State-by-state guide
Home funeral laws by state
Laws governing home funerals vary significantly across the United States. Select your state for a complete guide, including who can file the death certificate and whether home burial is permitted.
The next of kin may file the death certificate and direct all arrangements without a licensed funeral director.
Home funerals are permitted, but additional requirements or limitations apply. Read the state guide carefully.
A licensed funeral director must be involved in filing the death certificate and final disposition.
Alabama
Fully AllowedAlaska
Some RestrictionsArizona
Fully AllowedArkansas
Fully AllowedCalifornia
Fully AllowedColorado
Fully AllowedConnecticut
Director RequiredDelaware
Fully AllowedFlorida
Fully AllowedGeorgia
Fully AllowedHawaii
Some RestrictionsIdaho
Fully AllowedIllinois
Fully AllowedIndiana
Director RequiredIowa
Fully AllowedKansas
Fully AllowedKentucky
Fully AllowedLouisiana
Director RequiredMaine
Fully AllowedMaryland
Fully AllowedMassachusetts
Some RestrictionsMichigan
Some RestrictionsMinnesota
Fully AllowedMississippi
Fully AllowedMissouri
Fully AllowedMontana
Fully AllowedNebraska
Director RequiredNevada
Fully AllowedNew Hampshire
Fully AllowedNew Jersey
Director RequiredNew Mexico
Fully AllowedNew York
Some RestrictionsNorth Carolina
Fully AllowedNorth Dakota
Fully AllowedOhio
Fully AllowedOklahoma
Fully AllowedOregon
Fully AllowedPennsylvania
Fully AllowedRhode Island
Some RestrictionsSouth Carolina
Fully AllowedSouth Dakota
Fully AllowedTennessee
Fully AllowedTexas
Fully AllowedUtah
Fully AllowedVermont
Fully AllowedVirginia
Fully AllowedWashington
Fully AllowedWest Virginia
Fully AllowedWisconsin
Fully AllowedWyoming
Fully AllowedImportant: Home funeral laws change, and local county practices may differ from state law. Always verify current requirements with your county registrar or health department before beginning. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.