What Information and Documents Are Needed for Cremation?

When you meet with a funeral home to arrange a cremation, you will be asked for information about your loved one and for signatures from the person with legal authority. Having it ready makes the meeting shorter and avoids delays.

Information for the death certificate

• Full legal name and any other names used
• Date and place of birth
• Social Security number
• Home address and how long they lived there
• Marital status and surviving spouse’s name
• Father’s name and mother’s maiden name
• Highest level of education
• Usual occupation and industry
• Race and Hispanic origin (asked for statistical purposes)
• Name of the physician who was treating them

Authorization and signatures

• Cremation authorization: signed by the legally authorized person under Florida law (spouse first, then adult children, parents and so on). If several people share authority, such as adult siblings, Florida lets the funeral home rely on one of them who confirms they know of no objection, though some funeral homes ask everyone to sign. Who can authorize.
• Declaration of intent: states what will happen to the cremated remains.
• Photo identification of the person signing.
• Any written cremation authorization signed by the person who died, or a preneed contract.

Medical and practical details

• Pacemakers, defibrillators and other implanted devices, which must be removed before cremation
• Jewelry or personal items you want returned or left with your loved one
• Clothing, if there will be a viewing

If the person was a veteran

Bring the DD-214 or other discharge papers for military honors, a burial flag and inurnment in a national cemetery. Veterans benefits.

Use our printable checklist or see what to bring to the funeral home.