At a Glance

If this is the first time you have had to arrange a funeral, this page is designed to help you get straight to the most critical information about what to expect and whom to call for help. There are several steps that must be followed, but taken one at a time they are all achievable.

On This Page

  • Step-by-step family-led funeral planning
  • List of local authorities with contact info
  • Death certificate worksheet​

Step-by-Step Family-Led Funeral Information

Detailed descriptions of the following can be found on the How-To pages:
  • Determine who has the legal authority to make funeral arrangements.
  • Care for the body by bathing, dressing, and cooling.
  • Purchase or make burial containers such as caskets or shrouds.
  • Arrange for burial plot purchase if desired.
  • Obtain, complete, and file the drop to paper death certificate.
  • Obtain the metal tag that goes with the body during the cremation process.
  • Obtain the out-of-state transit permit.
  • Design and conduct ceremonies in the home, other facility, or graveside, if desired.
  • Hire professionals (clergy/celebrant, funeral director, transport company, etc.) as needed.
  • Transport the body as necessary to the home, place of worship, other facility, or place of disposition.
  • File for Social Security and Veteran Benefits.
  • Obtain and distribute copies of certified death certificates to banks, insurance companies, etc.

Funeral Goods and Services, Options and Opportunities

To be able to compare prices of professional funeral services, go to the Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Blue Ridge.

State Authorities Contact Info

Families wishing to handle the paperwork (filing the death certificate) without hiring a funeral director must:
1. Obtain the death certificate from a doctor, health care provider designated by a hospital, or medical examiner after they have completed the medical portion certifying time and cause of death within 24 hours of the death (excluding weekends and holidays).
2. Complete the demographic portion and file the "drop to paper" death certificate with the local Health Department Registrar within 72 hours.
3. Obtain a disposition transit permit if there are plans to move the body out of state. No burial transit permit is required for disposition within Virginia.

Death Certificate Worksheet

Resources and Online Links

Virginia Death Certificate Worksheet
Virginia Department of Health/Vital Records Department
Virginia Health Department Registrar Directory
Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Blue Ridge