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Transporting a Body & Repatriation Of Remains When a Loved One Dies

By: Elaine Mercer • Edited by: Katelynne Shepard • Subject Matter Expert Reviewed by: Sarah-Jane Williams, LL.B(Hons) • 4 cited sources • Updated Nov 11, 2024

Given the ease of transportation today, it’s not uncommon for someone to pass away in another state or even another country from where they are to be buried. If you’re facing this situation, understanding the procedures and regulations pertaining to transporting a body or repatriation of remains can make the process easier to handle.

This article provides the details and information you need to make transportation or repatriation plans quicker and more efficient. Simplifying this process gives you more time to spend with your friends and family as you grieve.

Key Takeaways

• Transporting a body across state lines requires compliance with the rules and regulations of every state it passes through.
• Air transport of a body requires special planning with a “known shipper” approved by the airline.
• Working with a local funeral home at both the body’s location and the final destination can assist with the transport process.
• Repatriation of remains is quite complex and costly and requires assistance from the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Transporting a Loved One’s Body Across State Lines

Transporting a body across state lines can be difficult because the rules and regulations pertaining to this type of transport vary from state to state. The first step is to call your local funeral home.

The complexity of this process depends on your specific situation. The first factor to consider is transport distance.

For instance, if the remains only need to be transported to a neighboring state or are within driving distance, it often makes the process easier. In fact, your local funeral home may handle the entire process for you. If you want to transport the body yourself, there are several things you should know first, including:

• Not all states allow for private transport.
• Some states have special requirements, such as embalming prior to transporting or keeping the body refrigerated during transport.
• You must understand and abide by the laws and regulations of each state you pass through during transport.
• You must obtain a permit prior to transporting a body.

If it’s too far to transport the body by car, you need to rely on air or sea transportation. Both options are complex and costly. It’s likely that you need to work with two separate funeral homes — one where the body is located and one where the burial will take place.

The funeral home where the body is located prepares it for transport, which often includes the embalming process. It’s important to work with a funeral home recognized as a “known shipper.” These providers have experience transporting remains by air and understand all TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules and regulations^[1].

The funeral home where the burial takes place may handle transportation from the airport and conduct the funeral service and burial.

How to Get a Permit to Transport a Dead Body 

Before you can transport your loved one’s body across state lines, whether by land, air, or sea, you first need to obtain a burial transit permit^[2]. The funeral home where the body is located can handle this process for you.

To obtain this permit, you need to have a copy of the death certificate, provided by the local medical examiner and basic information regarding your loved one, such as their full name, Social Security number, and current address.

It’s important to note that these rules vary by state. So, depending on what state the body is in, additional paperwork and documentation may be necessary before transport.

It’s important when planning transportation to consider that many states won’t issue permits until the death certificates have been officially filed and accepted at the local registrar’s office.

Sarah-Jane Williams, Unregistered Barrister

How Long Does It Take to Transport a Body to Another State?

The amount of time it takes to transport a body across state lines depends on several factors, including mode of transportation, cause of death, and availability of the providers.

For instance, ground transportation can often be arranged for the same day or within 48 hours. On the other hand, air and sea transportation require more planning and could take several weeks to arrange. Additionally, if the medical examiner must perform an autopsy, transport could be delayed by several days until this process is complete.

Working with experienced professionals who have experience in the safe and efficient transport of remains across state lines can expedite the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Dead Body From One State to Another?

The costs to transport a body from one state to another can be quite costly depending on the specific situation. The top factors impacting these costs include:

• Method of transportation. Ground travel is the most affordable option for short distances and can total just a few hundred dollars. On the other hand, air and sea transport can be as high as $5,000, not including airfare^[3].
• Distance between states. Distance is another factor impacting cost. For ground travel, you may pay a set fee per mile, which can quickly add up depending on the distance. The costs for air travel vary from city to city. However, if you have to arrange transportation outside the 48 contiguous states, such as Hawaii and Alaska, you can expect to pay more.
• Additional requirements. Any additional fees charged by either funeral home or extra state or airline requirements could significantly increase these costs.

If your loved one was on a trip, they may have obtained traveler’s insurance. Depending on their policy, this insurance may cover some or all of the costs associated with transporting the body.

Understanding Repatriation of Remains

If your loved one is traveling overseas, you go through the process of bringing their remains back to their home country. This process is known as repatriation of remains. The regulations and required documentation for this type of transport vary between countries.

Your first step is to contact the American embassy in that specific country to see if they can provide you immediate assistance. There are several companies that focus on these types of services. The costs for international shipping can range as high as $10,000 or more^[4]. 

Legal & Documentation Requirements 

For international return of remains, most countries and the United States require several documents, including:

• A mortuary certificate issued by the consular
• Death certificate issued by local medical examiner
• Embalming certificate
• Transit permit
• Affidavit from the local funeral home accepting the remains

Seek Out Professionals

The last thing you want to worry about while grieving is how to handle the complex process of transporting your loved one’s body or repatriation of remains. Instead, contact professionals who have experience navigating the complexities of this type of transport. This step ensures a smooth transport process and gives you time to grieve.

Written by Elaine Mercer

Elaine Mercer holds a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. Her background includes work as a fiscal analyst and HR manager for midsize organizations. While she maintains a diverse writing portfolio that touches on most major industries, she specializes in business management, personal finances and HR-related topics. She has a knack for researching complex topics and turning this material into easy-to-understand, digestible content that keeps readers engaged, sparks interest and prompts action.

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Edited by Katelynne Shepard

Katelynne Shepard is a writer, editor and SME who is proficient at crafting and reviewing content. She has been a full-time copywriter and editor since 2011 and has written content for Fortune 500 companies, independent law firms, indie publishers, small-business owners and mainstream websites. She specializes in parenting, lifestyle, family law, personal injury, criminal law, immigration law, astrology, personal finance, education and health care. In addition to thousands of e-commerce product and category descriptions, Verle's work includes SEO blogs, social media posts and long-form informational articles.

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Subject Matter Expert Sarah-Jane Williams, LL.B(Hons)

Sarah-Jane Williams is a seasoned writer with a robust legal background, holding an LL.B (Hons) Bachelor of Laws and a Bar Training Course certification with a 'Very Competent' grade. She was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn. Her expertise as a legal SME is complemented by her diverse writing portfolio covering law, senior care, culture, and travel. With over a decade of writing experience, Sarah-Jane's work spans a wide range of subjects from engineering and health to pet care and spiritualism. Her global perspective is enriched by extensive travel and residences across four continents, enhancing her cultural insights and intercultural communication skills. Sarah-Jane's multifaceted background, including roles in housing, research, and advisory capacities, adds depth to her writing, making her a versatile contributor to any niche.