyoming requires a 24-hour waiting period before cremation, though the county coroner can waive this.

• A burial-transit permit is required before cremation can proceed.

• The cremation permit is issued by the county coroner.

• A casket isn’t required. An alternative container is acceptable.

• Wyoming also allows alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) as an option.

Burial in Wyoming

• Home burial on private property is allowed. Nothing in state law prohibits it.

• Check with local zoning or code enforcement for any county-specific requirements.

• Draw a map showing the burial location and file it with the property deed for future reference.

• A burial-transit permit is required, which can be obtained after filing the death certificate.

• A casket isn’t required by state law.

Paperwork in Wyoming

• The death certificate must be filed with the local registrar within 3 days of death.

• The attending physician certifies cause of death; for unnatural deaths, the county coroner handles this.

• Certified copies can be obtained from Vital Statistics Services in Cheyenne.

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

• Processing typically takes up to 5 business days.

Consumer rights in Wyoming

• 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.

• Wyoming has adopted the FTC Funeral Rule, providing federal consumer protections.

• Embalming isn’t required by state law.

• File complaints with the Wyoming Board of Funeral Service Practitioners at fspboard.wyo.gov.