At-a-Glance InformationIf 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.
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Step-by-Step Family-Led Funerals in Arizona
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 death certificate.
- Obtain the metal tag that goes with the body.
- Obtain the transit/burial permit.
- Design and conduct ceremonies in the home, in another facility, or at 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 veterans benefits.
- Obtain and distribute copies of certified death certificates to banks, insurance companies, etc.
Funeral Goods and Services, Options and Opportunities
To compare prices of professional funeral services, go to the Arizona Funeral Consumers Alliance Funeral Home Price Surveys by region.
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 (ME) after they have completed the medical portion certifying time and cause of death within 72 hours of the death (excluding weekends and holidays).
2. Tribal law enforcement authority may complete the medical portion of the death certificate when the death occurs on tribal land if there is no medical examiner available.
3. If a medical examiner is involved, the ME will file the death certificate with the local or state registrar.
4. Complete the demographic portion and bring the death certificate to the local registrar, a deputy local registrar, or the state registrar during office hours to file electronically.
5. Obtain a disposition transit permit before handing final disposition of remains or moving them out of state. A certified copy, available in the registrar’s office after the death certificate is filed and accepted, is required to obtain the disposition transit permit.
1. Obtain the death certificate from a doctor, health-care provider designated by a hospital, or medical examiner (ME) after they have completed the medical portion certifying time and cause of death within 72 hours of the death (excluding weekends and holidays).
2. Tribal law enforcement authority may complete the medical portion of the death certificate when the death occurs on tribal land if there is no medical examiner available.
3. If a medical examiner is involved, the ME will file the death certificate with the local or state registrar.
4. Complete the demographic portion and bring the death certificate to the local registrar, a deputy local registrar, or the state registrar during office hours to file electronically.
5. Obtain a disposition transit permit before handing final disposition of remains or moving them out of state. A certified copy, available in the registrar’s office after the death certificate is filed and accepted, is required to obtain the disposition transit permit.
Death Certificate Completion Worksheet
- Download the Arizona Death Registration Worksheet to capture information that will be transferred to the actual death certificate.
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