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Part of Death

Permit for the burial, cremation or other disposition of a human body

Individuals not licensed to arrange funerals need to obtain a permit for the final disposition of a human body when the death is in Alberta.

Overview

It is legal for family or friends to arrange for a burial or cremation themselves. However, there are steps to be taken to ensure it is done properly and legally.

A Burial / Disposition Permit must be obtained before any kind of disposition can take place for a body. To obtain a Burial / Disposition Permit, original death documents or required stillbirth documents need to be provided to a hospital administrator.

  • Disposition may include traditional / natural / green burials in a cemetery, mausoleum or crypt; or cremation in a crematorium.

Cost

There is no cost for a Burial / Disposition Permit.

  • a licensed funeral arranger can submit necessary documents on your behalf if their paid services are used

Permit for a deceased person

Individuals can submit an original Medical Certificate of Death form (DVS 3122 or DVS 3250) and the Registration of Death form (DVS 3260) to a records area of a hospital to obtain a Burial / Disposition Permit.

Disposition of a human body may include traditional / natural / green burials in a cemetery, mausoleum or crypt; or cremation in a crematorium.

  • Depending on the nature of the death, a completed Medical Certificate of Death (DVS 3122 or DVS 3250) form is usually obtained from the records area of the hospital in which the person died; or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
  • A blank Registration of Death form (DVS 3260) may be obtained from the records area of a hospital to be filled in by the person most familiar with the deceased.

If satisfied, a hospital administrator will issue a Burial / Disposition Permit.

Permit for a stillborn child

Individuals need to provide the following 3 forms to the records area of a hospital to obtain a Burial / Disposition Permit:

  • A Medical Certificate of Stillbirth (DVS 3219) form is usually obtained from the records area of the hospital in which the child was stillborn; or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner depending on the nature of the stillbirth.
  • Notice of Birth or Stillbirth (HS0001-130) is usually obtained from the records area of a hospital and completed by a hospital administrator.
  • A blank Registration of Stillbirth (DVS 3218) form may be obtained from the records area of a hospital to be completed by the parents.

If satisfied, a hospital administrator will issue a Burial / Disposition Permit.

Burial / Disposition Permit usage

Present the permit at a cemetery, crematorium, mausoleum, crypt or other place of internment prior to disposition of the body.

Contact

Connect with the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Contact Centre:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013 (Edmonton and area)
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-422-4225

Email: [email protected]

Mail:
Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 2023
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4W7

Courier:
Vital Statistics
Document Reception
John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 5C5

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