Home funerals in Massachusetts
Some RestrictionsMassachusetts 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 not allowed here — final disposition has to happen at a licensed cemetery. Massachusetts allows family-directed funerals but the process involves additional requirements, including physician certification of the death and disposition at a licensed cemetery or crematory. Contact the town clerk for current permit requirements before beginning.
At a glance
- Funeral director required
- No — family can act
- Family can file death certificate
- Yes
- Embalming required
- No — not required
- Home burial allowed
- No — cemetery required
Body transport permit
Transport requirements vary. Contact your county health department for specific permit requirements before moving the body.
Massachusetts vital records office
The official source for death certificate forms, filing instructions, and disposition permits.
Official vital records office →How to begin in Massachusetts
- 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 Massachusetts 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.
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.