HomeFuneralHub

Home funerals in Pennsylvania

Fully Allowed

Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania allows the legally authorized next of kin to transport the body and file the death certificate. Home burial is not permitted — disposition must take place at a licensed cemetery or crematory.

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

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.

Pennsylvania vital records office

The official source for death certificate forms, filing instructions, and disposition permits.

Official vital records office →

How to begin in Pennsylvania

  1. Arrange for the attending physician or county medical examiner to pronounce death and complete the medical portion of the death certificate.
  2. Download the death certificate form from the Pennsylvania vital records office and complete the next-of-kin portion.
  3. File the completed death certificate with your county registrar.
  4. Obtain the burial transit permit from the registrar — this authorizes you to transport the body to its place of final disposition.

Helpful resources

How it works

7-step guide

Checklist

Full planning checklist

Green burial

Natural options

This guide is for educational purposes only. Laws change — always verify current requirements with your county registrar or health department.