What is a Certificate of Cremation?

The paperwork surrounding the loss of a loved one may feel overwhelming while navigating the grieving process. Knowing what each document is for and the difference between them can help take some of the stress out of the process. If your loved one was cremated, one piece of paperwork you’ll encounter is the certificate of cremation.

In this article, you'll learn what a certificate of cremation is, the difference between it and a death certificate, why you need one, and where it can be obtained.

What Is a Certificate of Cremation?

A certificate of cremation is a legal document verifying that an individual has been cremated and that the remains belong to the correct person. A certificate of cremation is sometimes also called a certificate of disposition of remains or a cremation permit.

This cremation documentation can give the family confidence that the cremation process has occurred as it should. This legal document includes several pieces of information about the loved one and details of their cremation. These details include the following:

• Name of the person cremated.
• The date the cremation was completed.
• A unique cremation identification number, which the facility assigns when the loved one is brought to them. This number tag follows them throughout the process.
• Contact information for the crematorium, including its name, address, and phone number.
• A signature of a qualified crematorium staff member.
• Name of the loved one's next of kin.

Since crematories are free to create their own certificate of cremation within the state and federal guidelines, more information may be included, depending on the state the cremation occurs in and the individual crematory’s processes.

Certificate of Cremation vs. Death Certificate: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between a certificate of cremation and a death certificate? While both legal documents contain some of the same information, they have distinctly different purposes. Here’s where they both fit in the documentation process. A death certificate is a legal document completed when a death occurs. It is filled out by a physician or a coroner, and it lists the person’s name and the date, time, and cause of death. This document is necessary for family members to access the loved one’s insurance, benefits, and accounts. Death certificates are also part of local and government record-keeping. The death certificate is the first document produced after the loss of a loved one. It starts the process of dealing with your loved one’s body, and it is needed to plan a service and arrange a cremation. While the death certificate is the first document in the process, the certificate of cremation is the final one. The certificate of cremation confirms that the cremation occurred, where it took place, and who authorized it. The cremation certificate is issued by the crematorium or funeral home.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Cremation?

You may wonder if a certificate of cremation is necessary, or if it is just another document to be managed and filed away. While the certificate of cremation is a legal document, it is something that you may or may not find a need to use. However, there are several valid reasons for obtaining and keeping a certificate of cremation. These include:

• Insurance claims: Some insurance policies require this document to process funeral or burial costs.
• Legal documentation: It is possible that the certificate of cremation may be required to finalize some of your loved one's affairs.
• Memorial services: It can be useful in planning for memorial services.
• Traveling with the ashes: Some airlines may require this documentation if you need to travel with your loved one's ashes. This is an important factor to consider if you wish to plan a memorial service somewhere far from home, such as in a former hometown or a native country. In addition, if ashes will be shipped by mail, many countries require a certificate of cremation to accompany them.
• Genealogy records: A certificate of cremation can also help generations to come. As cremation becomes more common, your descendants may depend more on this type of documentation when piecing together their family tree. Historically, burial plots have given people the needed information for tracking family lineage, but cremation can leave a gap when families look at genealogy if your loved one’s ashes aren’t buried or placed in a cremation niche in a cemetery. A certificate of cremation can help fill this gap and provide more information about a loved one.

The certificate of cremation should be kept in a fireproof container, along with other important records. It can also be scanned into a digital format. Some places may be willing to accept a copy of the document, while others will want to see the original. When anticipating the need to use the document, it can be helpful to check ahead to see the requirements.

The certificate of cremation should be kept for at least seven years for purposes of insurance claims or legal documentation. However, you may want to keep this document indefinitely for genealogy records and potential future travel with the ashes.

Where Do You Get a Certificate of Cremation?

You should receive a certificate of cremation from the funeral provider or crematory. Almost all crematories are required to give you one. If they don't, you can request the document, and they will complete it. When you receive it, you should check the details carefully.

If you need additional copies or lose your copy, you should be able to obtain one from the original source. This may take a few days, and there may also be a charge.

While dealing with paperwork is the last thing anyone wants to do when going through the grieving process, taking care of the needed paperwork and personal affairs of a loved one can be a wonderful way to honor them and help your family during a difficult time. Having the needed information readily available can help make the process less difficult.

The Neptune Society is the nation's oldest and largest provider of affordable cremation services. Whether you have an immediate need or want to plan cremation services in advance, we are always available to assist you and your family. Call 1-800-NEPTUNE (800-637-8863) today or contact us online to learn more.