Home funerals in Iowa
Fully AllowedIowa does not require a funeral director, so a family can legally handle the entire process themselves if they choose to. The family can file the death certificate directly, without going through a funeral home. Embalming is not required, which keeps a home funeral or a simple burial straightforward from a legal standpoint. Burial on private land is legally allowed with the right permit, for families who want that option. Iowa supports home funerals. The next of kin may file the death certificate and arrange home burial on private property with a permit from the county auditor or registrar.
At a glance
- Funeral director required
- No — family can act
- Family can file death certificate
- Yes
- Embalming required
- No — not required
- Home burial allowed
- Yes — with permit
Body transport permit
After the death certificate is filed, the next of kin can obtain a burial transit permit from the county registrar. This permit must accompany the body to the place of final disposition.
Iowa vital records office
The official source for death certificate forms, filing instructions, and disposition permits.
Official vital records office →How to begin in Iowa
- Arrange for the attending physician or county medical examiner to pronounce death and complete the medical portion of the death certificate.
- Download the death certificate form from the Iowa vital records office and complete the next-of-kin portion.
- File the completed death certificate with your county registrar.
- Obtain the burial transit permit from the registrar — this authorizes you to transport the body to its place of final disposition.
- If planning a home burial, contact your county health department or clerk to confirm local permit requirements and setback rules for private land burial.
Helpful resources
- National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA) — state-specific guides and family support
- Titan Casket — caskets shipped directly to families
- Green Burials — natural burial shrouds and products
- Nolo legal guides — estate and end-of-life legal resources
This guide is for educational purposes only. Laws change — always verify current requirements with your county registrar or health department.