At a Glance InformationIf this is the first time you have had to arrange a funeral, this page is designed to help you get straight to the most critical information about what to expect and whom to call for help. There are several steps that must be followed, but taken one at a time they are all achievable.
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Step-by-Step Family-Led Funerals in Maryland
Detailed descriptions of the following can be found on the How-To pages:
- Determine who has the legal authority to make funeral arrangements.
- Care for the body by bathing, dressing, and cooling.
- Purchase or make burial containers such as caskets or shrouds.
- Arrange for burial plot purchase if desired.
- Obtain, complete, and file the death certificate.
- Obtain the metal tag that goes with the body.
- Obtain the transit/burial permit.
- Design and conduct ceremonies in the home, other facility, or graveside, if desired.
- Hire professionals (clergy/celebrant, funeral director, transport company, etc.) as needed.
- Transport the body as necessary to the home, place of worship, other facility, or place of disposition.
- File for Social Security and Veteran’s Benefits.
- Obtain and distribute copies of certified death certificates to banks, insurance companies, etc.
Funeral Goods and Services, Options and Opportunities
To be able to compare prices of professional funeral services, go to the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maryland and Environs.
State Authorities Contact Info
Families wishing to handle the paperwork (filing the death certificate) without hiring a funeral director must:
1. Obtain the death certificate from a doctor, health care provider designated by a hospital, or medical examiner after they have completed the medical portion certifying time and cause of death within 72 hours of the death (excluding weekends and holidays).
2. If a medical examiner is involved, the ME will file the death certificate with the local or state registrar.
4. Complete the demographic portion and bring the death certificate to the Maryland Department of Health/Vital Statistics Administration during office hours to file electronically.
5. Obtain a disposition transit permit before handing final disposition of remains or moving them out of state. A certified copy, available in the office after the death certificate is filed and accepted, is required to obtain the disposition transit permit.
1. Obtain the death certificate from a doctor, health care provider designated by a hospital, or medical examiner after they have completed the medical portion certifying time and cause of death within 72 hours of the death (excluding weekends and holidays).
2. If a medical examiner is involved, the ME will file the death certificate with the local or state registrar.
4. Complete the demographic portion and bring the death certificate to the Maryland Department of Health/Vital Statistics Administration during office hours to file electronically.
5. Obtain a disposition transit permit before handing final disposition of remains or moving them out of state. A certified copy, available in the office after the death certificate is filed and accepted, is required to obtain the disposition transit permit.
Death Certificate Completion Worksheet
- Download the Maryland Death Certificate Worksheet to capture information that will be transferred to the actual death certificate
Maryland Funeral Resources and Education is a non-commercial public interest site dedicated to helping Maryland consumers care for their own dead with or without the assistance of a funeral director. All rights reserved © FuneralPartnership.org
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