Burial Permits

In order to obtain a burial permit, an individual must be a funeral director registered with the Board, a funeral director or embalmer licensed by another state authority with which the Board has entered into a reciprocal agreement under M.G.L. c. 112, s. 85A or a family member, friend, or other acquaintance who obtains the burial permit without compensation. Obtaining a burial permit for compensation constitutes unlicensed practice of funeral directing under Board regulations at 239 CMR 3.01. Whenever possible, individuals who are not funeral directors and will be obtaining a burial permit for the final disposition of a body should notify the burial agent of the city or town before death occurs that a burial permit will be sought.

A burial permit is issued by the local board of health or its agent (often the town clerk) in the town where death occurred, even if cremation or burial will take place in another town. A complete death record, with a Registered Nurse Pronouncement of Death form, where applicable, must be submitted to the burial agent prior to issuance of the permit (M.G.L. c.114, s.45). The family designee will work with the City or Town Clerk in the community where the death occurred to complete the electronic death record for submission to the burial agent. As soon as possible (preferably within 36 hours after death), a burial permit must be obtained. As soon as the electronic death record has been released to the burial agent, the family designee may obtain the permit, provided that the record and disposition plan is approved by the burial agent. Upon burial or cremation, the person in charge of the cemetery or crematorium will countersign the burial permit and return it to the issuing municipality.

Burial Permits are available at the Town Clerk's office or online here for $30. Burial permits must be filled out and returned to the Town Clerk’s office for signature to be valid.